Video credit: Reptilian Kingdom. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p327OpcHwbQ. 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.
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
This video from Reptilian Kingdom shows a setup in this class focused on feeding giant dubia roaches to a bearded dragon, with that loud crunch that tells you the dragon is engaged.
If you are building a feeder routine for your own dragon, use this as a real world reference for prey size, feeding response, and rotation, then pick feeders that match your dragon age and appetite.
What This Video Covers
This video covers dubia roach colony setup bearded dragon style feeding in action. You see a healthy, alert dragon taking large roaches one at a time, which is exactly the kind of live feeding response keepers want to see when prey size and husbandry are on track.
Think of it as a setup in this class, not an exact shopping list. The creator is showing how a confident adult or sub adult dragon handles big, meaty roaches, and you can hear the crunch that comes with a lower chitin shell compared to some beetle larvae.
For age fit, this style of feeding suits juveniles moving toward adult portions and full grown adults best. Babies need smaller prey offered more often, while adults do well with larger, well gut loaded insects offered on a schedule with plenty of greens. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon age and appetite, not a fixed count.
For scale, picture a standard adult dragon enclosure of the type keepers commonly report as suitable for adults, with a clear basking side, a cool side, and room to chase. Live insects should always be kept in a secure, ventilated container outside the main tank and offered in appropriate sizes so your dragon can chew and swallow comfortably.
One tradeoff at this level is convenience versus variety. A dubia focused routine is quiet, low odor when kept properly, and easy to manage because dubias cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly. The downside is that feeding only one insect can get boring for you and your dragon, and some dragons go on hunger strikes if they fixate.
A second tradeoff is live versus shelf stable. Live roaches, black soldier fly larvae, superworms, and crickets trigger hunting and give great texture, but they need care, cleaning, and regular ordering. Freeze dried options are tidy for backup, yet most dragons prefer movement, so you will still want live staples for enrichment. Learn more about feeder basics in our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia & BSFL hub.
If you are new to roaches, start with our guide on how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon before you buy in bulk. It will help you decide if you want a small rotating supply or a true breeding colony.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. Below you will find the buyable 2026 picks in this feeder class, followed by a table that maps the video parts to what is common at this level and what we would buy today.
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Quick Picks at a Glance
Prime TC INSECTS Large Live Superworms 25 Ct 1.5-2 Inch
Prime Fluker's Freeze Dried Crickets 1.2oz
Prime Symton Large Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Prime Josh's Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches 250 Count
Prime Gbekery Squirrel Proof Bluebird Feeder with Glass
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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
- High protein, nutrient rich recipe supports reptile and multi pet nutrition
- Convenient alternative to live crickets with no noise, odor or upkeep
- Works for many species including reptiles, birds, fish and small animals
- Freeze dried process preserves nutrition and natural prey appeal
- Compact resealable bottle is easy to store and keeps food fresh
Cons
- Small 1.2 oz size may run out quickly for large appetites or multiple pets
- Some reptiles that respond to movement may need time to accept non living prey
- May need moistening or dusting with calcium to meet specific species needs
Fluker's Freeze Dried Crickets are a ready to serve feeder designed for bearded dragons, geckos, aquatic turtles and other insect eating reptiles. They are also made for birds, tropical fish, hedgehogs, sugar gliders and chickens, making them a smart staple for multi pet homes.
Freeze drying locks in natural protein, vitamins and essential nutrients better than standard heat drying. In daily use, they offer mess free and odor free feeding with no chirping, escaping or special care, while adding healthy variety to pellets and fresh foods.
The product comes in a compact 1.2 oz bottle with a stay fresh resealable lid. The lightweight granule form pours easily, stores at room temperature and keeps its nutritional value for long term use without refrigeration.
The main tradeoff is that some reptiles used to live prey may ignore motionless food at first. You may need to mix with regular food, lightly moisten, or dust with calcium to match your pet's specific dietary needs.
