Invertebrate · Katydid & cricket
House cricket care guide
Acheta domesticus
The house cricket is a beginner-level katydid & cricket from SW Asia (now cosmopolitan). Adults reach Body 1.6–2.2 cm and live 2–3 months in captivity. Classic feeder; gut-load for 24 hours before feeding to reptiles.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp 26–32°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a house cricket cost in Canada?
House cricket quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Body 1.6–2.2 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–3 months
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- SW Asia (now cosmopolitan)
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- A colony species – best kept in a group.
- Temperature
- 26–32°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Omnivore – cricket chow, vegetables, grains
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
House cricket enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). A colony species – best kept in a group. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a house cricket eat?
Omnivore – cricket chow, vegetables, grains. Keep dry food and water crystals or vegetables available at all times.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast jumpers; not a handling species.
Health watch: Colonies die off from ammonia buildup, crowding and poor ventilation.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a house cricket bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
House cricket FAQ
Is the house cricket good for beginners?
Yes – the house cricket is a good choice for beginners. Fast jumpers; not a handling species.
What size enclosure does a house cricket need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. A colony species – best kept in a group.
How much does a house cricket cost in Canada?
Typically $10–30 CAD to buy, about $150–260 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $60–150 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a house cricket need?
Temperature: 26–32°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a house cricket eat?
Omnivore – cricket chow, vegetables, grains. Keep dry food and water crystals or vegetables available at all times.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.