Pectin Gel?

[AuroraB4Dawn]

I was looking for what type of gel I should use to keep my crickets alive, as of right now I'm short on cash for buying the polymer beads everyone seems to use. I did find that some people use Jell-O without the flavor, but I could not find unflavored jell-o. I did happen to find a small box of Pectin Gel to make jellys and jams. Would this be ok to make (unflavored of course) water for my crickets?

 

[Gail]

It shouldn't hurt them, pectin comes from apples. I don't know how well it will work though, pectin doesn't get firm like jello, it just makes things thick. The unflavored gelatin should be in the cooking isle of your grocery store in a orange box. It won't be with regular jello.

 

[AuroraB4Dawn]

Well pectin was a failed attempt it turned into a thick syrup consistency lol ill have to hunt down the jello you suggested or just suck it up and buy the polymer crystals everyone uses

 

[Paradon]

I use fruits like apples and orange...and also veggies that my bearded eat.

 

[AuroraB4Dawn]

They don't doe of dehydration? I feed them the same veggies I feed my dragon but i didn't want them to die from lack of water (water bowls make them drown)

 

[Paradon]

Veggies and fruits provide ample amount of water for them. It isn't necessary to provide a water bowl, or dish, for the crickets.

 

[AuroraB4Dawn]

Ohh i see, well that saves me $30 in water gel!

 

[Gail]

I always give my bugs extra water, the juicier the bug, the more water the dragon gets. You can wet down some cotton balls and put them in a small shallow bowl. They get gross really fast though and need to be changed almost daily.

 

[Paradon]

If you buy 500, or 1,000, at at time, they can go through the veggies and fruits really quickly at first. That's usually not a problem in the beginning, but after a while they slow down and you will have to remove any spoil fruits and veggies.

 

[Paradon]

Besides the veggies you feed your bearded, you can feed them stuff like Romaine lettuce, cucumber and oranges... At least my dubias love those in addition to the regular veggies.

 

[laurela]

Watch out for anything that may have pesticides though, I peel the skin off oranges and use that instead of gel.

 

[PonchoandDaddy]

Check the top shelf of the baking aisle in walmart. Should be above the jello. Its not made by the jello people. Orange box that will say "unflavored gelatin" I can't remember the brand to save my life. If you are still short on money let me know and I'll dig through my pantry and see if I can help. I know I have some that I will never use. Send me a PM and id be happy to send it your way. I know how money is. Sometimes I'm lucky to have $2 to put in gas to get me home.

 

[cybercat]

I came across cricket waters. They store water and have sponges or plastic with holes so crickets do not drown. I think I saw them on Mulberry site in the supplies section. Might be worth it for you since you do not want to do the veggi thing.

 

[kjinxx2]

You can buy Miracle Grow Water Crystals at Walmart for about $8, it will last you forever.

 

[Crookshanks]

I just soak a small piece of sponge to give my crickets water. Super cheap and it works great