How to Breed Crickets | Step-by-Step Cricket Breeding Guide
Breeding crickets can be a cost-effective way to maintain a steady supply of feeder insects, but it requires the right setup and expectations.
While it’s possible to breed crickets at home, many reptile keepers find it more challenging than expected due to their sensitivity, smell, mortality, and ongoing maintenance.
Quick tip: Successful cricket breeding depends on temperature, moisture control, and separating eggs from adults.
Understanding the Cricket Life Cycle
Before breeding crickets, it’s important to understand how they develop.
Crickets go through three main stages:
- egg
- nymph (pinhead to juvenile)
- adult
Under good conditions, crickets reach adulthood in around 6–8 weeks.
For a full breakdown of their growth speed, see: How Fast Do Crickets Grow
Understanding this timeline helps you plan breeding cycles effectively.
Setting Up a Cricket Breeding Container
A proper setup is essential for successful breeding.
- use a large, well-ventilated plastic container
- add egg cartons for surface area
- maintain a consistent temperature between 26–30°C
Temperature plays a major role in breeding success. If you're unsure about optimal conditions, read: Best Temperature for Live Crickets
Stable conditions will improve both egg production and hatch rates.
Egg Laying Setup
Female crickets lay eggs in moist substrate. Without this, breeding will not occur.
- use a shallow container with moist soil or coco fibre
- keep substrate damp, not wet
- place inside the main enclosure
Crickets will lay eggs into this substrate over several days.
Swap this container out every few days with a new one.
Incubation and Hatching
Cricket eggs typically hatch within 7–14 days depending on temperature.
- keep container with eggs warm (around 27–30°C)
- maintain light moisture
- avoid letting substrate dry out
The egg container should be placed into a new container before the baby crickets (pinheads) start hatching, so they are kept separate from the adults.
This prevents overcrowding and reduces mortality.
Feeding Breeder Crickets
Proper nutrition is essential for both egg production and healthy offspring.
- provide a consistent dry food source
- add fresh vegetables for moisture
- remove spoiled food regularly
Poor nutrition can slow reproduction and reduce hatch success.
For full care details, see: How to Care For Live Crickets
Common Challenges When Breeding Crickets
Cricket breeding can be inconsistent, especially for beginners.
- high mortality rates
- strong smell from waste buildup
- noise from adult males
- cannibalism in crowded conditions
Many of these issues can be avoided with proper setup and maintenance.
Another common issue is not providing baby crickets with constant access to moisture (through fresh food or water crystals). Small crickets dehydrate quickly and this can be a common reason for mass die off.
For detailed troubleshooting, see: Why Your Crickets Keep Dying
Understanding these challenges early will help you avoid common mistakes.
Is Breeding Crickets Worth It
While breeding crickets can reduce long-term costs, it requires time, space, and ongoing maintenance.
Many reptile keepers choose to use alternative feeders that are easier to manage.
Dubia roaches are a popular option because they:
- have lower mortality rates
- produce less smell
- are easier to maintain long term
You can explore available sizes here:
Choosing the right feeder can make reptile care significantly easier.
Complete Feeder Guide
If you're deciding between breeding your own feeders or buying them, it's worth understanding all your options.
Read the full guide: Complete Guide to Feeder Insects in Australia
