Cricket Gutload

[wickella]

I found a place up in here in Alaska (gasp!) that breeds crickets.
She gutloads her crickets on rodent food/cat food.
Is that safe for chams?

 

[tkilgour]

I dont think it sounds good, but I dont know whats in the stuff. Personally, the crickets I get are gutloaded on broccoli, leafy greens, carrots, and other healthy foods.

 

[PNsSP]

catfood doesnt have the right proteins and such for chameleons and could b harmful in the long run... its good for the crickets tho... if ur going to feed off crickets then leave them in a separate container where they can eat veggies and fruit for 24 hrs before feeding... broccoli should b avoided too since it prevents the absorbtion of calcium

 

[bridgofaith]

I dont think it sounds good, but I dont know whats in the stuff. Personally, the crickets I get are gutloaded on broccoli, leafy greens, carrots, and other healthy foods.

I've heard that broccoli and spinach are not good for chams. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[sandrachameleon]

cat food, chicken food and rodent food wont hurt crickets, and its quite normal for cricket breeders to use such things. These do not however make for a good indirect diet for chameleons. Gutload with chameleon friendly foods for a week or more to make the crickets healthy for chameleons.

For info on what to feed crickets, see:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/75-feeder-nutrition.html
http://chameleonnews.com/?page=article&id=101

And it is true that broccoli, cabbage and spinnach should be avoided, due to oxalic acid and goitrogen levels

 

[wickella]

Thanks Sandra!!!

 

[haleybobl]

I use cricket crack, and so do many members on the forum. You can find it here: https://www.chameleonforums.com/gutload-sale-26342/