Your colony can be kept in a plastic tub, aquarium, or an old freezer. For bedding we use cotton balls and shredded newspaper. You may also use pet grade wood chips but, do not use pine or cedar.   Ventilation is important and I cut out the top of the plastic tub and screen the lid with three layers of screen to keep out flies and fly eggs. The Dermestids must be kept at 80-83 degrees and in the dark for optimal skull cleaning and reproduction. You may use a reptile heating pad or reptile ceramic blub to keep the temperature at 80+ degrees.  Keep the humidity down as you do not want encourage mites or mold. The Dermestids must be fed every day. All animal parts must be frozen prior to placing the items into the colony to kill off any invasive species. I only spray mist with water once a week as the beetles will receive moisture from the meat. A fan can add air movement over or thru the colony to keep the humidity low. The size of the colony to purchase depends on the size of the skull you would like to clean. A 1500 colony will clean a bird or squirrel skull immediately. You may also grow a 1500 colony for a couple of weeks and then clean a deer  skull. These are only tips and a detailed care sheet will be sent with the Dermestids. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook. You may email me with questions at any time at taliasbeetlebugs@gmail.com. We want you to succeed!  Natalie and Talia she beetle girls at TALIAS BEETLE BUGS.