Vietnamese Walking Stick Inspect

Vietnamese Walking Stick Care Guide

Ramulus artemis

SIZE
• Adults: approx. 10–15 cm
• Lifespan: around 1 year

HOUSING
• Tall, well-ventilated enclosure
• Minimum: 30 × 30 × 45 cm for a small group
• Height should be at least 3× the adult body length for safe moulting
• Provide plenty of twigs and branches for climbing

TEMPERATURE
• Aim for 18–24°C
• Normal room temperatures are usually suitable
• Avoid temperatures above 26°C

LIGHTING
• No UVB required
• Provide a normal day/night cycle
• Keep away from strong direct sunlight

HUMIDITY
• Aim for 60–75%
• Lightly mist the enclosure regularly
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent stagnant, damp conditions

FOOD
• Feed fresh bramble/blackberry, privet, rose, hawthorn and oak
• Ensure leaves are pesticide-free
• Keep fresh food available at all times
• Replace wilted or dried leaves

WATER
• Obtain most moisture from fresh leaves and misting
• A water bowl is not normally required
• Light misting provides drinking droplets

SHEDDING
• Must have enough vertical space to hang freely
• Avoid disturbing the stick insect while moulting
• Remove fallen shed skin only once the insect has finished

HANDLING
• Generally calm but very delicate
• Allow them to walk onto your hand rather than grabbing them
• Never pull on legs or antennae
• Handle close to the ground

HEALTH
• Watch for difficulty climbing, damaged limbs or lethargy
• Poor ventilation can lead to mould and health problems
• Fresh, pesticide-free food is essential

CLEANING
• Remove old leaves and waste regularly
• Replace soiled substrate as required
• Wipe away mould promptly
• Avoid excessive disturbance

BEFORE YOU BRING YOUR ANIMAL HOME
✓ Tall ventilated enclosure
✓ Twigs & branches
✓ Suitable substrate
✓ Thermometer/hygrometer
✓ Spray bottle
✓ Fresh pesticide-free foliage
✓ Secure enclosure lid

IMPORTANT BITS
• Very delicate — handle with care
• Provide plenty of vertical space for moulting
• Never use leaves treated with pesticides
• Keep food fresh and available
• Vietnamese Walking Sticks can reproduce without males, so females may produce fertile eggs without mating
• Best kept in a small group with plenty of space and food