Crickets are the most popular feeder insect. However, this may be seem a little odd if you survey the reptile community. Many experience keepers prefer superworms or dubias over crickets. Some of the common complains with crickets is that they small, and that they will bite. And if their habitat is not properly cared for, they can also get parasites, which can harm your pet.
But they are popular for many reasons. First, they are packed with lean protein. This protein content is great for young dragons. Young dragons need alot of protein to grow, and they'll enjoy the hunt of chasing down the crickets. Additionally, crickets breed much faster than dubias and superworms. This means they are in more abundance, which means you can get more crickets for less money compared to superworms.
Crickets are a good food source for your reptiles. But a good reptile keeper will know to vary their diet with other insects.
[post_title] => Are Crickets the Best Food for Reptiles
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Composting Grubs to Kick Start Composting
Composting bins can be found in every gardeners arsenal. This is great way to breakdown food waste and scraps, to create nitrogen-rich fertilizer. But sometimes our compost bins need a boost. And composting grubs (black soldier fly larvae) are a great addition to any compost pile. They will break down nearly any food waste product, including meat, dairy, oily products, citrus, and everything else. This means they are superior than red worms in composting. And will yield an amazing fertilizer for your lawn and garden.
Additionally, composting grubs are great for chickens. If you're a homesteader who composts and keeps chickens, then this can be a dual purpose activity that will net compost and healthy chickens with great eggs.
Learn more about our composting grubs and why they are the best way to get a compost bin started.
[post_title] => Composting Grubs - Get your compost bin started
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Every month, we're giving away a year supply of free feeder insects.
And the rules are simple:
Post a picture of your amazing pet, their kooky personalities, their adventurous habitats or anything else pet related (important: the month that your picture is posted, is the monthly contest that you are eligible to win). But how do I do this? Click the Start a Topic button in the upper right hand corner. Upload your picture, and give it the title Cricket Contest.
Collect the most Critter Gold for the month (read below to find out more information on Critter Gold)
And Boom! You just won a year supply of FREE crickets
What is Critter Gold and how do I collect it?
Critter Gold is a reward system (see here). Every community member has the opportunity to reward interesting posts with Critter Gold. If you want to win a year supply of free crickets, post an interesting picture of your pet or habitat so that community members will reward your post with gold.
And anytime you see amazing animals, interesting habitats, or anything else that strikes your fancy, be sure to reward that post with Critter Gold as well.
Announcing the Winners!
The winner will be announced within 48 hours by the end of each month.
The winner will be awarded a coupon code for 500 free crickets. This coupon code will be honored for 12 purchases. Winners may also use these coupons to purchase other feeders like superworms, dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larva.
Winners may continue posting pictures, topics, and questions. But they are not eligible to win until 12 months since they won.
And we will keep a running list of the winning posts listed here.
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[post_content] => Even during the winter months, it's important that we feed our bearded dragons and leopard geckos. Shipping live crickets is challenging. But an experienced vendor will know how to package so that they survive the transit.
But what do you do after you receive the crickets? There are many things cricket keepers need to know. First, they need temps between 75-90 degrees. So if it's frosty outside, you'll need to keep them inside. You may hesitate at this thought due to cricket odor. So use vermiculite for their bedding material. This will help absorb any odor that may build up.
Crickets will also do better with higher humidity. This is challenging because higher humidity can yield stronger odors. So again, use vermiculite for the bedding. Humidity levels should be about 70%.
And as usual, gut load your crickets. You can use Critter Depot's gut load. Or you can gut load them yourself with fresh vegetables. These fresh vegetables will also hydrate them.
You can follow this guide on how to care for crickets in the winter months.
[post_title] => How to care for Crickets in the Cold
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[post_content] => I need clarification on enclosure temperature gradient, heat sources, & feeding.
What is considered the ‘Basking Surface’? Is this the floor of the warm side or the surface of the hide on the warm side?
During the day on the warm side of my tank, a thermometer 2 inches from the floor reads 91 and inside the warm hide is 88. The surface of the warm hide can reach 97.
Does there need to be a heat source at night?
