dead crickets

[Peter Williams]

now, I can tolerate having live rodents to feed my snake, but live insects is another story for me. I've seen a bunch of kinds of canned insects at my local pet store, would this be ok to feed a leo as apposed to live crickets?

[Jay_Bunny]

I'm not sure. I've tried feeding crickets that I had accidentally squished with the feeding tongs (I use the tongs to pick up crickets from the cricket keeper and transfer them to the cage) to my leo and she refused to eat them. She prefers her food live and kicking. She won't even eat a mealworm unless its crawling along or I have to poke it to get it to move.

I've seen the canned insects and thought about it, but decided that live is better IMO. It gives the reptile some exercise and stimulates them.

Though, if you want to try the canned crickets and mealworms they have feeding dishes that vibrate so the lizard recognizes movement and is more inclined to eat the food offered even if it is already dead. I do not have experience with this, so I can't tell you if it works or not.

[Peter Williams]

ya i was planning on getting one of those vibrating dishes, if the leo doesnt eat from it i would just return it and switch to live

[Jay_Bunny]

Sounds like a plan. If you don't mind me asking, why do you not like live insects but don't mind rodents?

[Peter Williams]

I just wouldnt want crickets getting loose in my room. Sure i wouldnt want a mouse in my room either but you buy a mouse and then feed your snake, with crickets you have to keep, and feed them. I have no problem grabbing a handful of bugs and throwing them into a terrarium, but its just the thought of them escaping.

[mlededee]

what if you just don't feed crickets? you can easily keep and breed mealworms as a staple and then get silkworms and/or phoenix worms to supplement. they are all more easily contained than crickets and you shouldn't have a problem with escapees.

[Peter Williams]

ill definately consider that, thanks