Mold on cricket food

[Babidi]

Hey there.

Having recently picked up the smallest tub of crickets from the pet store that I could, I still have quite a few left over after each day of feeding time, since I only have two newts. Some of the food pellets that came with the crickets have since turned moldy and very smelly. Is it dangerous to feed my newts the crickets that have been in that enclosure, based on the idea that they may have been exposed to or ingested some of the mold?

[Pete]

It isn't likely that the mold is much danger to your newts. Saprophytic fungi (feeding on decaying material) does not necessarily indicate pathogenic fungi (disease-causing). Caudates live in a diverse and abundant saprophytic fungal environment. I would simply put the crickets in a clean container and not worry too much. At least it won't smell so bad for you.

[Babidi]

Alright, thanks. That's the answer my paddletail wanted to hear.