I only use a heat lamp and a UVA/UVB lamp during the day & turn them off at night. At night, the temperature in the tank does not drop below 67 degrees on the cool side and 73 on the warm side.
I’m in Florida and sun is up by 7am and goes down around 830pm. Lights mirror those times. According to when lights turn on, what would be the best times to feed?
[post_title] => New Leopard Gecko Owner
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Bearded Dragon Care Guide
On behalf of all the bearded dragons - we wish to thank you for learning proper bearded dragon care and husbandry. Our bearded dragon care guide will cover the following topics:
Habitat Design and set up
temperatures
bedding
light
furniture
Feeding Schedule and appropriate feeders
Crickets
Roaches
superworms
black soldier fly larvae
Cleaning Schedule (for both the bearded dragon and habitat)
spot cleaning
weekly cleaning
monthly cleaning
Brief Introduction to the Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are native to Australia and the family Pogona is comprised of seven different species. The inland dragon (Pogona vitticeps), is most common in the pet reptile trade. This species thrives in captivity, with over 250,000 animals being produced in captivity per year. They get their name from the ‘gular’ (throat) beard used for both offensive and defensive displays.In Australia, dragons may be found in both temperate and tropical climates. The humidity in these environments can vary dramatically, and the dragons may be found in very arid to very humid environments. They are extremely adaptable, omnivorous, and may be found in woodland, scrubland, and grasslands.Bearded dragons are a diurnal, sun-loving species who prefer to bask in the morning and late afternoon hours in temperatures that approach and exceed 100 F. They can grow to a length of 22 inches from snout to tail tip and live up to 14 years, with proper care.
Where should I get a Bearded Dragon From?
Although some keepers have had very good luck with big box pet stores that sell beardies, there are also many horror stories of poor husbandry and neglect. Instead, look for independent bearded dragon breeders who have a track record of excellent breeding discipline. Start by researching breeders who have an online presence. Read all reviews about them first, and then call them and talk with them if you can’t drive to the location. If the breeder is friendly, knowledgeable and fairly easy to get ahold of (and returns email or voice mails promptly) then you are off to a good start. This may be the most important step in the whole procedure and is more likely to increase your odds of getting a fine animal than sticking only with the breeders closest to you. Use your intuition. If something seems off about your interactions, then move on.
Buying Bearded Dragons Online
It may seem uncanny, but many breeders successfully ship bearded dragons across the country. When deciding on a breeder who will ship, be sure to establish a relationship with them well in advance. Breeders of excellent stock will have a passion for what they are doing.
First, look up what people are saying about them. A lot of bad experiences could be avoided with a quick Google search. Almost all breeders have a Facebook page, so checkout the reviews on them. Do they originate from an independent source like Facebook or Google? Or are they just text on the breeder’s website that you can’t verify?
Next, you want to look at the breeder’s animals. Not just the animal you are thinking about buying. Step back and look at all the breeder’s animals. This is particularly useful at reptile expos where there is an entire display in front of you, but you can do this when buying online as well. Do the animals look healthy? Are they skinny or too young to sell? Are they in overcrowded conditions? Are a disturbing number of them labeled “nips” because they lost a toe or the end of their tail to a cage mate? If the animals don’t look well cared for then find a different breeder, even if the animal you want looks healthy. You want your pet to come from a professional who takes care of all his animals.Finally, spend a few minutes talking to the breeder. If you are buying online then get them on the phone. It only takes a few minutes to make sure that they are knowledgeable and willing to answer your questions. Some breeders are more available than others. Some even have a reputation for rudeness. Buying a new pet should be a joyous experience. If you don’t feel good about a particular breeder, don’t let it ruin your day. Just move on to the breeder that is right for you. At the end of your conversation, you should feel confident that the breeder will be available to help you after you bring your new pet home.”
Building Your Bearded Dragon Habitat
Although young bearded dragons don’t require a huge enclosure, if you want your pet to reach its full length, then begin with nothing smaller than a 55 gallon tank and go to a 75 gallong tank when your pet reaches 18 inches in length. These are primarily terrestrial animals that enjoy climbing a little. But don't confuse them for arboreal species like crested geckos. Therefore a horizontal tank is highly recommended for their comfort and maximum growth.Designing an enclosure for your bearded dragon can be challenging and fun. It helps to think like a dragon as you get started. What would be fun to climb on? To bask on? Then proceed to plan the branches, plants, and ledges or hammocks your dragon will enjoy.
