5 replies to this topic

[Virginian_ants]

I buy crickets for my leopard geckos I first gut load them then freeze them for later, but they turn black. I know it's called insect desiccation but is this bad and if so can it be prevented.

Edited by Virginian_ants, August 2 2023 - 9:50 AM.

[ANTdrew]

Dubia roaches store much better in the freezer than crickets. They are more nutritious, too.

[Skwiggledork]

I've read if you boil them for a few seconds before freezing they won't do that, but I haven't tried it myself.

[Virginian_ants]

I buy them from the store and the Dubia's there are juvenile and come in packs of like 10 for much more the price. I have red runner roaches but they don't have a large population right now so I'm trying to let it grow so I'm trying different cheap feeder insects. My roach farm can sustain my lizards but it limits the roaches growth substantially.

[Virginian_ants]

I've read if you boil them for a few seconds before freezing they won't do that, but I haven't tried it myself.

Ok I will try that next time. (The pet store was out today.)

[Ernteameise]

Well, I have observed this, too.

My crickets turn black, too.

But I only buy a packet and freeze and use it up, so I won't store them months on end.

My ants still take the crickets and eat them.

And I assume ants have a much better sense of smell than I do and I am sure they would know if something was off.

So I keep feeding them for now.

Will get new insects next week anyways, and this time, will also try roaches.

So I will find out how that goes.