Feeding exotic pets can sometimes be a challenge, especially when their dietary needs include live insects. PetSmart, a well-known pet retailer, offers an easy and reliable solution – live crickets.
Known for their quality and convenience, PetSmart crickets have become a go-to source for many pet owners with insectivorous animals.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of PetSmart crickets, their benefits, and care tips.
PetSmart Crickets: What Are They?
PetSmart crickets are live feeder crickets sold by the pet retail chain, PetSmart. These crickets, typically of the species Acheta domesticus, are bred to be a food source for pets like reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas, and certain types of birds.
Available in different sizes to suit different pets, they are a great source of nutrition for insect-eating animals.
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Why Choose PetSmart Crickets?
Here are some reasons to choose Pet Smart Crickets:
Quality and Safety
PetSmart crickets are bred in controlled environments to ensure their health and quality. They’re free from diseases and parasites that could harm your pet, making them a safer choice compared to catching wild crickets.
Convenience
Purchasing PetSmart crickets is convenient. You can buy them in-store or online, in varying quantities based on your pet’s needs.
Nutritious
Crickets are rich in protein and other essential nutrients, making them an excellent food source for your pets.
Moreover, PetSmart crickets can be gut loaded (fed nutritious foods that will pass onto your pet) for added nutritional value.
How to Care for PetSmart Crickets
Crickets purchased from PetSmart need to be cared for properly to maintain their nutritional value and ensure they survive until they’re used as food. Here’s how:
Housing
Store your crickets in a well-ventilated container. Cricket keepers, available at PetSmart, often come with compartments for food and water, and egg crate-like material for the crickets to climb on.
Feeding
Feed your crickets high-quality cricket food or fresh fruits and vegetables. Remember, the nutrition they consume will be passed onto your pet.
Hydration
Instead of a water dish, use a water gel or sponge to provide hydration. This helps prevent the crickets from drowning.
In addition to what has already been discussed, it’s important to mention that PetSmart also offers a cricket purchasing program known as the “Cricket Club”.
This program allows frequent buyers to pre-purchase bulk quantities of crickets at a discounted price. This can be particularly advantageous for owners of large pets or multiple pets that consume a lot of crickets.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the potential for using PetSmart crickets in at-home breeding setups.
If you have multiple pets that require a steady diet of crickets, breeding your own can become a cost-effective and sustainable solution. PetSmart crickets, due to their health and quality, can serve as excellent breeders for this purpose.
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Conclusion
PetSmart crickets provide a safe, convenient, and nutritious food option for your insect-eating pets. Their high quality and ease of purchase make them a top choice among pet owners.
Moreover, with proper care, these crickets can stay healthy and nutritional until it’s time to feed your pet.
So, whether you’re a long-time exotic pet owner or just beginning your journey, consider PetSmart crickets as a reliable food source for your pet.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about crickets sold at PetSmart:
1. What types of crickets does PetSmart sell?
PetSmart typically sells live crickets, which are often used as food for reptiles and amphibians. The most common type is the house cricket (Acheta domesticus).
2. How do I store crickets purchased from PetSmart?
Keep crickets in a well-ventilated container with a lid that allows for airflow. Provide them with food and water, such as cricket food or fresh vegetables. Maintain the container at room temperature and ensure it is clean to prevent mold and odors.
3. How often should I feed my pet crickets?
Feed crickets daily with fresh food and water. Ensure they are well-fed and hydrated before offering them to your pet, as this provides additional nutritional benefits.
4. What should I do if I have a problem with crickets purchased from PetSmart?
If you encounter issues with the crickets, such as poor health or high mortality rates, contact PetSmart’s customer service for assistance or a possible refund.
5. How long do crickets live?
Crickets generally live for about 8 to 10 weeks, depending on their environment and care. Proper temperature and humidity can affect their lifespan.
6. Can I use crickets for other pets besides reptiles?
Crickets are commonly used as food for reptiles and amphibians, but they can also be used for other pets like birds or small mammals, depending on their dietary needs.
7. Are there any special considerations when buying crickets for pets?
- Size: Ensure you buy the appropriate size of crickets for your pet. Crickets come in different sizes (e.g., pinhead, small, medium, large), and selecting the right size is important for your pet’s health and safety.
- Quantity: Purchase an amount of crickets that is manageable and can be used within a short time frame to ensure freshness and avoid overcrowding.
8. How can I keep crickets healthy before feeding them to my pet?
Provide crickets with proper food, water, and a clean environment. Regularly clean their container and replace old food and water to keep them healthy.
9. Can I breed crickets at home?
Yes, breeding crickets at home is possible. Set up a breeding container with appropriate conditions (temperature, humidity) and provide food and shelter for the crickets to lay eggs. Be prepared for a larger number of crickets as they breed rapidly.
10. What are some common issues with crickets and how can I address them?
Common problems include high mortality rates, odor, and escape attempts. Address these issues by maintaining proper temperature, humidity, and cleanliness in the cricket container. Ensure the container is secure to prevent escapes.