Substrate
Aromatic woods such as pine and cedar should be avoided as they can cause lung and eye irritation. A 1-2 inches covering of bark or pebbles substrate provides a sanitary, attractive, and relatively dry bedding. Keepers living in environments with high ambient humidity such as Florida may not want a fibrous substrate, as it will tend to hold too much moisture and provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Large gravel (not sand) or reptile carpet is a better choice for naturally humid regions.
Temperature
Provide your dragon with a basking spot with a temperature of 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit and an ambient temperature of 78 to 80 degrees. In fact, nowhere in the habitat should the ambient temperature be less than 75 degrees. Keep it warm but not blistering (of course). It is also important to give your dragon a choice, so most keepers provide heat on one side only. A basking lamp must be carefully placed so that it can never exceed 100 degrees F at the closest possible point to the dragon. Many experienced keepers recommend an under-tank heating mat, especially for night time usage, in addition to the basking lamp.
Humidity
An average humidity of 40% is needed. This is much lower than many reptiles require. The bearded dragon that is most popular in the pet trade is not a tropical species, but more of a desert dweller. Excess humidity on a regular basis can lead to disease. Humidity can be elevated to 55% when the beardie is molting, but should then be lowered again after shedding is complete, including the tail, toes and head. So even though many reptiles require humidifiers, bearded dragons are not one of those species.
Lighting
The bearded dragon is one of those lizards that needs regular exposure to UVB light. Direct sunlight is actually the best option, but many apartment dwellers cannot provide a separate outdoor sunning cage for their dragon. If your dragon does not have access to bright sunlight, a special light will be required to provide the UVB wavelength. Referred to as ‘black lights’ they are readily available through many pet supply outlets. This is NOT the same kind of black light used for psychedelic experiences (Oh wow man, bummer). It is a source of light in the 290-320 nanometer range. Zoo Med's reptile lights, and Durotest's Vita-Lite are two good products. These UVB light sources should be replaced every six months.
Feeding your Bearded Dragon
Green Food - The Does and Don’ts of leafy green vegetablesNot everything considered a super food for people is good for your beardie. While not necessarily poisonous in the strictest sense, they contain very high amounts of oxalic acid, which binds calcium, making it unavailable for metabolic use. For instance, Swiss chard contains 645 mg of oxalates per 100 grams of leaf matter, mustard greens contain 7.7 mg of oxalates per 100 grams of leaf matter. The clear winner here is….mustard greens.
On the do not feed at all list (in my book) are: Swiss Chard, Spinach, Beet Tops, Parsley, and Collard Greens.
On the feed occasionally list are: Kale, Mustard Greens, Watercress, Dandelion greens, and Escarole, Cilantro, and Bok Choy.
On the feed daily list are: endive, radicchio, chicory, turnip greens.
