Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live quite a distance from any place that sells crickets but I still want a lizard. I am torn between a beardie and a leopard...but I wonder, they sell dried crickets in a jar at the pet stores...but are they okay? Do these lizards take them? Or am going to have to stick to my snakes until I move to the city or a pet store moves closer?
Oh and raising them myself is not an option according to my wife...toooo smelly!

Most lizards won't take dead bugs (at least my leos won't). Also, dried crickets and mealies may not have been gutloaded properly and may have poor nutritive value. Your best bet is definitly live. Mealworms are a good staple for leos too if you are looking for a bug that is easier to raise/breed.

My Leo won't take them either. I left the pet store I was working at just over a month ago and can't get crickets as easily, maybe a dozen every other week.Before I left I bought the freeze dried crickets in a can by t-rex for when I ran out. I cover them in calcium dust before offering them to her, make them dance and pretend but she just gives me the look that she's not buying it. After a day or so I can get her to take one, but that's it.

Today I finally got her some really nice crickets from my old store and she devoured 6 within seconds. I haven't seen her on a cricket rampage like that in months. There really is no substitute for the real live thing.

I have tried freeze dried mealies and crickets.. My girl would never take them. Is mail order an option. If crickets are too smelly, I know there are some people who feed only mealworms. If kept in proper conditions, I've found they have little if any odor, and they do not make any noise. And then you can supplement with crickets when available. Good luck.
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This is courage.. to bear unflinching what heaven sends. -unknown

2.1 chocolate labs and bassett (Harley, Barker and Capone)
1.0 leopard gecko (Nacho)