alternative to crickets

[DanDrobates]

Crickets really are a great staple. But if you are looking to supplement with other feeders a good choice would be black soldierfly larvae (sold as Phoenix worms). They have a near perfect calcium to phosphorus ratio and are high in nutrients. They are on the whole pretty small though and a bit pricey. Another alternative is dubia roaches. They are available in all sizes and are easy to maintain in a colony. The downside though is that they often play dead or hide and don’t instigate a predatory response the way crickets do. Wax worms are high in fat but can be offered sparingly or to beef up an individual that may need it. I don’t personally feed any worms due to the parasites they often carry. Nor do I recommend them. Super worms are ok but I only offer them to larger species.

[Trout hunter]

Crickets really are a great staple. But if you are looking to supplement with other feeders a good choice would be black soldierfly larvae (sold as Phoenix worms). They have a near perfect calcium to phosphorus ratio and are high in nutrients. They are on the whole pretty small though and a bit pricey. Another alternative is dubia roaches. They are available in all sizes and are easy to maintain in a colony. The downside though is that they often play dead or hide and don’t instigate a predatory response the way crickets do. Wax worms are high in fat but can be offered sparingly or to beef up an individual that may need it. I don’t personally feed any worms due to the parasites they often carry. Nor do I recommend them. Super worms are ok but I only offer them to larger species.

I appreciate the reply. I will look into the feeders you posted. Waxworms or supers may work as a side dish as they could be fed to both my amphibians and my pet leopard geckos . I have been alternating my amphibian's diet between nightcrawlers and crickets as I thought that would be natural diet for my them but now I am questioning worms about parasites which (I am unsure how this would be an issue if toads readily consume nightcrawlers and other invertebrates in the wild). I may also look into tomato hornworms or butter worms , do you have any insight on them? any reply is greatly appreciated as I am learning lots from every post I make.

[DanDrobates]

I know it seems counterintuitive when it comes to worms but I and others on the forum have had negative experiences with them as feeders. In theory it should be fine particularly since they are almost nutritionally complete but in practice I don’t recommend them. Butter worms are not bad but they are pricey. They’re actually considered an invasive species and all butterworns are irradiated before being imported to the US to prevent them from metamorphosing. Hornworms are ok as a treat but they are mostly water. They are good for dehydrated individuals or species such as chameleons that do not drink from bowls. Anything in moderation isn’t bad and they can all be offered for variety but I’d still keep crickets as you’re primary feeder

[Trout hunter]

I know it seems counterintuitive when it comes to worms but I and others on the forum have had negative experiences with them as feeders. In theory it should be fine particularly since they are almost nutritionally complete but in practice I don’t recommend them. Butter worms are not bad but they are pricey. They’re actually considered an invasive species and all butterworns are irradiated before being imported to the US to prevent them from metamorphosing. Hornworms are ok as a treat but they are mostly water. They are good for dehydrated individuals or species such as chameleons that do not drink from bowls. Anything in moderation isn’t bad and they can all be offered for variety but I’d still keep crickets as you’re primary feeder

Agreed. crickets are a primary feeder as they are readily available in all pet stores in my area as well as they are easily gut loaded and provide a natural hunting oppertunity for my toads. How could you tell if nightcrawlers have past parasites to amphibians. Once mealworms or supers transform into the brown beetles are they still an option to feed?

[Larry Wardog]

Crickets really are a great staple. But if you are looking to supplement with other feeders a good choice would be black soldierfly larvae (sold as Phoenix worms). They have a near perfect calcium to phosphorus ratio and are high in nutrients. They are on the whole pretty small though and a bit pricey. Another alternative is dubia roaches. They are available in all sizes and are easy to maintain in a colony. The downside though is that they often play dead or hide and don’t instigate a predatory response the way crickets do. Wax worms are high in fat but can be offered sparingly or to beef up an individual that may need it. I don’t personally feed any worms due to the parasites they often carry. Nor do I recommend them. Super worms are ok but I only offer them to larger species.

This is solid advice! Josh's Frogs has good deals on repti worms

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