Hey everyone!
I’ve recently become fascinated with crickets, and I’ve started keeping them as pets. However, I’m a bit clueless when it comes to their diet. I know they’re often used as feeder insects for reptiles, but I want to make sure I’m giving my little buddies the best diet possible.
Crickets are omnivorous insects, and in the wild, they feast on a variety of organic matter. They typically consume leaves, fruits, and decaying plant material. In captivity, their diet can vary, but it’s important to provide a balanced nutrition.
Hey ScienceBuffBen! Great to see more people getting into keeping crickets! For their diet, you can feed them a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables. Some favorites include carrots, lettuce, and apples.
Adding onto what SkepticalSue said, I also recommend giving them some high-protein options like dog food or fish flakes. They need protein to grow strong and healthy!
Just a heads up, crickets really enjoy grain-based foods too! Things like oat flakes or even whole grain bread can be great for them. Just make sure to crush them up a bit!
I think it’s also worth noting that they need a source of calcium. You can sprinkle a little bit of calcium powder on their food occasionally. It’s especially important if you’re using them to feed reptiles.
Exactly! Calcium is key, especially for breeding. You might also want to provide some cuttlebone, as they seem to enjoy it and it’s great for their calcium intake.
In terms of feeding frequency, I’d say feed them daily, but only what they can eat in a few hours to avoid mold. You’ll get a feel for how much they consume over time.
I agree with that! And if you notice they’re not eating something, it’s good to switch it up. Crickets can be picky sometimes!
Also, when storing food like fruits and veggies, make sure they’re fresh and clean. Remove any uneaten food after a day or so to prevent bacteria growth.
Totally! And for storage, if you have leftovers, you can keep them in the fridge for a day or two, but let them come to room temperature before feeding them again.
Thanks for all the great tips, everyone! I’m going to try introducing some different foods this week.