Beardies love blue berries, but only provided those that are fresh and thoroughly washed. Some keepers have had very bad experiences with frozen blueberries that they assumed were well-washed, but in reality were soaking in pesticides (something for the human consumer to be aware of as well). My policy is to only feed fresh berries that I have washed myself and to cut them up into small pieces (even the blueberries get cut in half). Do not feed chilled fruit under any circumstances, room temperature only.Insect foodsBeardies are usually pretty good eaters and feeding them invertebrates is kind of fun. However, they have an extremely short digestive tract, and for that reason some food items suitable for some reptiles will not work for beardies. Do not feed mealworms, for this very reason. They are not particularly high in protein, are fatty, and are comprised mainly of hard exoskeleton segments callled chitin. These indigestible bits rob your beardie of nutrients and may even lead to impaction of the gut. Black soldier fly larvae are an ideal feeder, as are dubia roaches and the crickets. Feed these items on a rotating basis twice per day for an adult, and 4 times per day for a juvenile. VegetablesIn my book, nothing beats the convenience of food items from the cucurbit family. Summer squash, butternut squash, spaghetti squash, acorn squash, and cucumbers are just of few of the selections in that family that your pet will love. Add the occasional serving of finely chopped carrots and green bell peppers and your dragon will thrive. These foods can be provided daily and left in the enclosure all day with no problem, although I always remove the uneaten bits the next day for sure.Supplements and Pelleted FoodThere are some dandy pelleted foods for BD consumption, most of which contain 20% protein or higher. They also come with vitamins and minerals built in. For instance, Zoo Med Bearded Dragon Food is reasonably priced, 24% protein, well balanced with calcium and other nutrients, and is generally highly palatable to most beardies. I prefer providing fresh foods on a daily basis when home, but when traveling I will certainly put some of these out so a pet sitter doesn’t have to fool with a complicated feeding regimen. Just be aware that if you do feed these on a regular basis, do not add supplements to your beardie’s other foods. Some additives that are critical for proper nutrition in small amounts can be toxic with overdone. It is wise to get to know which supplements are harmless to overdo, such as Vitamin C, and which, like Vitamin A and D3,can become toxic quite quickly. Frequent rotation of foods and knowledge of the basics of adequate nutrition and safety considerations are among the top 3 ways for keeping your dragon happy and healthy (along with proper environmental conditions and sanitation). Your bearded dragon’s diet should be composed of approximately 85% insects, with fruits and vegetables making up the remaining 15%. So each meal should be comprised of about 50% live insects, 20% worms, and no more than 15% vegetable matter.The size of the live prey you choose will depend on whether or not the dragon can both swallow and digest it. When in doubt, consider the width of the diner. That is, prey should be no wider than the widest part of the lizard’s head. As with most reptiles that depend upon a diet primarily composed of insects, supplementation will be necessary. Calcium is probably the most important element in order to avoid the occurrence of metabolic bone disease. Calcium supplementation should be added to the food weekly and a multivitamin supplement every 2 weeks, weekly for juveniles. Regular dusting of prey items with a supplement such a ReptiCal is most important for young dragons - older animals that are closer to adult size need supplements less frequently. In addition to dusting, many keeper also gut load the feed items. “Gut loading” means placing the feeder insects on an enriched diet for at least 24 hours prior to being offered to your dragon. This enhances the nutritional value of the insects substantially. A purchased supplement such as those offered by reptile hobby stores is easily available and affordable. The convenience of a dry gut load diet, purchased from a pet supply house, is undeniable. However, many experienced breeders and keepers have found these products inadequate, so for the really persnickety keeper (and you know you should be) the following formula for gut loading your feeder crickets is suggested.
24 pbw whole wheat flour (not self rising)
8 pbw calcium carbonate powder with vitamin D3 (unless UVB lighting is provided)
4 pbw brewer's yeast (Not baker's yeast).
3 pbw soy powder
1 pbw paprika (this is to provide beta carotene)
The ‘pbw’ stands for parts by weight, whatever that weight may be. Think of this formula as a table of ratios. For instance, if you begin with 24 tablespoons of whole wheat, you would add 8 tablespoons of calcium carbonate and so forth. So for every unit of whole wheat flour, you would add 1/3 as much of the same unit of calcium powder and so forth. Place your feeder insects onto this feed for 24 hours at least and then release the needed amount into your dragon’s habitat. Gut loading is a superior means of assuring your lizards nutrition, but it should not be used instead of a complete supplement, but rather in addition. Lastly, always make sure your pet’s food source is healthy. Purchasing feeder insects from a reputable pet supply, and not using wild-caught items, is the best way to keep your dragon from contracting internal parasite infections. Also be sure to thoroughly wash all vegetables and fruits before feeding them to your dragon (or buy organic) to avoid the ingestion of pesticides.
Habitat Cleaning
Frequent cleaning of the tank is necessary because of the prodigious amount of poo that dragons will put into the Bearded. Spot cleaning of the substrate may be an every other day task. Below is a proposed schedule for dragon maintenance:
Every other day: Spot remove any feces that you see.
