grasshoppers

[NilyahEyakam]

I want to find more protein options for my crabs since they don't seem to be really eating the dried shrimp and they need more of a variety. I hear people feeding them crickets and even breeding them separately as a food source (usually with other reptiles) but I was wondering if I could do the same with grasshoppers?
finding crickets wouldn't be impossible, but it would be easier if I can feed them grasshoppers instead. I tried looking up the differences and the only thing it talks about is the antenna, body length, and the way they chirp. so would it be okay for them to eat? what are the real differences?

[Cumba]

Hi!
As far as I know, grasshoppers are totally safe as long as they are dead or dried. Here is a link to the HCA's safe food list.
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92557
Sadly, that is all I know. Hope it helps.

[CallaLily]

Yes, they're safe. You can find freeze dried and canned versions sold at some pet stores in the reptile section.

[NilyahEyakam]

thank you both!
but sorry, another picky question . does that mean I have to freeze/bake/prepare them in any way or it can be just raw? like freshly killed? (or I could do a mixture of both ((assuming raw is okay)), switching out every now and then?)

[soilentgringa]

They can be raw.

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[wodesorel]

If you're going to be collecting them from the wild, be aware they could have gotten into pesticides or fertilizers that could harm the crabs. They can travel a fair distance, so make sure wherever you get them from is a safe and clean location.

[CallaLily]

If you're going to be collecting them from the wild, be aware they could have gotten into pesticides or fertilizers that could harm the crabs. They can travel a fair distance, so make sure wherever you get them from is a safe and clean location.

This. Sorry, I assumed you were buying.

[wodesorel]

finding crickets wouldn't be impossible, but it would be easier if I can feed them grasshoppers instead.

By this I figured they meant outside. I've actually never seen live grasshoppers for sale in a pet store, but some big places in big cities that specialize in reptiles can afford to carry harder to come buy proteins. Dried ones are sold for bearded dragons at pretty much any pet store, though. Live crickets are cheap and when they're farmed you know they're safe. Usually $1 per dozen, or 12 cents a piece depending on the size and the store. Dried ones are much cheaper, and even my Walmart carries those.

[NilyahEyakam]

I planned on doing the same thing as the isopods and waiting for them to breed out.. but I think these only lay eggs once a year so there goes that plan.
I guess buying crickets would probably be a better option. I needed to go to a pet store anyway
thank you!

[wodesorel]

Breeding native bugs is hard! They only live a few short months, and the eggs and larvae are built to overwinter. Need tropical species to keep a colony of something going in a warm house year round,. (Was just lamenting this with a friend the other day, strangely enough.)