A bearded dragon that refuses to eat is a stress no owner should face. Crickets that arrive dead, undersized, or packed with pests turn feeding time into a daily battle. The difference between a thriving pet and a frustrating routine comes down to the quality of the feeder insects you order online.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. I spend my time comparing live insect suppliers, analyzing survival rates, sizing consistency, and packaging quality so you don’t have to gamble on a box of dead bugs.
Choosing the right feeder insects means understanding which suppliers prioritize live arrival, proper gut-loading, and accurate sizing. That is exactly what this guide to the best crickets for bearded dragons delivers, with reviews based on real customer feedback and technical specs.
How To Choose The Best Crickets For Bearded Dragons
Picking live crickets online is not the same as grabbing a random bag from a pet store. You need to evaluate the supplier’s track record with sizing, the cricket species itself, and the packaging method. A bad order can mean dead insects, wasted money, and an underfed dragon.
Cricket Size and Your Dragon’s Age
The space between your dragon’s eyes is the only rule you need. Never feed a cricket larger than that gap. Hatchlings need 1/8-inch pinheads, juveniles thrive on 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch, and adults can handle 3/4-inch to 1-inch crickets. Ordering the wrong size risks impaction or refusal to eat.
Banded vs. House Crickets
Banded crickets live longer, smell less, and are harder for dragons to catch than common house crickets. Most premium suppliers now ship banded crickets exclusively. They survive shipping better and stay active longer in your keeper bin, which means more nutrition per cricket.
Packaging and Live Arrival Guarantee
Look for sellers who include egg crate or paper towel for hiding, ventilated boxes, and a clear policy on dead replacements. Suppliers that ship in paper bags without ventilation or loose in a box with no substrate often deliver high mortality. A guarantee does not fix a bad shipment, but it shows confidence.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh’s Frogs 1″ Large Adult Banded Crickets | Premium | Adult bearded dragons, large feeders | 1000 count, 1-inch banded crickets | Amazon |
| Fluker’s Live Crickets, 100 Count Medium | Mid-Range | Everyday staple, mixed reptiles | 100 count, 1/2-inch gut-loaded | Amazon |
| BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 500 Medium (1/2″) Banded Crickets | Bulk Value | Multi-pet households, weekly feeding | 500 count, 1/2-inch banded crickets | Amazon |
| BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 500 Small (1/4″) Live Banded Crickets | Budget Bulk | Juvenile dragons, small reptiles | 500 count, 1/4-inch banded crickets | Amazon |
| NutriCricket 110 Live Banded Crickets (Large) | Entry-Level | Testing a new supplier, small orders | 110 count, 3/4-inch banded crickets | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Josh’s Frogs 1″ Large Adult Banded Crickets (1000 Count)
Josh’s Frogs has built a reputation on banded crickets that outlive house crickets, and this 1000-count box is the clear winner for owners of adult dragons. At a full 1-inch size, these are ideal for dragons 14 inches and larger. The banded species lives longer, is easier to keep in a bin, and produces less odor than typical feeder crickets.
Customers consistently report near 100% survival rates on spring and fall orders. The packaging uses special insulation and egg crate to keep crickets comfortable in transit. A virtual care sheet is included, covering storage temperatures and proper feeding technique. The live arrival guarantee adds confidence for first-time buyers.
The main drawback is the higher upfront cost, which still breaks down to a lower per-cricket price than pet store bags. A few reviews note that winter shipping can increase DOA rates, but Josh’s customer service typically corrects the issue quickly. For bulk feeding of adult dragons, this is the most reliable option on the list.
Why it’s great
- Banded crickets live longer and smell less than house crickets
- Nearly 100% live arrival reported in moderate weather
- Includes virtual care sheet for proper storage and feeding
Good to know
- Higher upfront cost compared to smaller counts
- Winter shipping can see higher DOA rates
2. Fluker’s Live Crickets, 100 Count Medium (Approx. 1/2″)
Fluker’s is a 70-year veteran in the live insect space, and their 100-count medium crickets are a go-to for owners who want a small, reliable order. These are gut-loaded with Fluker’s High Calcium Cricket Diet and come with Orange Cube and Quencher for hydration. The 1/2-inch size is perfect for juvenile bearded dragons and smaller geckos.
Customers frequently praise the consistent sizing and fast shipping. The egg crate packing keeps crickets alive and active during transit, with most reviewers reporting only a few dead on arrival. The product works for birds, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a versatile staple for multi-pet households.
