My brother had stick insects when we were younger, an adult and 2 babies (I think we got half a breeding pair off his friend to try and reduce breeding)
One of the babies was really friendly, but I sat on it =[ because I didn't know it was wondering around on the window sill.
Also.. make sure that if they are being looked after somebody while you're on holiday that you remind them not to use bug spray -.- that's how the other two passed.
They were really sweet, and it was always fun to try and see which stick had eyes..