Housing Types - Stick Insects
The 11 Litre and 20 Litre clip lid tubs can be used for small stick insect nymphs that need slightly more humidity in the early instars. These are adapted with round plastic vents on opposite sides to allow cross ventilation. This also has a larger section of the lid cut out to allow for extra ventilation.
We use plant fleece or netting on the top held in place with the lid. This provides a great roosting and moulting surface. Misting through the fleece allows only a fine mist through for humidity so avoids oversoaking the environment. Tissue on the bottom helps to absorb any excess moisture and is easy to replace to keep the viv clean.
You can also lift each corner of the fleece (without the nymphs escaping) to mist small areas of the inside walls of the viv to allow extra droplets of water for the nymphs to drink.
The 11 & 20 Litre clip lid tubs can also be stacked for larger stick insects that still require higher humidity levels. Simply drill 2 corresponding holes in the plastic where the clip handles usually lock to the lid and use gardening wire to secure the top and bottom together, as shown above the handle in the picture.
We use plastic coated garden poles anchored to the sides with garden wire fixed through small holes drilled in the corners. This provides a frame to secure the bramble to with garden wire.
Exo Terra glass vivs can also be used for the same purpose, but are slightly more expensive and less versatile in being a static size and style with only top ventilation.
Mesh vivariums are excellent for many stick insect species and larger nymphs, particularly those which need plenty of ventilation.
They come in many sizes and are usually made of aluminium or steel mesh or plastic coated fibre glass.
Fabric pop up mesh cages are not recommended if feeding bramble as the thorns will snag and tear the fabric.
The plastic coated fibre glass mesh vivs with tube & connector frames are great space savers as they are easily dismantiled and stored when not in use.
