Counting Pinhead Crickets?

[Dave]

Alright, this is a funny one, the bug guy has a question about bugs. How do you count Pinhead crickets? I usually do all my bug counts by weight, but I'm learning fast that Pinhead crickets have no distinguishable weight...lol

-Dave
SPF

 

[suzi]

I don't count mine but I have seen on Ghanns ( maybe or one of those places) they use a container, same concept as the scoop method for silkworm eggs, I will see if I can find it

 

[facelesdoll]

id suggest counting out a set amount and weighing them. and then just figure this many equals that weight. then when you need to count out a lot you just apply the same math. count out ten, 25, 50, and 100 and weigh the groups then divide by the number to get your exact estimated average weight

 

[suzi]

Here it is

http://www.Ghann.com/store/store_product_detail.cfm?Product_ID=23&Category_ID=4&Sub_Category_ID=1

 

[Dave]

Yea, I've seen volume counting before, but that can vary quickly with the size of the cricket. Normally what I do for any bugs we sell out of Small Pet Feeders, we weigh out 10 or so, multiply that number by 10 and then we have a good roundabout for 100. Not so easy to do so with Pinheads, which 1000 measures like 1 gram lol

I've been recommended to use test tubes, so I'll be experimenting with those methods, didn't know if anyone else had it figured out better though.

-Dave
SPF

 

[chameleonfan101]

I usually try to estimate. Let's say you need 500 then I count 50 (or a smaller number) put them in a small container and then see how much space they take then I try to fill the small container with approroxinetley another 50 (without counting them) but now you have an idea of how 50 pinheads look like inside a container. Then u just repeat 9 times to get the 500. It sounds a little complicated but it gets easier onece you get used to it. Hope this helps.

 

[suzi]

Hmmm, not sure then, now you have me wondering... I think I will ask my supplier how they do it

 

[Goldenarcher1328]

Freeze time? ( take a photo)... Thats sounds like a difficult task! i have similar trouble counting out feeder insects in the aquatic world. Ever try counting 100 swimming scud? haha. No fun. I legit take a picture of the container and count, thats how i had to do it.