Crickets are a good source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fat, protein, and complex carbohydrates, making them an excellent meal for several animals, including Jackson chameleons. If you own one of these interesting creatures, pick up gut-loaded crickets from your pet store, so they can enjoy a healthy meal. Here’s more information about this type of reptile food.

A Guide to Your Jackson Chameleon’s Cricket Diet

Gut-Loading & Why It’s Important

While crickets already provide an abundance of nutrients, you can make them extra healthy by feeding them before they’re eaten—this is called gut-loading. Fresh fruit, vegetables, whole wheat bread, fish pellets, and commercial cricket feed give the insects extra vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants that get passed to your reptilian friend. It takes about 24 hours for the insects to absorb the nutrients, so your chameleon reaps the most benefits.

How to Gut-Load Your Crickets

Keep the crickets in a separate, large, ventilated container away from your chameleon. The larger the cage, the more room the crickets have to move and eat in peace. Place the insect food in the cage, and let the crickets eat. Keep a small bowl of water in the container, and allow the feasting to continue for up to two days.

Take out any food that’s spoiled, and be mindful of the temperature, as crickets thrive best when it’s 82 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Wait another 24 hours to ensure the crickets have digested the food, then dust them with calcium powder before offering them to your Jackson chameleon.

If you want to gut-load your crickets, head to The Pet Hale in Mililani, HI. This family-owned pet store carries a wide range of supplies to ensure the insects are as nutritious as possible. If you aren’t sure which products to use, their friendly team will be happy to answer any questions and point you in the right direction. View the pet store’s selection online, or call (808) 696-1083 to ask about their current deals and specials.