How to Choose the Right Cricket Size
Choosing the right cricket size is important for safe feeding. As a general rule, feeder crickets should be no larger than the space between your reptile or amphibian’s eyes, unless your species has different feeding requirements. Smaller animals usually need pinhead or small crickets, while larger reptiles can often handle medium or large crickets.
Pinhead crickets are useful for baby reptiles, small frogs, tiny geckos, mantises, jumping spiders, and other small insect-eating animals. Small and medium crickets are common choices for juvenile reptiles and amphibians. Large crickets are usually better for adult reptiles that can safely eat larger prey.
Why Feed Crickets to Reptiles and Amphibians?
Crickets are one of the most common feeder insects because they move actively, stimulate hunting behavior, and are accepted by many insect-eating animals. They are often used for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, anoles, skinks, frogs, tarantulas, mantises, and other insectivores.
However, crickets should not be the only feeder insect in every diet. Many keepers rotate crickets with Dubia roaches, hornworms, mealworms, superworms, silkworms, black soldier fly larvae, waxworms, and other feeders to provide more variety.
Gut Loading and Dusting Feeder Crickets
Gut loading means feeding crickets nutritious food before offering them to your pet. This helps improve the value of the feeder insect before it is eaten. Premium cricket feed, fresh vegetables, and safe hydration sources can help keep crickets active and useful before feeding.
Many reptile keepers also dust crickets with calcium powder or vitamin supplements before feeding. Dusting needs depend on the animal’s species, age, UVB exposure, diet, and veterinary guidance, so always follow care recommendations for your specific pet.
Live Crickets for Sale FAQ
What size crickets should I buy?
Choose cricket size based on your animal’s size and feeding ability. Pinhead crickets are best for very small animals, while medium and large crickets are better for larger juveniles and adults.
Are crickets good feeder insects for reptiles?
Yes. Crickets are commonly used as feeder insects for many reptiles and amphibians. They are active, widely accepted, and useful when properly gut-loaded and dusted.
How should I keep live crickets after they arrive?
Keep crickets in a ventilated container with hiding space, food, hydration, and appropriate temperature. Avoid overcrowding, moisture buildup, and poor airflow.
Should I gut load crickets before feeding?
Yes. Gut loading crickets before feeding can improve their nutritional value for reptiles, amphibians, and other insect-eating pets.
Can I feed only crickets?
Some animals can eat crickets regularly, but feeder variety is usually better. Rotating crickets with other feeders can help provide a broader diet and reduce boredom.
Why are my crickets dying quickly?
Crickets may die from poor ventilation, too much moisture, overcrowding, lack of food, lack of hydration, or temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
