Preparing Gutload in "Bulk"?

[Corwin's Keeper]

Hello All,

Quick question. I currently use this gutload for the crickets I feed my Leopard Gecko (originally found here):

For the crickets and mealworms, feed them this diet prior to using them as feeders
24 pbw whole wheat flour (not self rising)
8 pbw calcium carbonate with vitamin D3 (I like the ZooMed ReptiCalcium)
4 pbw brewer's yeast (Not baker's yeast. Nutritional yeast will do the trick!)
3 pbw soy flour (if you can find the defatted kind great)
1 pbw paprika (this is to provide beta carotene)

As instructed I mix this 1:1 with applesauce as well. My question is has anyone tried mixing this in "bulk" and leaving it, say, in the fridge in a container and just scooping it out? I currently find myself mixing a new (very small) batch of the stuff every other day. Just wondering if anyone has had any luck mixing a larger batch and it not spoiling. Thanks!

P.S. I am referring to mixing it with the applesauce. I have a container of the dry ingredients already mixed together.

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

I would think that a good way to store it pre-mixed with apple sauce would be to put it in ice cube trays and freeze it. Then just pull out however many cubes worth you need at a time and thaw. Maybe shoot Maurice a PM and see what he does.

 

[MauricesExoticPets]

Mix the applesauce in at the time of use otherwise the dry ingredients are fine mixed ahead of time.

Maurice Pudlo

 

[Corwin's Keeper]

Thanks for the response!

 

[EyeintheSky57]

Why the applesauce?

I have been using the same recipe but giving it dry to both crickets and mealworms.

I can see the crickets eating it but no idea about the mealworms.

Additionally, Does the applesauce act as water for either the crickets or the mealworms?

 

[MauricesExoticPets]

Exactly, the fruit portion os nothing more than a source of hydration, most insects will consume more of the ingredients found in the gut load when it is combined with a favorite fruit.

Maurice Pudlo

 

[Corwin's Keeper]

Exactly, the fruit portion os nothing more than a source of hydration, most insects will consume more of the ingredients found in the gut load when it is combined with a favorite fruit.

Maurice Pudlo

:evil: I've been providing the mixed gutload and water crystals this entire time!

 

[MauricesExoticPets]

Doing so is not a problem, the insects usually prefer fruit based hydration over water crystals if given the choice and their nutritional needs arent fully supported buy the dry diet.

In the case of a high calcium content gut load, calcium isn't something insects are exactly jumping all over themselves to eat, a bit of enticing goes a long way.

Maurice Pudlo