Insectivores such as iguanas, lizards and bearded dragons eat crickets as part of their diet. However, the consumption of crickets is not just limited to pets or animals. In some parts of the world, people eat crickets and other insects as well. Now you may be wondering, where can I buy crickets? Whether it’s for your own pleasure or your pet’s, here are five spots where you can get a supply of these jumping insects.
1. Pet shops
Do you own a pet that needs a regular supply of insects? Your local pet shop should be able to help you out. Other than crickets, pet shops typically carry a range of insects such as tarantulas, mealworms, stick insects and more. Some insects you can raise as pets or use them as feed. You can also buy a batch of crickets and become a breeder so you won’t need to keep buying them from shops.
2. Online shops
If your local pet shop does not carry crickets or visiting one is not a practical option, you can go online and search for a shop that sells insects. This way, you can get the critters shipped right to your doorstep. You can also look for shops that carry specific types of insects, such as food grade crickets or rare bugs.
Look for reputable online shops and check out the reviews. You won’t be able to inspect the merchandise before the insects are delivered to your home. As such, learn as much as you can about the shop before buying so you know what to expect.
3. Private breeders
Some private breeders are pet owners who have raised insects to feed their own animals. Compared to insect farms, private breeders raise smaller volumes of insects and will allow you to purchase insects in smaller quantities.
4. Insect farms
Insect farms are known to breed and sell insects in large volumes. Here, you can buy crickets by the thousands. When buying from insect farms, look for farms that are recognized by nature protection organizations. This ensures that the crickets were harvested ethically.
Some farms offer insects that have been purged for at least a day or more. Not only are purged insects ideal for feeding pets but they are also considered safe for human consumption. Simply place the creepy crawlies inside the freezer then take them out when you are ready to snack on a few pieces or cook them.
5. Nature
There are plenty of options where you can get crickets but if you have a limited budget available and lots of time, you can also try searching for them in your own backyard. There are over 18,000 species of crickets, although most of them are only found in tropical areas. If you live in a warm country, give cricket hunting a shot.
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