I'm keeping the crickets in my basement, and winter is coming and it gets COLD down there. What temperature should I worry about them dying? I want to guess its about 63 degrees down there right now, but could get all the way down to 55 if it gets bone cold outside.

I do have aa 60 watt bulb on them, but its only on for a 12 hour cycle.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Not sure about temps but how about if you kept a heating pad under the container.

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MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart!

no dice. That scares the crap out of my husband and he won't let me. This is the man that has to unplug the iron, even though its OFF.

I can move them upstairs if need be (65 degrees) but i'd rather not because of the smell.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

A simple oil filled radiater room heater. Just plug it in and set the thermostat. They do not get too hot to touch, have safety overheating switch off, and will also turn off if knocked over.
About 40 bucks at Lowes or WallyWorld.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

I have one of those. The problem is the basement is one giant space. I guess I could put the heater right next to it. Although if I need to add heat, I think I will take it upstairs instead. My energy bill is high enough.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Found this

Ideal Temperature
The ideal temperature range is between 70°-75° F. Avoid temperatures above 80° and below 65° F.

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MARSHA
A man without a woman is a bachelor, A woman without a man is a genius!.

We have enough youth, how about a fountain of smart!

Thanks! Guess I will be moving them upstairs. The hubby will love that, but I'll tell him the alternative is putting a heating pad under it.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

I simply put a clamp lamp on the lip of the container with a 60 watt bulb. It gives enough heat for them to grow. I always read about crickets smelling. If you use a bulb it dries out the air in the container and prevents moisture from building up. I clean my large rubbermaid container about once a month and it holds about 2000 crickets.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa

yup, i have a clamp lamp on it. It doesn't smell THAT bad. is it bad to keep the light on all the time? I would think that would bug them. Not to mention I would be going through bulbs like crazy.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Naw they love it. Always come to sit on top of the egg cartons nearest the heat. I leave it on 24/7 even summer to keep the moisture down. Also I use it help them grow because I buy them at 2/3 size but need larger ones as well. My bulbs last for at least 3 months.

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Mike
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." - Mother Teresa