Housing L5/L6 Chinese

[cdcrocks]

Hello all! I've lately been wondering about what container I should use for my Chinese nymphs. Most of them are almost 5cm (a bit under 2 in.) long, and by the 3x length, 2x width rule, need an upgrade from the 32 oz. deli cups they're currently living in. I have 50 of them, so a large Kritter Keeper for every one, which would be their home for the rest of their days, isn't very practical.

About a third of them have misshapen or missing legs, if that influences anything.

What sort of containers should I buy to allow them to live comfortably without taking up excessive amounts of space and/or money?

Also, I have 20 or so Carolina nymphs that are only 3cm. (1 in.) long now, how long will it be before they need an upgrade too?

Thanks a ton!

 

[PookaDotted]

If you have fifty and you want to keep all fifty you're doing to have to buy and modify cheap tupperware containers. Try looking at the dollar store.

 

[Digger]

And tall enough (~ 3x their pre-molt length) for subsequent molts.

 

[cdcrocks]

How would I modify the tupperwares? Would I glue mesh in a hole cut in the lid? My dad seems very against the idea of mesh, and I'm not sure why. He says it's hard to work with unless it's in perfect squares. Is there anything else I could use?

 

[PookaDotted]

I use sheer curtain fabric. You can also find sheer fabric mesh at the fabric store which you pay for by the yard.

 

[kllinke]

I have a dremel I use to cut whatever opening in whatever I find to use. I hotglue screen to the container if they are past FF then the screen works great. I have had success with smaller totes I get them at lowes for about 3.00 then modify them.right now I have two set up for my budwing adult females I will try and upload a pic.

 

[kllinke]

 

[cdcrocks]

I saw some containers like yours, kllinke, but they were much more expensive.

Instead, I found some containers at wal-mart. They hold a gallon and are about a foot tall. I tried my best to adapt a lid and make it more suitable to a mantis, and added a twig and some sycamore bark from outside. The lid has mesh messily hot glued to it. I'm not good with a glue gun.

Next to a 32 oz deli cup for size reference. Will T. sinesis be able to spend their whole lives in this? I doubt it, but it should do well for now.

Is there anything I could make better? I only bought seven containers today, so we could see if it worked. I'm transfering a few nymphs into them after I finish this post.