insect water crystals

[ElleArranda]

Hello all!
I have purchased water crystals for the feeders to drink. After looking at the ingredients, it looks like it's the same thing as the Miracle-Gro water crystals for plants. Are they the same thing? Is it actually healthy to hydrate crickets with plastic?
How else can give them moisture?

 

[GrannyK]

I’ve never thought of this, wondering the same thing now… lol I use those and didn’t give it a second thought because it sold for feeders.

 

[Tkrd69]

I give my feeders apples, potatoes and bananas.

 

[Andee]

Feeders can get moisture/fluids from healthy fruits and veggies. Just feed a large variety and try to stick to what would be good for your reptiles overall.

 

[elizaann2]

Feeders get their hydration from their food. I do apples and orange slices for hydration.

 

[GrannyK]

Thanks!! I am going to discontinue use. I didn’t think the fruits and veggies provided enough moisture.

 

[ElleArranda]

I have no problem switching to food-food for my feeders. However, I'm still curious if the water crystals for plants are the same thing. (My boss uses them for his chameleon annnddddd I don't want to correct him unless I'm SURE it's bad.)

 

[Andee]

Shouldnt be any different. Just remove water crystals from their rotation. In fact they should do much better with it/prefer it. And they will gain beneficial nutrients for themselves and to pass on. Your colonies will do better. But i dont leave anything that lasts more than 24 hours in at once.

 

[SauceGandhi]

Always felt water crystals were a scam... never really understood it. Even if you needed max hydration, you can buy this thing called lettuce, which is basically all water

 

[Flick boy]

Yeah wouldn't use them my dubia are over 2 years old and my last adult locusts where over 1 never any water or crystals , ( don't QUOTE me ) but I think I read somewhere or them causing issues in reptiles ,

 

[Andee]

I think it was the calcium/fortified ones causing issues. But to be honest theres just such better options out there. I used crystals like ages ago. In the 90s early 2000s when i knew nothing. But once i started breeding roaches etc its all been produce and chow (with chow being homemade and 50% of the produce grown in the last 10 years)

 

[Tkrd69]

@Gingero or @DeremensisBlue might know more about this

 

[Gingero]

I don't personally use or recommend water crystals and instead allow my bugs to get their hydration from the natural gutload I use including a variety of fruits, veggies, etc.