There are many people out there who have become avid reptile owners. This hobby, or way of life, can become quite enjoyable for many. However, the biggest problem that many will run into is how to keep enough crickets around for these critters and creatures we are so fond of. It is one thing when there are only two lizards but, what do we do when there are now ten?
Many companies now days will sell bulk numbers of crickets through the mail. You can have as many as you want delivered right to your door via UPS, FedEx, etc. The hard part comes when you realize you have 1,000 crickets and don’t know what to do with them.
The most effective way to keep your crickets alive long enough to make the bulk purchase worth your while is simply to use a ten gallon tank. Of course you will want to make sure that you have a secure lid for this container. The pet stores don’t seem to mind some of them running around but you may not want this to be the case in your house.
Keep some of the egg crate that will come with your crickets and break this up into smaller pieces. Usually, you will want these to be small enough so that when you go to get the crickets out you don’t have too many. You can also throw in some of your old toilet paper rolls. This gives the crickets plenty of nooks and crannies to hide in.
If your cricket supplier doesn’t offer some sort of cricket food it is easily substituted. Feeding your large number of crickets is as easy as a handful of dog food in the bottom of the ten gallon tank.
As far as watering goes, you won’t want to put a bowl of water in the tank. This can cause mass suicide of the crickets without them even knowing they are doing it. A more reliable way is to simply cut a piece of your household sponge and soak it. Put the sponge down in a bowl and they will be able to get enough water this way.
Another handy item you can use is a small plastic see through trash can or tote. As long as these containers have a lid they can be lighter weight and easier for some. Just make sure that you can see through the plastic. Crickets do need light to be able to make it through their short lives.
With the tote or trash can method the same tubes and egg carton can still be used. Make sure that your container is deep enough so that when you reach in to get them out they don’t come jumping all over the place. It is best to keep the egg crate and paper rolls close to the bottom to help avoid this also.
Whenever you need to get a meal for all your hungry critters and creatures it is simple to get them out. If you have seen them fetch crickets for you at the local reptile store then you will know just what to do. Pick up one of the smaller pieces of paper roll or egg crate and shake off a few directly into the tank of the animal.
If you have some critters, such as spiders or scorpions that only require one or two crickets, it may be easier to just catch them in your hand and toss them into your tank.
Buying bulk crickets can be a huge money saver, if you can keep them alive. When ordering them from companies there are a few things to keep in mind. Ask if they offer the cricket food, it may be easier depending on your situation. Also, if you live in a cold climate they usually offer warmers for the container they are shipped in. This will assure that your crickets don’t freeze during the trip.
Some companies that I recommend using are www.americancricketranch.com, www.flukerfarms.com, and www.sunshinemealworms.com.
