New Leopard Gecko Owner

[ccapasso]

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I just got my first delivery of 500 crickets (hooray). Sadly, most are dead (or waking up), and I'm working with the Company on this.

That said, I may have overestimated things, as I ordered 3/4" crickets, thinking that they wouldn't be that big. Seeing them in person, they are much larger than I expected (I know, what did I expect given they are said to be 3/4"). Honestly, they seem rather large.

That said, I assume it is not likely safe to try and feed these to Anthem given his current size (if you can tell from the video above). Here's a picture of him from yesterday:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e4&oe=602326B9

[Elizabeth Freer]

I just got my first delivery of 500 crickets (hooray). Sadly, most are dead (or waking up), and I'm working with the Company on this.

That said, I may have overestimated things, as I ordered 3/4" crickets, thinking that they wouldn't be that big. Seeing them in person, they are much larger than I expected (I know, what did I expect given they are said to be 3/4"). Honestly, they seem rather large.

That said, I assume it is not likely safe to try and feed these to Anthem given his current size (if you can tell from the video above). Here's a picture of him from yesterday:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net...e4&oe=602326B9

• Was your order double-boxed?
• Did you use overnight shipping?
• How long are the crickets you've been buying locally?

I recommend 3/8" or 1/2" crickets until Anthem gets bigger. I've been ordering from Armstrong Crickets for awhile.

It seems like no matter what I've tried there's a big die-off. Blaptica dubia are much sturdier.

[ccapasso]

Not double boxed but they did use a heat pack and had food in there for them. They guarantee live arrival so I’ve contacted them (Komodo reptiles). Wasn’t next day shipping.

The ones I get local are not measured. Only classified as baby or adult. Thinking out loud they are pretty small though. Probably 1-2” or less. I chose 3/4” this round as I was thinking about the black fly larvae which is recommended at 3/4” from what I remember.

Unfortunately temps are all over in Ohio right now. This week the high is 40* F.

In talking with Komodo, they want me to wait a few hours (which I have) to make sure they wake up. Some have woken up but most are DOA. All good though. First time ordering them.

The black fly I ordered did come in alive so that’s a positive thing.

As far as roaches, I have to figure something out. My wife is not a fan of having roaches in the house lol. I could keep in garage but it is averaging about 40*F in there right now.

One other question, my Ultratherm Heat Pad arrived (yes); stupid question though: which side is up? There is a side with the copper color on it and then the other side. Which side is up and goes against the underside of the glass?

[acpart]

My favorite cricket ordering place is tophatcrickets.com. I would order 1/4". Initially you'll have to feed more of the small ones, but they'll grow and then you won't have to feed so many at once.

Aliza

[Elizabeth Freer]

One other question, my Ultratherm Heat Pad arrived (yes); stupid question though: which side is up? There is a side with the copper color on it and then the other side. Which side is up and goes against the underside of the glass?

Reptile Basics just phoned back. This person has been using Ultratherm heat mats for about 18 years.

He said stick either side of your 11 x 17 inch Ultratherm heat mat against the underside of the glass, that the looks of either side are purely cosmetic.

[ccapasso]

Couple of updates:

Anthem loves crickets now. He at 16 of the small ones in one feeding this week lol.

He also had another successful shed.

I got in some of the black fly larvae. He does not like them. I made sure to clean them off first before offering. He either bites and spits out or bites and doesn’t eat.

[Elizabeth Freer]

Couple of updates:

Anthem loves crickets now. He at 16 of the small ones in one feeding this week lol.

He also had another successful shed.

I got in some of the black fly larvae. He does not like them. I made sure to clean them off first before offering. He either bites and spits out or bites and doesn’t eat.

Try BSFL before you offer Anthem crickets.

BSFL can be tough. Did you poke a couple holes in each one with a something like a safety pin?

[ccapasso]

I did not poke any holes in them. I just made sure they were clean and clear of their substrate. I put them in a dish with the mealworms.

On Thursday I tried them as well (by themselves) and similar result

[ccapasso]

Found some slate on sale. May try and pickup. Was looking at sealer options and came across this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-B...S24Z/202919172

Says it is water based and someone in comments mentioned they used for bearded dragon.

Thoughts on it being safe to use?

[Elizabeth Freer]

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Found some slate on sale. May try and pickup. Was looking at sealer options and came across this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-B...S24Z/202919172

Says it is water based and someone in comments mentioned they used for bearded dragon.

Thoughts on it being safe to use?

The grout sealer you've linked is also "Low odor, water-based formula". In that respect it = the Miracle sealant I shared a picture of. I don't know how the other ingredients compare.

All I can say is that Geckos Unlimited member Gutler used Miracle sealant on his slate. He has 2 leos + a bearded dragon now.

For link 163 click: Slate Cheese Trays 16" x 12" (11.8 inches = actual width) x 0.3 inch for Leo Substrate . . . . . . Gutler & Odinsmom -- November 2020 (update)

How are temps measuring up with shelf liner as the substrate? Has Anthem adapted to the new arrangement of his hides?