Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This is an old debate, and I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but I was wondering if anyone has heard about any harmful effects of using water crystals for hydrating your prey items. I'm not concerned so much about the possible risk of bacterial contamination, rather the possible toxic side effects of feeding a prey item these water crystals, then having your reptile eat said prey item.
BTW- I do have PLENTY of the dried water crystals if anyone wants some for FREE! Just send me a self-addressed stamped (2 stamps) envelope. Drop an e-mail for address.
-----
Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com

I've been using the plain "water gelatin" crystals for my feeder roaches and crix. So far no problems, and it does keep the bacterial mess from drowned insects to a minimum. I don't use the crystals or bites with all the additives, as I don't know what all that stuff is. Plain old gelatin would be pretty safe I hope.

The water crystals I was referring to are the polyacrylamide crystals that are used in the making of 'cricket water' and similiar products. It's not a gelatin; rather its a type of polymer.
>>I've been using the plain "water gelatin" crystals for my feeder roaches and crix. So far no problems, and it does keep the bacterial mess from drowned insects to a minimum. I don't use the crystals or bites with all the additives, as I don't know what all that stuff is. Plain old gelatin would be pretty safe I hope.
-----
Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com

Hi Victor, yeah didn't we beat this horse to its death once before?? Like 2 years ago!?!? lol!

I think if you google Polyacrylamide msds you will find links to the Material Data Safety Sheet. As I recall it may not be toxic, but from my point of view is that it is a synthetic, petroleum based chemical that I would not want to introduce to Luna (or my other critters) via her feeders.

Of course the feeders would probably have expelled/assimilated most of it so the amount the herp would get is probably negligible, but why take a risk? But that is just me...all me feeders get only organic produce

lele
-----
0.1 veiled - Luna
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (no name yet)
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

Chameleon Help & Resource Info

Thanks again for the suggestion to look up the MSDS for this.
Did that, but was unable to find anything listed in any MSDS that suggested that polyacrylamide was harmful or toxic. Dug a bit deeper and found this:
Hazardous decomposition Products:
Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ammonia, oxides of nitrogen
Doesn't appear that it would break down to anything more harmful that might occur in a cricket or chameleons diet.
Of course, I'm no nutritionist. I understand where you'd want to steer clear of unneccessary artificial items in the diet of your chameleon just to be on the safe side.
-----
Victor Gomez
gomezvi.tripod.com/sdchamkeepers/
gomezvi@yahoo.com