A good gut load recipie

[Scottsquatch]

I was wondering if anybody had a good recipie they could share for a blended frozen gut load. I want one with a nice consistency that doesnt thaw into a runny gooy mess, but keeps its shape somewhat. Thanks guys, I am getting tired of dealing with the fresh stuff so often. I wanna do a bunch up at once and freeze it.

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

If you want, you can add some kind of gelatin to the mix so that it keeps its shape. I have seen people do this before. I am not sure what effect the gelatin would have on the chameleon, though.

 

[jamest0o0]

@CamrynTheCham22 I've heard this as well. Can't remember what people used though. Also interested to hear what recipes people use for a wet frozen gutload.

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

Yeah. I watched videos and looked at recipes of a gutload before I got my chameleon, but they all consisted of freezing the gutload and I thought, "Well its just going to melt, why would I do that?" and I just put fresh veggies and fruit in there because I am wary of putting gelatin in a mix. Freezing anything without gelatin or some other food-safe curing agent would obviously be a bad idea.

 

[jamest0o0]

@CamrynTheCham22 I've made blended mixes that I've then frozen in vacc bags. Still using them actually, why do you say they aren't safe?

 

[jamest0o0]

I actually store pretty much everything, seeds, pollen, some older veggies/fruit, frozen blended mix, and dry gutload in the freezer. Supplements go in the fridge and some other produce.

 

[JacksJill]

I wouldn't use the blender but a food processor so you get tiny 1mm chunks rather than a puree.
I use 1/3 - 1/2 of a butternut squash, a bunch of either mustard, kale or other low goitrogens greens, an apple or mango seeds removed,
juice of a lemon or orange, and a carrot or two. I try to vary the ingredients each time.
Feed it on a paper towel to reduce the juicy mess. I don't use any gelatin just because I don't need to.
This blog has good ingredients to try. https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/feeder-nutrition-gutloading.75/
Yes, freezing reduces some kinds of the available nutrients but so does any storage over time. I just wouldn't make six months worth in a batch.

 

[jamest0o0]

@JacksJill certain blenders do a great job. I invested in a ninja and it makes a perfect smoothie mix. They're expensive though. But we use it 1-2x a day so it's worth it. I prefer it over the food processor. I asked about freezing because it seemed like they were saying it was harmful in some way. Freezing and blending/processing reduces nutrients for sure, but that's why I think it's wise to add extra and a large variety. It'll surely make up for anything lost. I also do the paper towel method and smear it across. Any leftovers dry up rather than mold this way.

A variety of organic produce will easily surpass the nutrients they'd find in the wild(contrary to what many think here). I wouldn't worry too much. Veggies like watercress make a great staple green to.

 

[jamest0o0]

A nice blend mix, plus dry mix, plus random weekly fresh available produce makes the perfect gutload regime

 

[JacksJill]

I may be out of date but don't blenders require a certain amount of liquid to blend? My food processor doesn't need added liquid so that's why I use it.

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

@CamrynTheCham22 I've made blended mixes that I've then frozen in vacc bags. Still using them actually, why do you say they aren't safe?

I just thought it would be hard to feed it to the feeders because it would melt, but if you have a way that works by all means keep using it and please share!
I didn't mean to come across as if it wasn't safe. The paper towel method is smart.

 

[jamest0o0]

@CamrynTheCham22 all good. Just thought I might have been unaware of something with blenders hah.

@JacksJill yeah you're right, I just let it thaw on a paper towel though without a problem.

 

[Andee]

don't use gelatin, gelatin is animal protein based, if you feel the need to gel it, use agar agar please.

 

[Darthroastcoffee]

I’ve seen those tv ads nutribullet brakes down cell was and allows us to take in things that normally pass through the body giving more nutrients. I have no clue if it’s the same for a cricket but there’s a few things to look into

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

don't use gelatin, gelatin is animal protein based, if you feel the need to gel it, use agar agar please.

Okay glad to have that clarification. I didn't want to fully suggest it because I was unsure about it, but I have never used it because of that uncertainty.

 

[kinyonga]

You said..."I am getting tired of dealing with the fresh stuff so often"...fresh is still best IMHO.

 

[Scottsquatch]

You said..."I am getting tired of dealing with the fresh stuff so often"...fresh is still best IMHO.

Ill still use some fresh, but it would be nice to have pre-made some of the time.

 

[Andee]

How much fresh are you feeding? I only feed a handful or two to each roach colony every day, unless it's farmer's market day and I cut it up before hand for a couple days to a week. The rest of their diet is dry gutload.

 

[Scottsquatch]

A handful a day. I think I just got out of the habit a little after my colonies froze. Now that I have a colony again, I need to do it again. I'll get back in the swing of it soon enough.

 

[Andee]

Yeah they need just enough to keep them happy for about 1-2 hours, as long as you have a dry gutload otherwise you will be fine. They don't need as much of a water source as people expect.