Watch the Video
Video credit: ChiefSweetsUniverse. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgREmU9qG4k. This is our own independent breakdown and is not affiliated with the video creator. As an Amazon Associate, DragonPop earns from qualifying purchases. Product prices shown in the video may have changed.
Watch the video
Product breakdown
- Dubia roaches live feeder
- Symton black soldier fly larvae
- live crickets for reptiles
- mealworms live feeder
- superworms live feeder
This breakdown is our own summary of the video for reference. Confirm current specs and price on the retailer page before buying.
Think of this video as a setup in this class for dubia roach colony setup bearded dragon keepers. It gives you a real world look at how a simple colony bin, everyday feeder care, and rotation with other insects can support steady feeding.
If you feed live insects to your dragon, this breakdown will help you connect what you see on screen to what you would actually buy in 2026. You will see what is common at this level and where we would make a different choice today.
What This Video Covers
This video from ChiefSweetsUniverse covers dubia roach colony setup bearded dragon care, and it is useful because it shows the process as a working system instead of a single product. You see the idea of housing feeders separately, keeping them fed and hydrated, and pulling right sized insects for your dragon over time.
For age range, a colony style approach suits juveniles and adults best, while babies can also benefit if you are careful about size. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count. That point matters a lot with dubias because a colony produces mixed sizes, from tiny nymphs to larger feeders.
In terms of scale, think of this as a tub based feeder station that sits next to your main enclosure, not inside it. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects. Good airflow, a locking lid, smooth sides, and simple hides like egg flats help contain the colony and make daily checks easier.
One tradeoff at this level is effort versus convenience. A breeding group can lower how often you order feeders, but it needs regular cleaning, fresh gut load, and moisture support. If you only have one young dragon that eats modest amounts, buying small batches as needed may be simpler than maintaining breeders. Learn more about starting small in how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon.
A second tradeoff is insect choice. Dubias are quiet and, when kept properly, produce little odor compared with crickets, and they cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly so escapes are rare. Crickets are active and can trigger a strong feeding response, but they are noisy, smellier, and better at escaping. Many keepers rotate staples, which is why our broader Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia & BSFL guides compare options side by side.
Nutrition is where you want to stay grounded. Gut loading and dusting routines vary by product, so follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific supplement or feeder diet and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon. That is especially true if your routine touches calcium, vitamin D3, multivitamins, or UVB lighting support. No verified temperature or UVB numbers are stated in this video, so we keep heat and lighting references qualitative here.
If you are comparing crickets for rotation, this related comparison helps set expectations for size and activity: NutriCricket 110 live banded crickets vs the critter depot. And if you use worms as part of variety, see 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver for age appropriate context.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The table below maps what is common in a setup in this class to our current 2026 picks in the feeder insects category. We are not saying the creator used these exact products. Use the table to shop the same function with grounded, currently sold options.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of our links, DragonPop may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commissions never influence which products we recommend or how we rank them. Read our Affiliate Disclosure for details.
Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime TC INSECTS Large Live Superworms 25 Ct 1.5-2 Inch
Prime Fluker's Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet 6 oz
Prime Symton Large Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Prime Josh's Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches 250 Count
Prime Wildlife Sciences Mealworm Bird Feeder
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated.
Pros
- Large 1.5 to 2 inch size offers substantial nutrition per worm
- Live arrival guarantee builds confidence for mail order feeders
- Suitable for wide range of reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish
- Simple storage with no refrigeration needed
- Hand counted pack ensures full 25 count quantity
Cons
- Live insects require prompt care and proper storage after arrival
- Large size may be too big for juveniles, hatchlings or very small species
- Shorter usable life than dried foods, so plan your feeding schedule
TC INSECTS offers 25 live large superworms in the 1.5 to 2 inch range, known as Zophobas morio. This pack is built for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, chameleons, turtles, monitors and larger fish at all life stages.
These superworms stand out for active movement and a meaty, high protein body that encourages natural hunting behavior. In daily feeding, they work well as a growth supporting staple or an irresistible treat for picky eaters.
Quality starts with hand counting and secure, travel safe packing from Texas with a live arrival guarantee. The worms keep easily at room temperature in wheat bran or oats with carrot for moisture.
The main limitation is that live feeders need attention soon after delivery and regular moisture care. The large size is also not suitable for very small juveniles, hatchlings or tiny amphibians that need smaller prey.
Overall, this is a convenient, nutritious live feeder option for multi species households. If you want active, protein rich worms with easy storage and reliable arrival, this 25 count pack is a smart pick.
Brand: TC INSECTS, Species: Zophobas morio, Size: Large 1.5 to 2 inch, Count: 25 live superworms.
