Stick insects as pets for children

Stick insects aren't as cuddly as a kitten or a puppy, but they are fascinating, are very low maintenance, and can teach children how to care for another living thing.

What are stick insects?

Stick insects, sometimes called walking sticks, get their name from their shape. Most look like a twig or a leaf, which helps them blend into the plants around them and stay hidden from predators.

There are thousands of species around the world, but only some are suitable to keep as pets in the UK. Species often kept as pets include:

• Indian stick insect
• New Guinea stick insect
• Thailand stick insect
• Pink-winged stick insect

Species differ in size, temperament and care needs. Some species can spray an irritating liquid, so choose a docile species for children, and ask the supplier about the needs of the species you are buying.

Lifespan and breeding

Lifespan varies by species. Many of the commonly kept species live for around a year, and some live longer. As they grow, stick insects shed their skin several times.

Many stick insects, including the Indian stick insect, can reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis). In Indian stick insects, males are very rare. A female can lay eggs regularly and can produce hundreds in her lifetime. Eggs can take several weeks or months to hatch, depending on the species and the temperature.

Because adults don't live long, you might consider getting a few over a period of time, so that children still have stick insects to care for when one reaches the end of its life.

Housing your stick insects

Keep stick insects in a secure, well-ventilated tank so they can't escape. It should be tall, because stick insects like to hang upside down from plants, and they need space to do this and to shed their skin safely.

Most common pet species, such as Indian stick insects, are happy at normal room temperature (around 18 to 24°C). Avoid direct sunlight and don't use heat bulbs unless your species needs extra warmth.

Different species need different levels of humidity, so check what yours needs.

Feeding and water

Stick insects eat leaves. Many species enjoy bramble leaves, such as blackberry and raspberry. Keep a fresh supply in the tank and remove old, dried leaves so the tank stays clean.

Lightly mist the leaves with water so they can drink from the droplets. Don't use open water dishes, which young stick insects can drown in.

Handling them safely

Stick insects are very delicate, so handle them gently and not too often. Letting a stick insect walk onto an open hand is kinder than picking it up.

Never release stick insects or their eggs outdoors. Supervise young children and wash hands after handling.