Weekly: Remove and dispose of the top 1 inch of bedding and replace with fresh. If using reptile carpet, remove and cleanse with soap and hot water weekly.
Monthly: Remove all furniture, plants, and any gravel bedding or other substrate completely. The entire habitat should be sprayed with 10% bleach and allowed to dry for 2 hours. Do not use scented bleach. Plainly, during this time your dragon needs to be elsewhere.
If the habitat has a glass side (which the front probably does), spray with vinegar after the bleach has been applied and removed. Wipe down again for better visibility. After wiping down, wait another ½ hour, install sanitized gravel and fresh substrate or sterilized carpet and reposition any sanitized furniture and plants. These measures will help to guarantee a pathogen free environment for your pet.General Husbandry ConsiderationsMBD - Two factors which predispose beardies to metabolic bone disease are improper calcium to phosphorus ratios in the diet and lack of Vitamin D3 due to inadequate UVB exposure. In the wild these animals would be able to manufacture their own D3 through exposure to full spectrum sunlight, just as humans do. But an animal in an artificial habitat with improper lighting must be supplemented with ingestible Vitamin D3. Sounds easy enough, especially since cheap and palatable powdered supplements are readily available. But wait, there’s a catch to this approach. Before delving into that, let’s look at how MBD manifests.Symptoms of MBD can be mild and hard to detect at first. They may begin with mild weakness, poor digestion, and slow growth, and graduate to more severe neurological signs such as tetany, tremors, and even convulsions. Vertebrae and long bones may fracture, resulting in full or partial paralysis, and skeletal deformities such as bowed or swollen legs and jaws, are all possible. As this wasn’t enough, the mandible and maxilla will become rubbery and deformed and will bend if gentle pressure is applied from both sides and teeth will be loose. The beardie may not even be able to move or stand due to the inability to support its own body weight. It can be fatal, but it can also be cured, although recovery can take many months. All of these symptoms are a direct result of decalcification of the bones. It is not enough to merely supply plenty of calcium supplements to the food item and assume that this will do the trick, for without the added component of D3, that animal cannot metabolize the calcium and it passes out of the body, unused. In a similar fashion, foods with too much phosphorus can inhibit proper metabolic absorption of calcium. As if this wasn’t enough to grapple with, D3 in large amounts can be toxic! It’s a complicated system, and one that many new keepers get wrong. Researching this topic thoroughly and relying on the experience and successful formulations of long-time keepers can keep your beardie balanced.Happy Herping!
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[post_content] => This is my emperor scorpion named Hades. He loves to eat dub roaches, crickets, and superworms. I usually feed him dubia roaches, but sometimes I switch it up and feed him superworms or crickets. I do occasionally handle him, but not too often. He uses his giant claws to kill his prey instead of stinging it with its tail. I estimate that Hades is 3-4 years old, but I am not too sure because the original owner that I bought him from also did not know his age.
[post_title] => Cricket Contest - April 2022 Winner
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[post_content] => This is my Mexican Red Knee Tarantula. He likes to eat all sort of critter such as crickets, superworms, and dubia roaches. The name of my tarantula is Palpatine like the Star Wars character. Palpatine is usually friendly unless provoked, but sometimes he can act aggressive. I think it is a juvenile because he is around 3 inches long.
[post_title] => Cricket Contest - May 2022 Winner!
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Why are Crickets so Popular
Crickets are the most popular feeder insect. However, this may be seem a little odd if you survey the reptile community. Many experience keepers prefer superworms or dubias over crickets. Some of the common complains with crickets is that they small, and that they will bite. And if their habitat is not properly cared for, they can also get parasites, which can harm your pet.
But they are popular for many reasons. First, they are packed with lean protein. This protein content is great for young dragons. Young dragons need alot of protein to grow, and they'll enjoy the hunt of chasing down the crickets. Additionally, crickets breed much faster than dubias and superworms. This means they are in more abundance, which means you can get more crickets for less money compared to superworms.
Crickets are a good food source for your reptiles. But a good reptile keeper will know to vary their diet with other insects.
[post_title] => Are Crickets the Best Food for Reptiles
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