Ok so I will be going on a three day trip in a few weeks but I'm worried about my mantids. Last time I left a mantis for just three days she died. I have about 100 newborn nymphs, and about 15 of them have their own containers already. I don't want to leave them home alone, and I also don't think anyone in my neighborhood would like to take their time tapping fruitflies into tiny cups. Any advice on whether to leave them here or not, or how to "pack" them if i take them with me? Any ideas are welcome!
Traveling with ~100 tiny nymphs?
- Thread starter BugLover
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Paradoxica
Well-known member
Are there any other forum members nearby that can babysit?
Or you could just put them all together into one large container again, then leave a partially open FF culture inside.
Or you could just put them all together into one large container again, then leave a partially open FF culture inside.
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sally
Well-known member
I brought my,at the time, 10 to New Jersey, but they were individually housed and not newborns. I used an insulated container, and brought my equipment with me, lights, feeders etc. The car ride was 13 hours. If you have a really long ride make sure there is a soft landing place for them if they decide to molt and fall. If you glue sticks on the top of the containers, like for Idolos, that will help. The weather should be ok now.... I went in winter and had to keep them warm and moist. I guess common sense is the best thing to use in this situation...... depends how long they will be in the car.
The drive is only 2-3 hours, so I guess that would be ok? also would some type of cooler work for putting their containers in? I will make sure there is a soft landing (moss that I have laying around) if I do take them. all of them are between a few days and a week & 1/2 old, so would there be less of a chance of them molting?
glock34girl
Well-known member
If you have a responsible neighbor kid that you can teach to feed and mist and pay them 10 bucks or whatever, if do it. This is what I do with my animals/insects. Also, you can get a worker from the vet offices to do it but they are more expensive. I rarely travel with any of my exotics. I get pulled over way to much lol
Coneja
Well-known member
Hmmm... that is a dilemma. I know nothing about transport, so have no advice to give, but just wanted to say good luck with whatever you choose!
any ideas on how to secure them so they don't bounce around too much? paper towels inbetween the cups maybe?
TheOtherSpecies
Well-known member
Put them in a cooler with something soft on the bottom... I think with a cooler there is less exposure to rapid temp changes!
Krissim Klaw
Well-known member
There is only so much you can do about the vibrations of your car. Make sure they have very easy to grip stuff in their cages so they can cling well. Also make sure you don't stick them in direct sunlight of the car windows because in something like a deli cups they can still overheat fast.
Three days really isn't that long to leave a mantis as long as you make sure their needs are met prior to leaving.
Three days really isn't that long to leave a mantis as long as you make sure their needs are met prior to leaving.
