feeder insect supply woes

[Lori P]

So when you guys order crickets online... about what percentage arrive alive? And, how long are they supposed to live-- the ones I've been getting from the pet store die off within a week. I don't buy the cricket feed, I've been feeding them veggies, fruits and water. Wonder if I'm doing something wrong?

[Ameivaboy]

So when you guys order crickets online... about what percentage arrive alive? And, how long are they supposed to live-- the ones I've been getting from the pet store die off within a week. I don't buy the cricket feed, I've been feeding them veggies, fruits and water. Wonder if I'm doing something wrong?

I lose very few crickets, I make sure they stay warm,well fed, and have a lot of egg crate and paper towl rolls to hide in.

I dont give any of my insects an actual water source, the veggies and fruits provide them with enough moisture to stay alive. I have talked to other people that have had problems with their crickets dying off quickly but I dont really see why. all I know is that humidity can kill off insect colonies very very quickly.


As far as hornworms go-
They are toxic if they are feeding on a natural diet- the special horn worm chow is ridiculously over priced in my opinion which is a major turn off for reproducing them. (you breed your own insects to save money and I dont see that happening with horn worms or silk worms)

Roaches are ridiculously over priced from most people. But they are very easy to keep and practically breed on their own (just keep em warm and feed them well). I have worked with 5-6 species of roach but am currenlty only working with dubia and orange heads.