Target Species: Reptiles, plus amphibians, birds and fish. Recommended Use: Daily feeding and nutritional treats for growth.
Storage: Keep at room temperature in wheat bran or oats. Add fresh carrot or potato slice for moisture, no refrigeration needed.
Offer appropriately sized superworms 2 to 3 times per week as part of a varied diet with greens and calcium dusting. Always supervise feeding and remove uneaten worms to keep the enclosure clean.
Store the colony in a ventilated container with bran bedding in a warm, dry spot. Replace vegetable moisture sources every couple days to prevent mold and keep worms active.
Pros
- Keeps feeder crickets alive longer and healthier for more nutritious prey
- Eliminates drowning risk from water dishes by providing hydration in gel form
- Pleasant citrus scent with little mess or odor
- Simple to use with no extra watering or separate supplements needed
- Supports better reptile and amphibian health through effective gut loading
Cons
- Dries out within about 24 hours so cubes must be replaced daily
- Some picky crickets may ignore it at first and need supplemental greens or dry food
- 6 ounce bag runs out fast if you maintain large or multiple insect colonies
Fluker's Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet is an all in one gut load diet designed for feeder crickets and other insects. It is ideal for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, frogs, jumping spiders and other insect eating pets who need to keep live prey healthy.
Each cube delivers food, vitamins, minerals and water in one convenient form. In real world use, owners report crickets live much longer and stay more active, which means more nutritious meals for reptiles and less waste from die offs.
The soft, moist pellet cubes are easy to portion and serve. Just place a cube or cut piece in the keeper, with no need for separate water dishes, sponges or messy chopped produce.
The main drawback is that cubes dry out quickly, often within a day, so daily replacement is needed. A small number of crickets may also show little interest at first, so offering a bit of greens or dry insect food alongside can help.
Overall, this is a convenient, low odor and reliable solution for gut loading and hydrating feeder insects. If you want healthier prey with less hassle, it is a smart staple to keep on hand.
Brand: Fluker's, Model 71300 by Fluker Labs for feeder insects and reptiles.
Form: Soft moist pellet cubes in a 6 ounce bag, made for all life stages.
Purpose: Complete diet providing food plus vitamins, minerals with kelp, and hydration.
Use: Place cubes in insect keeper and replace daily as they dry out.
Pet Type: Ideal for gut loading crickets fed to reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Pros
- Excellent natural calcium content eliminates need for dusting supplements
- Consistently arrives alive, active and abundant
- Well accepted by bearded dragons and supports healthy digestion
- Non-GMO, probiotic raised diet for cleaner nutrition
Cons
- Limited 2 week shelf life requires proper cool storage and planning
- Shipping is not expedited, so you need to order ahead
- Substrate can develop odor when gut loading, and some picky reptiles may refuse them
Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly Larvae are live BSFL designed as a staple feeder for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, frogs, turtles, birds and other insect loving pets. They suit owners of all life stages who want a nutritious, ready to feed alternative to crickets and mealworms.
Raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet, these grubs deliver premium protein plus naturally high calcium with a balanced 2.5 to 1 calcium to phosphorus ratio. That means no dusting is required, and owners report eager feeding responses, active hunting behavior and healthy, consistent digestion.
Quality and handling stand out, with larvae arriving lively and abundant in a ventilated bag and container system built for live transit. The non-GMO rearing process keeps the grubs clean and nutrient dense, while the large size makes them satisfying for adult reptiles and larger breeds.
There are a few tradeoffs to plan for, including a limited shelf life of about two weeks when stored cool as directed. Shipping is not rushed, substrate can develop odor especially when gut loading with vegetables, and a few picky eaters may still refuse them.
Overall, Symton BSFL are a convenient, calcium rich staple that simplifies reptile nutrition without supplements. If you keep insectivores and want healthy, guaranteed live feeders that encourage natural feeding, this is an excellent bulk choice.
Feed BSFL as a staple or mix with crickets and leafy greens for variety and enrichment. Offer appropriately sized live larvae, and rinse lightly before feeding to remove loose substrate debris.
Store in a cool location following package instructions to slow pupation and extend freshness for up to two weeks. Do not refrigerate like mealworms, a wine cooler or cool basement works best to keep them active but calm.
Order ahead of need since delivery takes time, especially for juveniles on daily feeding schedules. Gut load sparingly with clean veggies if desired, and remove uneaten darkened grubs promptly to control odor.
