Feeder Breeding supplies

[BudWeiser]

I've compiled a list of supplies to start my cricket breeding.

Am I missing anything?

. 2 bins (storage tubs)
. Dirt
. Oatmeal (gut loader)
. Lettuce ( hydration,nutrients)
. Packing tape ( place on sides of bin prevent from crawling and escaping)
. Dog food (food)
. Egg cartons, paper towel rolls (housing)
. Cylinder (counting out crickets)

 

[BudWeiser]

Justing bumping it up

 

[mychamtini112012]

Oatmeal and dog food aren't very good for food or gutloading. You need more of a variety, and although I don't know a lot about oatmeal, I know dog food is something you should stay away from. Good things to gut load with are organic fruits and vegetables. Carrots, apples, squash, different types of greens. Also a good dry gutload is good, you can either make your own or buy some from the site sponsors.

 

[drcrossfire]

I would use water crystals instead of lettuce-- you can buy them for like 10 dollars for 12 oz (which makes 12 gallons) @ home depot.

instead of dog food-- might want to try alfalfa? You can get it at a feed store for $14 per 50 lbs bag.

oh.. and oatmeal isn't a gutload.

 

[Solid Snake]

The lettuce is, not the greatest idea
Oranges work awesome for keeping them hydrated Just switch some orange slices out every few days
The lettuce has next to nothing of nutritional value, and will go bad/dry out much faster.
Turnip greens is what you want
Dog food is a very bad idea
It likely contains animal protein, as well as preservatives and other chemicals you do not want!

Here is sandrachameleons blog, it has a TON of info on the best things to use for gutloading. https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/575-january-2012-dry-gutload-recipe.html

Even if you are just trying to keep the crickets alive for breeding purposes, there are still things you want to avoid feeding them. IMO.
Good luck!

 

[BudWeiser]

Thanks for the advice. I've seen ALL over the internet that dog food and carrots.
I've also heard of just damp paper-towels for drinking.

Other than food everything else looks good?

 

[Solid Snake]

Thanks for the advice. I've seen ALL over the internet that dog food and carrots.
I've also heard of just damp paper-towels for drinking.

Other than food everything else looks good?

Yes that works for mass production of unhealthy feeders maybe.(fish bait)
You will need healthy ones though

How are you going about it?
Are you going to put dirt in one bin, and let them lay and hatch in there?
Or are you going to put dirt in containers, and let them lay, them remove the containers for hatching?

 

[Canny Chams]

dont use lettuce for hydration, if you want just hydration use water crystals, if you want to add some substance and nutrients you definately should use ORGANIC oranges. They are very good for hydration, lots of water, and have a very good calcium to phosphorus ratio. I put the emphasis on organic because oranges and citrus fruits will recieve extremely strong pesticides to get through the thick skin, it is probably one of the worst things to feed non-organic, but its definately great when it is organic. As a gutload Dog food is a nono, some people say it takes a day to get the dog food out of their system and some people say it takes weeks, instead just use a good dry commercial gutload like repashy superload or make your own, check out sandrachameleons blog she has a great recipe.

 

[BudWeiser]

Yes 2 bins. 1 bin for adults. 2nd bin will be for babies.. I will be placing containers of dirt in the bin with females. Females will deposit eggs in the containers of soil and the containers will be transferred to the baby bin.

Ok, thanks for the input. I'm totally new to this. I was surprised of the demand in my area and eagerness for the stores to work with local breeders.

So, for food besides alfalfa what's good?
Do the oranges only count for hydration or as food too?

 

[drcrossfire]

Yes 2 bins. 1 bin for adults. 2nd bin will be for babies.. I will be placing containers of dirt in the bin with females. Females will deposit eggs in the containers of soil and the containers will be transferred to the baby bin.

Ok, thanks for the input. I'm totally new to this. I was surprised of the demand in my area and eagerness for the stores to work with local breeders.

So, for food besides alfalfa what's good?
Do the oranges only count for hydration or as food too?

Depends on what you are trying to do... if you are feeding off from your colony constantly, you will want a good dry mix with a good nutritional balance. If you are separating out your feeders (for a while, not just a day) then, the balance isn't quite as necessary in the growth phase.

Alfalfa is a good cheap staple that will probably save you money and increase the quality of your feeders (as opposed to dog food)... oranges are a food/hydration method, but can't be a main food source for lack of protein.

Really, if you keep alfalfa, water crystals, then a constant pile of vegetable/fruit scraps (remains from what you eat), you should be fine.

ie: http://www.ruralking.com/alfalfa-cu...&cvsfa=1908&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=303034363530323233

 

[BudWeiser]

I set it up.. Going to pick up some crickets now.
Will post pics of setup after I tweak it.

 

[BudWeiser]

I bought 25 crickets. 15 female and 10 male. So should I count 7 days starting now until I remove the egg laying dish or start the 7 days after the 1st sighting of female in the dish?

 

[Whatcamo]

Just make it easy on yourself and go 7 days from now