How Many Crickets to Feed Your Reptile | Feeding Guide
One of the most common questions reptile owners ask is how many crickets they should be feeding. Feeding the right amount is important for growth, health, and preventing long-term issues.
The answer depends on your reptile’s size, age, and activity level, as well as the size of the crickets being offered.
Quick Takeaway: Knowing how many cricket to feed is going to require your judgement moreso then what we can tell you.
Factors That Affect Feeding Amount
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all number. The correct feeding amount depends on several key factors.
Age
Younger reptiles require significantly more protein to support growth.
Size
Larger reptiles can safely consume more and larger feeders.
Metabolism
Active reptiles will require more frequent feeding compared to more sedentary species.
Temperature
Warmer reptiles digest food faster and will eat more frequently.
If you’re unsure about cricket care overall, see: How to Care For Live Crickets
All of these factors should be considered when adjusting feeding amounts.
General Feeding Guidelines
The following guidelines provide a starting point for most reptiles, though it's important to take what we say as a guide only, and use your best judgement and/or the advice of a Veterinary professional:
- Hatchlings: small crickets, multiple feeds per day for fast metabolising dragon species, once per day for geckos and monitors
- Juveniles: moderate amounts once daily for dragons, once every 1-3 days for monitors and geckos
- Adults: fewer feeds per week depending on species. Dragons 2-3 times a week with salad inbetween. Monitors and geckos 2-3 times per week, no salad.
Always observe your reptile’s behaviour and adjust accordingly.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can stunt growth and lead to malnutrition.
Choosing the Right Cricket Size
Feeding the correct size cricket is just as important as feeding the right quantity.
A general rule is:
- the cricket should be no wider than the space between your reptile’s eyes
Feeding crickets that are too large can lead to choking or digestion issues.
For growth and sizing information, see: How Fast Do Crickets Grow
Matching feeder size to your reptile is essential for safe feeding.
Balancing Crickets With Other Foods
Crickets should not be the only food source for most reptiles.
A balanced diet typically includes:
- live feeder insects
- fresh vegetables (for species like bearded dragons)
- supplements such as calcium and vitamins
Over-reliance on a single feeder insect can lead to nutritional imbalances.
Variety is key to long-term health.
Common Feeding Mistakes
- feeding too many crickets at once
- leaving uneaten crickets in the enclosure
- using incorrect sizes
- not adjusting feeding as the reptile grows
Uneaten crickets can stress reptiles and may even bite them.
For more troubleshooting, see: Why Your Crickets Keep Dying
Avoiding these mistakes will improve both feeding success and reptile health.
Using Dubia Roaches as an Alternative
While crickets are widely used, many reptile keepers switch to dubia roaches for more reliable keeping and easy feeding.
Dubia roaches offer:
- more stable sizing with slower growth rates
- longer lifespan
- less smell and maintenance
You can browse available sizes here:
For a direct comparison, see: Dubia Roaches vs Crickets Which Is Better
Many keepers find dubia easier to manage long term.
Complete Feeder Guide
Feeding amounts are just one part of providing a healthy diet for your reptile.
Learn more here: Complete Guide to Feeder Insects in Australia