For owners seeking convenient, nutritious and versatile insect nutrition without live bugs, this is an excellent choice. It is especially useful as a treat, supplement or backup feeder for bearded dragons, turtles and geckos.
Brand: Fluker's, Model Number 72025, Flavor Crickets, Form Freeze Dried Granule.
Container: 1.2 oz resealable bottle, UPC 091197720253, All life stages formula.
Target Pets: Reptiles, Birds, Fish and Small Animals including bearded dragons, geckos, aquatic turtles, hedgehogs and sugar gliders.
Use: Daily food, treat or nutritional supplement, suitable for all breed sizes.
Serve as is or lightly moisten to soften texture for picky eaters and young reptiles.
Mix with pellets, greens or other freeze dried insects like mealworms to add variety and encourage foraging.
Store sealed in a cool, dry place and reseal the stay fresh lid after each use to maintain crunch and nutrition.
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
- Protective cage creates a safer, calmer feeding space for small birds
- Versatile glass bowl supports mealworms, seed, fruit and water for year round use
- Durable metal construction with weatherproof coating holds up outdoors
- Easy to refill and clean with removable roof and bowl
Cons
- Not 100 percent squirrel proof, best results require hanging out of jumping range
- Cage size may feel bulky for very small balconies or patios
- Glass bowl needs frequent cleaning, especially with live food or water
The Gbekery Bluebird Feeder is a caged hanging feeder designed for bluebirds, finches, chickadees and other small wild birds. It is built for backyard birders who want to offer mealworms, seed, fruit or water without feeding squirrels and large birds.
The 1.7 x 1.7 inch mesh openings let small birds slip inside while blocking adult squirrels and larger birds. The detachable glass bowl holds mealworms, seed, jelly or water, so you can rotate foods by season to attract more visitors.
Made from thick heavy gauge metal mesh with a weatherproof lid and protective coating, it resists chewing, bending and rust. Drainage holes in the base prevent water buildup, while the metal hook and 9 x 9 x 12 inch hanging design suit gardens, patios and tree branches.
Cleaning is simple thanks to the lift off roof and removable bowl with no assembly needed. Note that the brand states it deters rather than fully blocks squirrels, so hanging it out of jumping range gives the best results.
For anyone focused on small birds, this feeder offers a smart balance of protection, durability and versatility. It is a practical and decorative choice for attracting bluebirds safely to your outdoor space.
Brand: Gbekery, Model Number: LY-LS-YXBL-1, Color: Blue
Dimensions: 9L x 9W x 12H inches, Weight: 2 pounds, Material: Metal mesh with glass bowl
Target Species: Bluebird, Finch, Chickadee and other small wild birds
Recommended Foods: Mealworms, Seed, Fruit jam, Water
Mounting: Hanging mount with metal hook for gardens, backyards, patios and tree branches
| Timestamp | Part | Common at this level | Our 2026 pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Throughout | setup | a similar setup in this class | Dubia roaches live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Throughout | gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton black soldier fly larvae | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Throughout | gear | a similar setup in this class | live crickets for reptiles | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Throughout | gear | a similar setup in this class | mealworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Throughout | gear | a similar setup in this class | superworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
The most important choice here is staple versus treat. Our staple leaning picks are Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, and Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly which is raised on a probiotic treated diet and noted for a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio. Both are described as high protein options for daily rotation.
The second key choice is texture and activity level. Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live are active, meaty, and hard for dragons to ignore, which makes them useful for enrichment or for a picky eater. Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets sits on the other end as a tidy, no escape backup that works when you run out of live prey or need a travel option.
The last piece is the odd one out. Gbekery Bluebird Feeder for Mealworms with Glass is built as a small bird feeder with a detachable glass bowl, not a reptile dish. You can still learn from it about offering worms in a smooth bowl to slow escapes, but keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container made for reptiles and feed appropriately sized insects.
My Experience
I keep a two year old male in a large adult front opening enclosure with tile, a hide, and a branch for basking. He is the classic crunchy roach fan like the dragon in this video, and he will sprint across the tank when he hears tongs tap the bowl.
