Stick Insects

Where can I find instructions for my Living Twig Kit?

All of our Kit Instructions can be found on our website. Please use this link to download the Stick Insect Instructions.

How long will my stick insects take to hatch?

Your eggs will arrive with a care sheet which will include the dates of when you can expect your stick insect eggs to hatch, this is normally a 2 month period. Please be aware that any of the eggs can hatch from arrival, and up to 2 months later. Pl

How many insects do you guarantee?

We expect at least half of the eggs to successfully hatch by the time the hatching estimate on their care sheet has expired. If you are unsure of the dates, please allow 2 months from when you received the eggs. If you have less than 4 insects succes

What should I feed the stick insects?

Food: Stick insects will eat ivy, privet or bramble. Be careful to source the food from an area free from pesticides or away from roadside pollution. If you choose to purchase an ivy plant, please ensure that no chemicals have been used during cultiv

The egg is still attached to my stick insect, can I try and remove it?

You can try and remove the egg gently using a wet paintbrush. If that does not work, gently pop the egg with your fingernail (it will disintegrate) and you should be able to remove any remaining egg/membrane again with the wet brush. Please note: I

One of my Nymphs has died, is this normal?

It is unusual for a newly hatched stick insect to perish, but it can sometimes happen. If you find more than one has died, please check the list below of possible causes to see if any may be an issue.

Can I handle the stick insects?

Newly hatched insects should not be handled as they are very delicate. If you need to transfer any when changing the food or cleaning the habitat, please use a paintbrush. Older insects can walk on your hands. Never grasp them by their legs!

How big will my stick insects get and how long will they live for?

Your stick insects will grow to around 6-8cm and should be mature at 5-6 months of age.The lifespan of an Indian stick insect is generally around 12 months.

How many Indian Stick Insects can we keep in a habitat?

We would advise a maximum of 10 insects in the habitat. If you wish to grow your pet collection we sell a larger-sized habitat here, or you can purchase an alternative enclosure from most pet stores.

What are the brown bits at the bottom of the habitat?

The small cylindrical rough bits are waste, however once your stick insects mature at around 5-6 months old they will start laying eggs, these are brown, round and have a tiny plug poking out of one side.

My stick insects are laying eggs, what do I do?

Indian stick insects are "parthenogenetic" meaning that females lay unfertilised eggs which will hatch into more females. These in turn will lay eggs which will hatch again into females, and so on. You can hatch another generation if you wish, but b

How often should I clean the Stick Insect habitat out?

You need to clean the habitat out at least once a week. When the insects are old enough to lay eggs, if you do not wish to hatch them - empty the entire contents of the bottom of the habitat into a plastic container such as a takeaway tub and freeze

Can the Indian Stick Insects be released?

No, they are not native to the UK so cannot be released.