Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

Ive got a problem keeping crickets alive. I have 2 crested geckos, and put 15-20 crickets in there ever other day (CGD on the alternate days). Usually, i buy ~40 crix, so they can last two feedings. recently, i have been finding about 8-10 dead on the floor after one day, and 2 to 3 more each day after that. theres only a few left by the second feeding.

Ive got them in a plastic critter keeper with paper towels rolls, a wet sponge in a plastic dish, and plenty of those little multi-colored food pellets on the ground. Sometimes i will throw a piece of fruit in there. I wash it out with hot water after one group has been completely fed to the lizards. it stays around 70-80 degrees.

Whats killing my food?
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mike

>>Ive got them in a plastic critter keeper with paper towels rolls, a wet sponge in a plastic dish, and plenty of those little multi-colored food pellets on the ground. Sometimes i will throw a piece of fruit in there. I wash it out with hot water after one group has been completely fed to the lizards. it stays around 70-80 degrees.
>>
>>Whats killing my food?

Well, it could be that the shop you are getting them from isn't doing a good job and they are walking dead when you get them. If you have a second source that may do it. It sounds like you're okay for conditions. Unless there is bacteria or mold in the sponge or they are getting temp changes you can't think of, or they are really dry.
Honestly too, it is easier to keep a large group alive than it is to keep a small group.
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Sonya

Haven't we warned you about tampering with the structure of a chaotic system?
Mrs. Neutron

hi
what stage are these crickets at... if they are full grown adults they may be dying of age. But most stores I buy from don't sell them that old. What I keep my crickets in is a tank with sand on the bottem, I find it makes it easier to clean and absorbs a lot of the gross stuff that otherwise would mold. I also supply the crickets with a wet cotton ball or tissue in a dish and some cereal, or fish food. They love it. I also use dry cat food. If you don't give them enough to eat they wil prey on eachother.

after I posted, i thought some mold might be growing on the bottom of the sponge, but it seems clean. the pet store we get them from is not a chain, and seems to know what they are doing enough to proivde decent crickets. also, they are "medium", about 1/2" to 3/4" long, not adults. maybe i just got a couple bad batches. if they keep dying on me i might just order the huge lots from LLL or some other depot place.

thanks for your replies.
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mike

What is the calcium content in the pellets you use to feed the crickets? If there is a high concentration of calcium in the pellets there is often an increase in mortality of the crickets beginning 24 hours after being placed on the high calcium diet.

Ed

i'm not sure what the ca content is, ill have to check. but, it is the same food the store i get them from uses.
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mike