A product like Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches has worked best for us because the 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch size is easy for him to chew, the roaches stay quiet, and escapes are rare since they cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly. I rotate in black soldier fly larvae during the week for variety, and I save superworms as an occasional treat so he does not start refusing his greens.
Comparison and Alternatives
When I compare the top two picks, dubia roaches versus black soldier fly larvae, I think about growth versus ease. Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches are noted as nutritious and easy to digest with high protein and a low chitin shell, and they are available in six bulk sizes from small counts up to large colony style counts to match your collection.
Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly stands out for calcium support and simple feeding. The listing notes premium protein and calcium, a probiotic treated diet, and no need for additional dusting as part of its staple feeder positioning, plus guaranteed live delivery and at least two weeks of shelf life.
In practice, dubias give you that strong feeding response and satisfying crunch, while black soldier fly larvae are calmer, smaller mouthed, and great for dragons that need softer prey or for keepers who want less maintenance. I like to keep both so I can adjust by appetite across the week.
For a tighter budget or a backup plan, Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets is the lower maintenance swap. It is freeze dried for nutrition, packed with protein and essential nutrients, and ideal for bearded dragons, geckos, and other insect eating reptiles when you do not want to deal with live crickets. Use it as a topper or emergency snack, not your only feeder.
If your dragon loves worms, compare our worm focused guides like dried black soldier fly larvae 10LB for chicken vs SANSECT 10LB dried mealworms for Chickens, ducks and 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver to fine tune size and frequency.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon age and appetite, not a fixed count. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects. If you use calcium, vitamin D3, or multivitamins, follow the manufacturer own directions for your specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon.
Budget Starter: Dubia Roaches Live Feeder for Baby Dragons
Start with Dubia roaches live feeder adapted to small size and modest quantity for your baby enclosure. Add Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets as backup for days you run low on live prey.
This suits a first time keeper with one baby dragon who wants quiet, low odor feeders without breeding crickets in an apartment.
Balanced Mid Range: Symton Black Soldier Fly Larvae for Juveniles
Build around Symton black soldier fly larvae adapted to your juvenile dragon appetite, with Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in rotation for hunting enrichment. Include Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly as your calcium rich staple.
This suits most keepers in November who want a balanced, low fuss weekly routine with two staples instead of one.
Higher End Variety: Live Crickets for Reptiles for Adult Setups
Use live crickets for reptiles adapted to your adult dragon, plus Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as an active treat and Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly to round out the week. Store superworms at room temperature in wheat bran or oats with carrot or potato for moisture as directed.
This suits an experienced keeper with an adult dragon in a spacious enclosure who enjoys varied live feeding and can manage faster moving prey.
FAQ
Can bearded dragons eat giant dubia roaches safely?
Yes, many juveniles and adults can, as long as the insect is appropriately sized for your dragon head width and age. Offer one at a time, watch chewing and swallowing, and keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container between feedings.
Are dubia roaches better than crickets for bearded dragons?
Many keepers prefer dubias because they are quiet, produce no odor when kept properly, and cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly, unlike traditional feeder crickets. Crickets still work and trigger strong hunting, so a rotation often gives the best appetite and enrichment.
Do I need to dust black soldier fly larvae with calcium?
The Symton listing positions its larvae as naturally calcium rich with no dusting required as part of its feeding directions. For your own routine, follow the manufacturer own directions for your specific supplement and feeder product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon needs.
Final Verdict
This video is a great reminder that a setup in this class is about fit, not force. Match prey size to your dragon, rotate staples for variety, and keep husbandry steady with proper heat and lighting described in qualitative terms and fresh greens every day.
Our pick: the Balanced Mid Range with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus dubia roaches for most juvenile to adult dragons, because it gives you quiet keeping, strong feeding response, and easy rotation without relying on a single insect.
These picks are not ideal if you cannot store live insects at home; consider freeze dried or pre-portioned alternatives instead.
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