Other
Crickets (live, gut-loaded)
Common feeder insect for insectivorous reptiles and amphibians, offering protein and moisture.
Who can eat it
Bearded dragonsLeopard geckosFrogs and other amphibiansSome birds
Not suitable for
DogsCatsSmall herbivorous mammals
Benefits
- Movement stimulates natural hunting behaviour
- Good staple feeder insect when gut-loaded and dusted correctly
- Widely available in a range of sizes
Risks
- Uneaten crickets can bite a sleeping or unwell reptile
- Poor gut-loading leaves them nutritionally thin
- Wild-caught crickets may carry pesticides or parasites
Preparation and serving
- Preparation
- Feed the crickets a nutritious gut-load for at least 24 hours, then dust with calcium powder before offering.
- Serving guidance
- Offer only as many as the animal will eat within about 15 minutes; remove the rest.