Crickets 101..I need a lesson lol

[DulcyDoll]

Ok, so I am gettin a little veiled boy in a few weeks. I will be buying crix from the local petstore (I get a employee discount from a friend) Probably at 100 at a time, i dont have much room for a large tub with crix, but i want them to be happy and healthy until they get eaten. What size container would i need to keep 100 alive for a while? I was thinking a 5 gallon aquarium with a screen lid. Inside would be a layer of paper towels, food/water "dishes" in the middle, and stacks of egg carton/crate on each side.

Does this sound ok? If not, what do I need to change? What else do i need to do, other than gut feed and clean often?
Thanks in advance

 

[Day Man]

here's what i use.. mine is a little smaller

http://www.reptilerooms.com/Sections+index-req-viewarticle-artid-97-page-1.html

 

[DulcyDoll]

Where does everyone get their egg crates/ egg flats?
You can fit 2-3,000 crickets in there??

 

[AFH]

You can buy them at some reptile stores online, but I get mine with bulk cricket orders.

 

[fear742]

find a friend who works at a restaurant. i do and i get the big egg crates saved for me from the bulk eggs that they buy. i have so many its kind of getting out of hand.

 

[FOREVER ENDEAVOR]

im sure you know,but just in case you dont, be sure to clean whatever you keep them in weekly or at least bi-weekly.. they will turn into desease bombs if not properly cared for..also try to change water(or crystals)out about every 2-3 days..i like to use orange slices for a water source..helps with the smell..lol.i find it easy to host 1000 at a time.. rubbermaids and aquariums work well

 

[Cainschams]

I would go with a rubbermaid cntainer. Its probably cheaper and as forever idea on a water surce that is the best way in my opinion. I just use the fresh fruits and veggies as a water source. Those damn cricket water pillows and that other stuff is just junk in my opinion.

 

[Canopy Chameleons]

Well, if I read that correctly, you're only going to be housing 100 at a time. The large Cricket Keepers work pretty well, if it's just for 100. It's well ventilated, easy to use, makes it easy to clean, feed and then supplement them too.

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog...icket-containers/-/lees-large-cricket-keeper/

When I use to keep a smaller amount of crickets, this worked so awesome for me. Didn't really have any escapees either. You just can't put pin head crickets or something like that in it. Even comes with little dishes for their gutload and water gel!

 

[DulcyDoll]

Yes, I know to keep the container clean.. they can really stink up the place if not kept well. No need for a "real" water source, just watery fruits and veggies (ie oranges, celery etc.) I found some crates on ebay, they are for quail eggs and it is 15 of them for around $11, (each holds 50 eggs), they should last me a little while. Styrafoam ones wont work, will they?, I have chickens and bought over 300 styrafoam cartons for giving away eggs.

Anyone else have opinions on "kricket Keepers? I was trying to steer away from them since i already have the 5 gal tank, but if they are as good as Canopy says I will have to invest in one.

 

[DulcyDoll]

Just bumping it up for more responses

Oh, and just incase anyone is interested, there is an auction on ebay for 100 silkworms for 9.99, 6.99 shipping... not sure if that is a good price, but I thought I would share the info anyway lol