Fresh feeder crickets are easier to use when they stay active, dry, and comfortable after delivery. A few simple setup steps can help your live crickets last longer and stay ready for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, frogs, birds, and other insect-eating pets.
Move crickets into a ventilated container
After your order arrives, move the crickets into a smooth-sided plastic bin or cricket keeper with good ventilation. Add egg flats or cardboard tubes so the crickets have more surface area to climb and spread out. Crowding and poor airflow can shorten their life.
Keep the temperature steady
Most feeder crickets do best in a warm, stable room. Check the holding temperature with a thermometer. Avoid direct sun, cold drafts, damp basements, garages during temperature swings, and any spot where the container could overheat.
Offer dry food and safe hydration
Crickets need food and moisture, but standing water can drown them and create odor. Use dry cricket chow, leafy greens, carrot, potato, or commercial hydration gel. Remove fresh produce before it spoils.
Keep the container clean and dry
Remove dead crickets, old food, and waste every few days. A dry, clean container helps reduce odor and mold. If the bin feels humid or smells sour, improve ventilation and clean it sooner.
Choose the right size for your pet
Choose cricket size and feeding quantity using guidance for your pet's species, age and individual needs. Compare our cricket size chart before ordering; a single sizing rule does not apply to every insect-eating animal.
Order live crickets when you need them
For best results, order a quantity your pets can use while the crickets are still healthy and active. You can browse our live crickets for sale or shop live banded crickets shipped from BuyFeederCrickets.com.
Good cricket care is simple: give them airflow, warmth, dry hiding space, food, safe hydration, and a clean container. Those basics go a long way toward keeping your feeders active until feeding time.
For unpacking, housing and the difference between gut loading and dusting, see our detailed cricket care guide and references.