Pros
- More nutritious and digestible than crickets thanks to high protein and soft shell
- No noise, no odor and minimal escape risk for hassle free keeping
- Perfectly sized for popular medium insectivores including bearded dragons and geckos
- Bulk size choices and generous weighing provide great value for multi pet homes
Cons
- Count and size may vary slightly since packs are sorted by size and weighed
- Live insects require proper warmth, food and housing promptly on arrival
- Not legal to ship to every US state, so buyers must check local restrictions
Josh's Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in the 250 count pack are live feeder insects sized from 1/2 to 3/4 inch for medium insectivores. They are made for bearded dragons, leopard geckos, fat tailed geckos, chameleons, frogs, toads and spiders.
The standout benefit is nutrition with high protein and a soft, low chitin shell that is easier to digest than crickets. In daily feeding, they offer active movement that triggers feeding response while staying quiet and calm in the enclosure.
Keeping and handling is simple since Dubia roaches cannot fly or climb smooth surfaces, so escapes are rare. Josh's Frogs sorts by size and packs by weight in your favor, with live arrival packaging and a care sheet included for proper setup.
There are a few tradeoffs to know. Counts and sizes can vary slightly because packs are weighed, and live insects need prompt care with warmth, food and ventilation on arrival. They are also not legal to ship to every US state, so check your location first.
Overall, this 250 count medium pack is a smart choice for multi reptile homes or frequent feeders that want clean, nutritious and low maintenance prey. If you want a better cricket alternative that supports healthy growth, these Dubia roaches deliver excellent value and convenience.
Feed medium Dubia roaches that are no larger than the space between your reptile's eyes for safe swallowing. Offer 3 to 5 appropriately sized roaches per feeding for most medium insectivores, adjusting for age and appetite.
Store roaches in a smooth sided bin with egg crates, warmth and dry gut load plus fresh vegetables for hydration. Remove uneaten prey after a few hours and keep the bin clean and ventilated to prevent odor.
Pros
- Effectively excludes larger bully birds when roof height is tuned correctly
- Bluebirds, Carolina wrens and chickadees learn to use it quickly and feed comfortably
- Durable stainless steel roof and heavy powder coated mesh bowl
- Clear instructions for adjusting spring clips and leveling the basket
- Attractive design that blends well into backyard bird gardens
Cons
- Requires manual trial and error to level basket and set ideal roof height
- Mesh basket can loosen from the center post after a couple seasons outdoors
- Refilling mealworms can be awkward when roof is set low to block large birds
The Wildlife Sciences Model 481 Diamond Geo Feeder is a specialized mealworm feeder designed for bluebirds, Carolina wrens, chickadees and finches. It is built for backyard birders who want to offer protein rich mealworms or suet balls without feeding every jay and grackle in the neighborhood.
The standout feature is the locking adjustable stainless steel roof that controls entry size. Owners report starting with the roof high to train timid bluebirds, then lowering it in small steps until large birds struggle to enter while small birds feed comfortably inside.
Build quality centers on a 5x5 inch powder coated mesh bowl paired with a polished stainless roof and built in hanger. The mesh feels closer to heavy security screen than standard window screen, and the Minnesota designed spring clip system holds the roof firmly once tightened correctly.
It is not completely set and forget. Leveling the basket and finding the perfect roof height takes some hands on adjustment, and refilling gets a little fiddly when the roof sits low. Some long term users also note the mesh basket can loosen from the center post after a few seasons outdoors.
For bluebird and wren enthusiasts, this is still one of the most practical solutions for protecting costly mealworms from bully birds. If you are willing to fine tune the height and perform occasional tightening, it delivers reliable, targeted feeding with an attractive look that fits any garden.
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| setup | a similar setup in this class | Dubia roaches live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton black soldier fly larvae | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | live crickets for reptiles | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | mealworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. | |
| gear | a similar setup in this class | superworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
The most important choice is your staple feeder. Our 2026 anchor for a dubia style setup is Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches, which are sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch and described as high in protein with a low chitin shell. That medium size fits many juveniles and smaller adults, and the listing offers bulk sizes from small counts up to larger colony style counts to match your collection.
Rotation is the second big choice. Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly are raised on a probiotic treated, grain and grass diet and contain high levels of calcium, with a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio that supports use as a staple or treat with no need for additional dusting according to the maker. Shelf life is listed as at least 2 weeks, so you can plan smaller, fresher orders if you only feed a few worms per sitting.
Support gear matters just as much. Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet is formulated to be easily digested by all feeder insects and combines food, vitamins and water in one diet. For worms, Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live are hand counted, packed to travel safely, and stored at room temperature in wheat bran or oats with carrot or potato for moisture.
