Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I wasn't going to post this because it might encourage inexperienced owners to try this method of feeding but the discussion about the suddenly dead Anole changed my mind. I won't go into all of the research and observation that preceeded this method but be assured that there was quite a bit.
In the winter, when live insects are difficult to find, I feed my Anoles once a week. I allow a dozen crickets per Anole per week. The cycle is determined by when the local pet store gets a shipment of crickets. I put, for example, two dozen crickets in my 40 gallon with two Anoles.
There are some strict conditions that have to be met or this method just won't work.
1) You have to have a microbially active substrate. I use compost which breaks down the cricket feces (an Anole feces) in a couple of days and provides nutrients for the natural plants.

2) You have to provide proper food for the crickets. My favorite is flaked baby cereal but you can also use flaked fish food. The food is placed in the corner of the enclosure in a yogurt lid and replaced when needed during the week. These will keep the crickets gut-loaded for the week (or until they are eaten).

3) Remove any dead crickets during the week and ALL uneaten ones at the end of the week. This will prevent them from getting too big for the Anoles to eat and possibly getting to breeding size. I usually lose a couple during the week and might have a couple that have escaped being eaten for a week.

The crickets get water from the daily mistings and are often ambushed there by the Anoles. I have found that this method will probably not work in a 10 gallon, may work in a 20 gallon, probably will work in a 30 gallon, and will certainly work in a 40 or larger enclosure. You do need some space for it to work. Oh yes, start with 1/4" crickets.
Every other week, I cut the cricket ration to about 1/2 dozen per Anole and supplement with Lobster Roach nymphs and Houseflies. I have been using this method for quite some time during the winter and while I am on vacation. Oh yes, the lighting and misting are all on timer and automatic. Don't forget to montior the situation in the enclosure on a daily basis.

Excellent post
There is times when I keep food in the terrarium for the crickets, I also use the baby food (I found one with fruit in it and they LOVE it). I don't do this all the time though, but when my anoles are going into a shed they're fussy eaters and don't like to be bothered, so I'll put the crickets in there and, aside from misting and daily checkups, I just leave them alone. I don't know about that whole thing with the crickets chewing on the anole, as long as they are well fed I don't think it's an issue. But I think I am going to change my substrate, I never thought if it as breaking down all the poo and providing food for the plants.
But this is not a good alternative for feeding, I do know of people who do this every week so they don't have to "bother" with their anole.