The 100-count is not enough for large dragons that eat 20–30 crickets daily. Some buyers report variability in quantity, with a few receiving fewer than advertised. For owners who need a smaller, lower-commitment order with proven gut-loading, this is the standout choice.
Why it’s great
- Gut-loaded with high-calcium diet before shipping
- Consistent 1/2-inch sizing, ideal for juvenile dragons
- Over 70 years of experience in live insect shipping
Good to know
- Small count may not last for large, adult dragons
- Some variability in quantity between orders
3. BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 500 Medium (1/2″) Banded Crickets
Bassett’s Cricket Ranch delivers 500 medium banded crickets that offer strong value for owners with multiple reptiles or a hungry juvenile dragon. The crickets are bred in a controlled environment and arrive in a bag with egg crate for hiding. Banded crickets are naturally hardier than house crickets, which helps survival during shipping.
Most customers report 99% live arrival and crickets that stay alive for weeks when kept with food and hydration. The 1/2-inch size is suitable for dragons that have outgrown pinheads but are not yet ready for full adult feeders. Many reviewers note that the crickets are well gut-loaded and active upon arrival.
The main concern is sizing inconsistency — some buyers received crickets closer to 3/4-inch or 1-inch. A small number of orders contained unexpected pests like beetles or spiders, though this appears to be rare. For the price, the quantity per dollar is excellent, but careful inspection before feeding is recommended.
Why it’s great
- High value per cricket for bulk feeding
- Banded crickets live longer and stay active
- Most orders arrive with near-perfect live rates
Good to know
- Sizing can run larger than advertised 1/2-inch
- Rare reports of contaminants like beetles or spiders
4. BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 500 Small (1/4″) Live Banded Crickets
This 500-count bag of 1/4-inch banded crickets is built for owners of juvenile bearded dragons, small geckos, or hatchlings. The tiny size is safe for young dragons that cannot yet handle medium crickets. Banded crickets are healthier for small reptiles than common house crickets because they are less likely to carry disease.
Buyers report that the crickets arrive mostly alive, with some orders showing near-perfect survival. The 1/4-inch size is consistently small, which reduces the risk of impaction for young dragons. Many reviewers appreciate that the crickets can breed and sustain a small colony for ongoing feeding.
The packaging has drawn criticism — some customers received crickets that escaped the bag and were loose in the box. A few orders contained only a fraction of the advertised count. This product is ideal for those who need tiny feeders for young dragons, but careful inspection at arrival is necessary.
Why it’s great
- Safe 1/4-inch size for juvenile and hatchling dragons
- Banded species is healthier than common house crickets
- Can sustain a small breeding colony if housed properly
Good to know
- Packaging sometimes allows escapes during transit
- Inconsistent count reported in some orders
5. NutriCricket 110 Live Banded Crickets (Large, 3/4″ +)
NutriCricket offers a 110-count bag of large banded crickets that serves as a low-commitment entry point for owners who want to test a new supplier. At 3/4-inch and larger, these are suitable for adult bearded dragons that need substantial feeders. Banded crickets again deliver longer lifespan and less mess than house crickets.
Customers who received good batches report that the crickets arrive alive, are lively within a few hours of rehydration, and outperform pet store crickets in longevity. Many buyers have reordered after positive first experiences. The packaging is secure, and the crickets are well-protected during shipping.
Consistency is the issue here — some orders arrive with most crickets dead or significantly undersized. For owners who want a small trial order to gauge supplier reliability, this is a reasonable starting point, but a backup plan for feeding is wise.
Why it’s great
- Low count reduces financial risk for new buyers
- Banded crickets are hardier and less smelly
- Good live arrival rates reported on successful orders
Good to know
- Inconsistent sizing and count between batches
- Some orders arrive with high DOA rates
FAQ
How many crickets should I order for one bearded dragon?
What size crickets are safe for a baby bearded dragon?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best crickets for bearded dragons winner is the Josh’s Frogs 1″ Large Adult Banded Crickets because it delivers the highest survival rate, best sizing accuracy, and longest-lasting feeder insects for adult dragons. If you want a smaller, gut-loaded order, grab the Fluker’s Live Crickets, 100 Count Medium. And for bulk feeding across multiple reptiles, nothing beats the BASSETT’S CRICKET RANCH 500 Medium Banded Crickets.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.