Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I buy crickets in bulk usually they seem healthy I feed them ground up dog food and slices of fruit and a soggy sponge for water and keep egg cartons in the cage. Why do they still die? I started cleaning the cage and a ton of them died what do I need to do to keep them alive so I don't have too keep buying them as often. just wondering if anyone knows a good care sheet

For one thing,if you order the large,they may already be near the end of their life-span which is not very long. If they are small and dying,make sure that what you feed them doesn't get moldy [ that's a killer] also excess moisture will kill...the cage should be relatively clean and dry. Greens,carrots and sweet potatoes are better than fruit.

What are the temps as well? If way too hot, that will kill crickets (ie over 90F) or too cold. Make sure to wash any greens going into the tank as well.

I also suggest not to bother with a sponge for water, as it quickly gets soiled with feces anyway. Just use fresh greens, potatoe slice etc for a moisture source as well as good nutrition. Remember to swap out the vegetables daily so they don't get moudy or dry out.
-----
PHLdyPayne

I agree with the moisture/age thing......I've found drier is better and if going to buy larger crickets, 1 size down from adults is best. Some dry gutload, and a few slices of carrot/potatoe/orange etc and you're good. Also, could be the supplier of the crickets. I've had great luck with the quality of crickets coming from Courtland at Coldbloods.com

hi, i use a rubbermaid tub and i house at most 1000 crickets at a time.. i usually get the 3/4 crickets and as long as they stay dry, they are fine..i feed potatoes, some leftover greens and some fruit. 2 weeks ago i bought some 3/8 crickets for my new dragon and man they lived a lot longer (obviously cause they are younger) but i had fewer die, thats for sure. just buy younger crickets..feed your dragon a few more and just let the crickets grow....hope this helps...
-----
1.0 hypo het trans Bearded Dragon (Carlos)
0.1 yellow/tiger-stripe bearded dragon (name?)
0.1 Wife (Eryn) WC
0.1 Daughter (Lily) CBB
0.1 Brindle Boxer (Marley)
0.1 Mut (Bailey)