Best gut load

[Drago]

I don't know how big the cricket crystals are but Miracle Gro makes Water Storing Crystals which contain no chemicals just swell and store water.

Their the same thing.

 

[Drago]

Well yeah, I wouldn't put dry crystals in the cricket tank either. LOL.

Well yeah, I don't put dry crystals in my cricket tank either. What would be the point? ROFLMAO, they are reconstituted. See post #11. Many of us use rehydrated water crystals IN OUR FEEDER BINS with NO issues LOL. I'm well aware of the risk of using hydrated (or dry if you're so inclined) water crystals (or cricket "bites", "total bites", etc, etc. in a cham cage which is why I DON'T use them in my cham cage.

I use the crystals once and a while if I'm gut loading without any wet foods.

So which is it? You use them or you don't.

Romaine should only be offered every once and a while, forget reason but you're not supposed to.

What do base this on? I have only heard good things about using Romaine Lettuce. Please allow me to quote a source....

The "wet" portion of the gutload, which should be your principle gutload, can includes things like (switch it up with a different couple of items every other week): dandelion leaves, squash (butternut, spaghetti), hibiscus leaves and flowers, grape leaves, orange, papaya, carrot, alfalfa sprouts, mustard greens, romaine, spearmint leaves, arugula (rocket), basil, apple, mulberries , blueberries, raspberries, peas, sunflower sprouts, small pieces of steamed (then cooled) yam, leek bulb,... Fruits and veggies such as these are important both for the nutrients they give (via the insect) to your chameleon, and also because well hydrated prey results in a better hydrated chameleon.

From here: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html

 

[Drago]

Duplicate post, mods please delete.

 

[Swayne8998]

Well yeah, I don't put dry crystals in my cricket tank either ROFLMAO Yeah I'm pretty sure most people that want to make money don't sell dehydrated WATER crystals ROFLMAO, they are reconstituted. See post #11. Many of us use rehydrated water crystals IN OUR FEEDER BINS with NO issues LOL And many of us understand the risks of using it who have HAD issues. I've read at least 3 posts of people who have lost their chams due to water crystals expanding, which is why I try to use them as sparingly as possible. LOL. I'm well aware of the risk of using hydrated (or dry if you're so inclined ...You didn't read my post. They become dehydrated once set out long enough... LMAO) water crystals (or cricket "bites", etc. in a cham cage which is why I DON'T use them in my cham cage. Why would you put them in your cham's cage?
...This really wasn't meant to turn into a pointless fight. Just my knowledge on gut loading



So which is it? You use them or you don't. Read the post again



What do base this on? I have only heard good things about using Romaine Lettuce. Please, allow me to quote a source.... Off of experienced members and online sources. LOL

The "wet" portion of the gutload, which should be your principle gutload, can includes things like (switch it up with a different couple of items every other week): dandelion leaves, squash (butternut, spaghetti), hibiscus leaves and flowers, grape leaves, orange, papaya, carrot, alfalfa sprouts, mustard greens, romaine, spearmint leaves, arugula (rocket), basil, apple, mulberries , blueberries, raspberries, peas, sunflower sprouts, small pieces of steamed (then cooled) yam, leek bulb,... Fruits and veggies such as these are important both for the nutrients they give (via the insect) to your chameleon, and also because well hydrated prey results in a better hydrated chameleon.So you use every single one of these in your gut load at once? That is basically what I'm saying. Doesn't mean you use it all the time... same with dandelion leaves.

From here: https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition-gutloading.html

No more posts on this please, this is screwing with the guy's thread. Back to discussion. Terribly sorry, folks.

 

[Drago]

nt - mods delete

 

[sandrachameleon]

...., the crickets can't stand it. I've tried using it several times, with different batches of crickets, and have even changed the consistency of how wet I make it and I've tried heating it up, but the crickets only eat just enough to stay alive....

My experience is similar. Which may simply be they dont need to eat a great deal of it, or it may be they are not as well gutloaded as they otherwise could be.
The other concern I have with bug burger is that it contains a possible carcinogen. No big deal perhaps for occassional use. But possibly an issue if this was your primary gutload.

 

[dominicthechameleon]

Some great gutload options include: apples, carrots, potatoes, squash, oranges, leafy greens, kale, collard greens, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, kale, yams, raw uncooked pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, small amounts of whole grain cereals, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, raw uncooked sunflower seeds, sweet potatoes, hibiscus leaves and flowers, papayas, mangoes, dandelion leaves, mustard greens, turnip greens, butternut squash, alfalfa sprouts, tortoise pellets, alfalfa powder, escarole lettuce, bee pollen, romaine lettuce, red lettuce, spirulina algae, winter squash, watermelon inner-skins, sweet peppers, bell peppers, melon, dried kelp, and other grains