Feeding Live Crickets Pros and Cons | Are Crickets Worth It
Live crickets are one of the most commonly used feeder insects in Australia, especially for reptiles like bearded dragons, geckos, and other small lizards.
While they can be an effective feeder, crickets also come with a number of drawbacks that many reptile keepers don’t realise until they start using them regularly.
Quick summary: Crickets are affordable and stimulate feeding, but they can be noisy, smelly, and difficult to keep alive.
Benefits of Feeding Live Crickets
Crickets have been used as feeder insects for decades, and they offer several advantages.
Strong Feeding Response
The movement of live crickets naturally triggers a hunting response in reptiles, making them especially useful for fussy eaters.
Widely Available
Crickets are easy to find and are often one of the first feeder insects available to new reptile owners.
Suitable for Many Species
They can be fed to a wide range of reptiles, from hatchlings to adults depending on size.
For feeding quantities, see: How Many Crickets to Feed Your Reptile
Downsides of Feeding Crickets
Despite their popularity, crickets come with several well-known issues.
High Mortality Rates
Crickets are sensitive to their environment and can die quickly if conditions are not ideal.
If you're experiencing this, read: Why Your Crickets Keep Dying
Smell and Waste
Crickets produce a noticeable smell, especially when kept in large numbers or in poorly maintained enclosures.
Noise
Adult male crickets chirp, which can become frustrating in indoor environments.
Escape Risk
Crickets are quick and can easily escape if containers are not secure.
Poor Nutrition
While crickets don't have terrible nutrition, there are better options, such as Dubia Roaches and Wood Roaches (woodies).
Short Lifespan Window
They grow quickly, meaning you have a limited time to use them before they become too large or start dying off.
How Crickets Compare to Dubia Roaches
Many reptile keepers start with crickets but later switch to dubia roaches for convenience and consistency.
| Factor | Crickets | Dubia Roaches |
| Smell | Moderate to strong | Very low |
| Lifespan | Short | Long |
| Noise | Yes | None |
| Ease of Care | Moderate to difficult | Easy |
You can explore dubia roaches here:
For a deeper comparison, see: Dubia Roaches vs Crickets Which Is Better
When Crickets Are a Good Choice
- encouraging a reluctant reptile to eat
- feeding smaller reptiles or hatchlings
- Adding variation to your reptiles diet
- providing enrichment through hunting behaviour
In these situations, crickets can be a useful part of a varied diet.
When to Consider Alternatives
If you're dealing with frequent die-offs, smell, or maintenance issues, it may be worth switching feeders.
Dubia roaches are often chosen because they:
- are easier to keep alive
- require less maintenance
- provide consistent feeding sizes
This makes them a reliable long-term feeding option.
Complete Feeder Guide
Choosing the right feeder insect depends on your reptile, setup, and experience level.
Learn more here: Complete Guide to Feeder Insects in Australia
