Ep 25. Cricket Farmer

Mike Rowe is at it again with another episode of Dirty Jobs! In season 5 episode 25, titled "Cricket Farmer," he's taking on the tricky task of raising crickets for pet stores and reptile enthusiasts.

The episode begins with Mike meeting up with a group of cricket farmers who are eager to show him the ropes. He's surprised to learn that crickets are actually a highly sought-after commodity in the pet industry, and that there's a lot of money to be made from raising them.

The first step in the process is to breed the crickets. Mike discovers that this involves creating a breeding colony in which thousands of crickets are kept in small containers and fed a special diet. The sound of all those crickets chirping is almost deafening, but the farmers seem to barely notice. They're more concerned about ensuring that the conditions in the colony are just right so that the crickets will breed successfully.

Once the crickets have mated, the next step is to collect the eggs and transfer them to another container where they'll hatch. This is a delicate process, as cricket eggs are incredibly tiny and can easily be damaged or destroyed if mishandled. Mike gets a crash course in proper egg collection technique and tries his best to be gentle with the fragile little things.

After the eggs hatch, the crickets go through several stages of development before they're mature enough to be sold. At each stage, they require a different type of food and a specific temperature range in order to thrive. The farmers show Mike how to care for the crickets at each stage, and he gets to work feeding them, cleaning their containers, and monitoring their growth.

As the crickets near maturity, it's time to start prepping them for sale. Mike learns how to "gut load" the crickets by feeding them a nutrient-rich diet in the days leading up to their sale. This ensures that they'll be healthy and well-fed for their prospective buyers.

Finally, it's time for the big payoff - taking the crickets to market. Mike accompanies the farmers to a pet expo where they set up a booth and start pitching their wares to potential customers. He's amazed by the wide range of people who are interested in buying crickets - from snake owners to bearded dragon enthusiasts to exotic bird keepers. The farmers are happy to make some sales and spread the word about their business.

Overall, "Cricket Farmer" is a fascinating look at a unique and oft-overlooked industry. Mike Rowe once again proves himself to be the ultimate guinea pig as he dives headfirst into the world of cricket farming. Whether you're a fan of Dirty Jobs or just curious about the inner workings of the pet trade, this episode is sure to entertain and inform.