{"id":4517,"date":"2021-07-30T16:55:40","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T16:55:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/?p=4517"},"modified":"2022-07-27T16:49:08","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T16:49:08","slug":"15-important-questions-to-ask-before-buying-pet-bugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/15-important-questions-to-ask-before-buying-pet-bugs\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Important Questions To Ask Before Buying Pet Bugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
<\/i>Share<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/i>Pin<\/span><\/span><\/span>3<\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/i>Reddit<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/i>Tweet<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/i>WhatsApp<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/i>Email<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>
3 Shares<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The exotic pet bugs industry is growing every year and more and more people keep these lovely pets. They are amazing, easy to keep and take care of. But although they are truly amazing, you still need to make good consideration before you start keeping them. They are quite different from keeping cats, dogs, birds, or other commonly kept pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have always been interested in keeping exotic pet bugs and you considering buying your own pet bug, there are a few things that you have to ask yourself before you buy one and jump right in keeping them. Although pet bugs are one of the best pets you can have and pretty easy to care for, you should know exactly the responsibilities that are part of it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below I have compiled a complete list of important questions that you should ask yourself before buying any exotic pet bug such as cockroaches, stick insects, tarantulas, millipedes or praying mantises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1 Do I understand the needs of the animal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping exotic bug pets is quite different from more commonly kept pets. Dogs, horses and birds, for example, have a need for a social companion. Is it not you then it is a buddy they live with. Bugs, on the other hand, often don’t care much about social companions (although there are exceptions of course). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exotic bugs have more need for optimal enclosure design and ambient environment which differs from our own room environment. Many exotic bugs species need a warmer and more humid climate, so you need to heat the enclosure and spray water in it to keep it moist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The enclosure \u2014 terrariums, aquariums or customized plastic containers \u2014 need to fulfil in size and in features (like ventilation capacity) to fit with the needs of your bug animal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do the necessary research to clearly understand the needs of the animal you like to buy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#2 Do I have the necessary experience to care for my exotic animal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Investing in the correct materials to house and keep exotic bugs is one thing. Taking care of them is something totally different. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must understand how to take control of your terrarium \u2014 or another type of enclosure \u2014 so that the temperature stays optimal and keep the environment clean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what about feeding your animal. With millipedes and beetles, it is quite easy. But feeding tarantulas is quite another skill. And did you know that with stick insects you must have a good understanding of plant species and quality? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have to read and learn about how to care for your exotic animal. That means you need to read guides about the species and discuss experiences on forums and breeders. Don’t worry. If you are serious about keeping a certain exotic animal, the experience will come soon enough but start with a species that is more beginners friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#3 Do I have the time for my new pet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many new keepers choose these types of exotic animals because they take much less time. To some extent this is true: they take much less time to care for in comparison with dogs, bunnies or horses. However, they still need some time to give the proper care. Especially periodic larger cleaning sessions take some time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So make sure you have the time needed to provide the care they need. A part of the care is close observation of the behaviour to understand how your animal is feeling. This is, for example, very true for tarantulas and scorpions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stick insects need plants collected from your neighbourhood. Finding the correct plants that are fresh and free of pesticides and pest animals can take definitely some time, especially in the beginning. So be sure to have at least 3 hours every week of free time to care for your pet animal. Still, this is less than commonly kept pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

#4 Do I have the right space to keep them?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exotic pets generally need much less space than other pets. The golden rule is to provide for ground-living animals three times the body length in surface space and two times the body length in height. So, that means a single millipede with an adult size of 10cm needs an enclosure of at least 30cm by 30cm and 20cm high. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With species that needs height, it is the other way around. There it is normally three times the adult body length in height and two times the adult body length in width. So, a stick insect that reaches 10cm in body length needs an enclosure with a 20cm x 20cm surface and 30cm of height. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is not only the size of the enclosure. It is also about the location of the animal. None of the exotic bugs species should be placed in direct sunlight. Vibrations of hard noises (music, television, other hobbies) and running children should be avoided too. So first determine that you have the right<\/em> space for the animal to house properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Do<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

#5 Do I mind that these animals generally don’t liked to be petted?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although several species of exotic bugs can be handled and touched, doesn’t mean they like it. Generally speaking, these animals don’t like to be petted. They do better when you leave them alone and only observe their interesting and amazing behaviours in your living room display. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to handle your pet, like letting giant snails or millipedes walk on your hand, that is totally fine. But be careful when you do. These animals are fragile and when falling from your hand can damage them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some animals are able to fly. Stick insects and praying mantises (often the males) may be quite good at it. So when you take them out of your enclosure, keep the windows closed so they won’t escape if they choose to fly away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
\n
Related read:<\/strong> What Bugs Make Great Pets For Kids: The 7 Coolest Pets<\/a><\/div>