My Experience
I keep a juvenile around ten months old in a large front opening enclosure, with feeders housed separately in a ventilated tub. When I ran a small dubia group like the setup in this class, the medium size range was the sweet spot. Insects sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch were easy for him to chase and chew, and I could sort larger individuals back for breeders instead of feeding them off.
What helped most was treating Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches as the quiet base and adding Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly for variety during the week. My dragon ate the wiggly larvae quickly, and I liked that they arrive with guaranteed live delivery and clear keeping notes. I still gut loaded and followed label directions closely, and I checked in with my vet when I adjusted the rotation.
Comparison and Alternatives
Compare the top two picks directly and you get two different feeding styles. Dubia roaches are calm, quiet, and easy to contain because they cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly. Black soldier fly larvae are also easy to keep for short periods, and the Symton listing highlights premium protein and calcium content plus a probiotic treated diet.
For daily use, I view dubias as the steadier colony insect and black soldier fly larvae as the convenient rotation feeder. Dubias in medium size work across frogs, toads, bearded dragons, chameleons, leopard geckos and similar insectivores, while larvae are pitched for reptiles, amphibians and any other insect loving critter. If your dragon is bored with one texture, switching between crawling roaches and soft larvae often restarts interest without changing your whole setup.
There are real cons to name. A dubia colony needs space, warmth kept qualitative here, and regular cleaning, and some households cannot keep roaches due to leases, family comfort, or local rules. Black soldier fly larvae have a shorter window, with shelf life listed as at least 2 weeks, so a large tub can pupate or decline if you over order for a single baby dragon.
Who should not buy this way. If you dislike handling roaches, if you travel often, or if you only need a few feeders per week, skip breeding and buy small batches instead. A lower cost swap for a tighter budget is to start with Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet to support crickets or other insects you already buy, rather than investing in a full breeding bin, extra tubs, and bulk stock all at once.
One more note on the odd item in the list. Mealworms Bird Feeder | 5 x 5 inch Powder Coated is not live food. It is a powder coated mesh bowl with stainless steel roof, locking roof height, and built in hanger designed to hold food items. I mention it only as dish style inspiration for offering worms, not as a feeder insect itself.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count. Pick the path below that matches how many mouths you feed and how much maintenance you want. All three assume a secure, ventilated container and appropriately sized insects.
Beginner Budget: Dubia Roaches Live Feeder
Start with Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in a modest count adapted to your enclosure and appetite, plus Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet to keep your feeders fed and hydrated. This suits a single baby or juvenile where you want quiet, low odor feeders without committing to breeders.
Keep it simple with one ventilated tub, simple hides, and frequent small orders. If your dragon outgrows the medium size or your appetite grows, you can step up counts later instead of guessing now.
Balanced Rotation We Recommend: Symton Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Combine Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly with a base of Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches, adapting size and quantity to your own enclosure. This suits a juvenile setup where you want two textures and a calcium rich rotation option with no dusting required according to the maker.
Order larvae in amounts you can use within the listed shelf life window and keep dubias as the steady base. Follow each product label for keeping and dusting, and ask a reptile vet about your dragon’s specific needs.
Higher End Activity: Live Crickets for Reptiles
Use active live crickets for reptiles for chase and enrichment, supported by Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet for gut loading, plus Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as an occasional treat adapted to appetite. This suits an adult or confident juvenile that loves to hunt and tolerates more maintenance.
Plan for more cleaning, better escape proofing, and noise compared with dubias. If you prefer quiet and low maintenance, choose one of the two options above instead.
FAQ
How to breed dubia roaches for one bearded dragon without overproducing?
Start small and feed off mixed sizes before adding breeders. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count, so order a modest count first and track how fast your dragon eats. If nymphs pile up, pause breeder plans and use up what you have.
Are dubia roaches better than crickets for bearded dragons?
Both can work as part of a varied diet. Dubias are quiet, cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly, and produce little odor when kept properly, while crickets are very active but noisier and smellier. Many keepers use dubias as the base and rotate crickets or larvae for enrichment.
What size dubia roaches should I feed my bearded dragon?
Choose insects that fit comfortably between your dragon’s eyes as a general visual guide and adjust by age and appetite. Medium feeders sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch suit many juveniles and smaller adults. When in doubt, go smaller and check with a reptile vet about your individual animal.
Final Verdict
A dubia style bin in this class is practical if you want quiet feeders and steady supply, but it is not required for every home. Rotation with larvae or crickets, good gut loading, and right sizing matter more than colony size alone.
Our pick: the Balanced Rotation with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus a dubia base, for a juvenile keeper who wants variety without full breeding commitment.
These picks are not ideal if you cannot store live insects at home; consider freeze dried or pre-portioned alternatives instead.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!