Hi all, new to this forum. I have a mantis which I have had now for about 1 month, I cought it outside and put it in a fish tank, It is full grown and was in good health. I put twiges in the tank and then went and got a dozen or so crickets, I noticed the other day that the mantis had wing damage so I watched her close to see why, Well I seen a cricket was on the backside of the mantis and was eating her wings right where they attach to her body, so I took her out and put it in a round glass bottle. I also notice that her left arm was not moving, she can't use it at all, so I help with the feeding, she has also layed two oocas within two weeks one being done yesterday. She eats well and other then her problems seem to be in good health, is this poor thing doomed ? any info would help. Thanks.
crickets
- Thread starter theo54
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Hi bigbug,
Welcome to the forum.
It sounds like you've put all the crickets in with her at once, which is a bad idea. She can't eat them all once, and the remaining ones will go after her when they get hungry. Only put a couple in at a time, and wait until she eats them before putting just another one or two in. Spread out the feedings to only a couple of crickets a day or two, depending on how her appetite seems to be.
Keep your crickets in a different container, and feed and water them as well while they are waiting to be food for your mantis. The crickets you get at petshops usually aren't fed very well (if at all), and it's best to feed them up nutritious food so they stay alive until you need them and your mantis gets the benefits of the nutrition. Put some oatmeal, cat or dog food in with them. Also give them fresh fruit or veggie scraps like potato, carrot, or apple. Dandelion leaves that haven't been sprayed with insecticide are also a great free and fresh leafy green to give them.
Don't forget to water them too. A shallow jar or cup lid with wet cotton or paper toweling in it works well. Don't put a bowl of standing water in there or the crickets can drown in it.
I'd continue hand feeding her if she has problems catching her food. She is likely near the end of her natural life cycle right now, and nothing you do can bring her back to being good as new. But you can help her and take care of her needs until she passes on. You might consider keeping the ootheca and either placing them outside, letting nature take its course, or keeping it inside and raising the youngsters. See the forums section on Breeding and Nymph Care . You should also search and browse the forums here for lots of great information and tips. Good luck!
Welcome to the forum.
It sounds like you've put all the crickets in with her at once, which is a bad idea. She can't eat them all once, and the remaining ones will go after her when they get hungry. Only put a couple in at a time, and wait until she eats them before putting just another one or two in. Spread out the feedings to only a couple of crickets a day or two, depending on how her appetite seems to be.Keep your crickets in a different container, and feed and water them as well while they are waiting to be food for your mantis. The crickets you get at petshops usually aren't fed very well (if at all), and it's best to feed them up nutritious food so they stay alive until you need them and your mantis gets the benefits of the nutrition. Put some oatmeal, cat or dog food in with them. Also give them fresh fruit or veggie scraps like potato, carrot, or apple. Dandelion leaves that haven't been sprayed with insecticide are also a great free and fresh leafy green to give them.
Don't forget to water them too. A shallow jar or cup lid with wet cotton or paper toweling in it works well. Don't put a bowl of standing water in there or the crickets can drown in it.
I'd continue hand feeding her if she has problems catching her food. She is likely near the end of her natural life cycle right now, and nothing you do can bring her back to being good as new. But you can help her and take care of her needs until she passes on. You might consider keeping the ootheca and either placing them outside, letting nature take its course, or keeping it inside and raising the youngsters. See the forums section on Breeding and Nymph Care . You should also search and browse the forums here for lots of great information and tips. Good luck!
Thank you I will do as said. Bigbug.Hi bigbug,Welcome to the forum.
Keep your crickets in a different container, and feed and water them as well while they are waiting to be food for your mantis. The crickets you get at petshops usually aren't fed very well (if at all), and it's best to feed them up nutritious food so they stay alive until you need them and your mantis gets the benefits of the nutrition. Put some oatmeal, cat or dog food in with them. Also give them fresh fruit or veggie scraps like potato, carrot, or apple. Dandelion leaves that haven't been sprayed with insecticide are also a great free and fresh leafy green to give them.
Don't forget to water them too. A shallow jar or cup lid with wet cotton or paper toweling in it works well. Don't put a bowl of standing water in there or the crickets can drown in it.
I'd continue hand feeding her if she has problems catching her food. She is likely near the end of her natural life cycle right now, and nothing you do can bring her back to being good as new. But you can help her and take care of her needs until she passes on. You might consider keeping the ootheca and either placing them outside, letting nature take its course, or keeping it inside and raising the youngsters. See the forums section on Breeding and Nymph Care . You should also search and browse the forums here for lots of great information and tips. Good luck!
You're welcome, bigbug. Oh, don't forget to water her too by misting the inside of her enclosure 2-3 times a week.
Oh, don't forget to water her too by misting the inside of her enclosure 2-3 times a week. 
