Cricket Keeping

[Panthergirl11]

Ok. First question. Im getting a 3 month old panther next week. Would getting 500 crickets from lllreptile be too many crickets at one time for him? Like would they grow up too fast so he couldn't eat them? Or should i just get 100 at a time for now?
Second question, when keeping crickets will they need a heat source? I've noticed at some pet stores that they have heat lamps on them. Would i need one if i'm keeping them inside? or a heating pad? temp would be 64-68 degrees since its winter.

 

[coldbloodedAL]

500 crickets would be fine, youll want to order smaller ones 1/4-1/2... they dont need any heat sources if just feeding them off. Youll realize that you go through them crickets pretty fast. Your cham at that age should be eating as much as he can(usally 15-25 crickets a day)

 

[Panthergirl11]

So if hes on 1/2 inch crickets right now its ok to order 1/4 crickets? or should i just get 1/2 inch crickets?

 

[absolutbill]

I'd go with the smaller ones (1/4"). They will grow like crazy, even though he'll be eating quite a few each day.

Michelle

 

[KatiLemons]

I agree with Al. 500 would be good BUT you want to make sure you have a good size tote w/sufficient ventilation. Also make sure that you have a good gutload to feed them. I use oranges for hydration and it helps cut back on the smell, as will the ventilation aswell.

 

[LLLReptile]

You can also have gutload shipped with your crickets for no additional shipping cost.

The only thing I would add to this is that smaller crickets can sometimes have more trouble being shipped than larger ones do. Baby crickets, like other baby creatures, are just a little more delicate.

If your crickets don't arrive in perfect shape, give us a call and try the next larger size.

-Jen