Video credit: ChiefSweetsUniverse. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ8_awOqsRg. 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.
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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.
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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.
If you are building a feeder routine for a bearded dragon, this guide is for you. Think of the video as a setup in this class that shows what bulk feeder insects look like in real life, and use the picks below to build a simpler, cleaner version for your own dragon.
What This Video Covers
This video from ChiefSweetsUniverse covers bearded dragon feeder insects guide, giving a real world look at a setup in this category. It is useful because unboxing thousands of insects shows scale, movement, packaging, and storage needs in a way product photos never do. We treat it as a setup in this class, not as an exact shopping list, and we map what you see to current options you can actually buy.
For age range, this type of bulk feeder approach suits juveniles best, with clear uses for babies and adults too. Babies need small, frequent meals with appropriately sized insects, juveniles eat a lot as they grow, and adults do better with fewer insects plus plenty of greens. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count, so you should adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and your own animal.
For scale, think single dragon home versus multi reptile household. A single adult dragon can work through a modest rotation of staples and treats over a couple weeks if you store them well. A growing juvenile, or a home with several insect eaters, can justify larger counts and more variety. Keepers commonly report that bulk buying makes sense only if you have secure housing and a feeding plan, otherwise smaller counts stay fresher and waste less.
One tradeoff at this level is live nutrition versus convenience. Live dubia, live crickets, black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and superworms trigger hunting behavior and offer texture and moisture that many dragons prefer. Freeze dried options like Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets remove escape worries and daily care, but many dragons find them less exciting and you lose the benefit of gut loading right before feeding.
A second tradeoff is variety versus routine. A rotation can help picky eaters stay interested and can balance different textures, from soft bodied larvae to meatier worms. Too much variety at once, though, means more containers, more feeding schedules, and more chances for insects to age out or die off. If you are new, start with one staple you can manage well, then add a second feeder once your storage habit is solid. Our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia & BSFL archive is a good place to compare staples side by side.
You should also plan for housing from day one. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects that are no larger than the space between your dragon’s eyes as a general keeper guideline. Provide egg crate or dry shelter for roaches and crickets, keep worms in bran or oats with a moisture source like carrot, and clean out dead insects quickly. If you want to breed your own supply later, read how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon before you commit to a breeding bin.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The table below maps the general parts you would expect in a setup in this class to what we would buy today. The video itself is representative, so we never claim the creator used our specific picks. Use the left column to understand the category, and the right column to shop for your own dragon.
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full video | setup | a similar setup in this class | Dubia roaches live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton black soldier fly larvae | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | live crickets for reptiles | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | gear | a similar setup in this class | mealworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Full video | 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. For most keepers that means Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches or Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly. Dubia are quiet, cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly when kept properly, and offer a meaty bite with a low chitin shell. Black soldier fly larvae are naturally calcium rich with a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, and the maker notes no additional dusting is needed for the larvae themselves.
The second choice is how you handle crickets and worms. Live crickets suit dragons that love chase, while Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets suits travel, school dorms, or homes where chirping and escapes are a deal breaker. For worms, think of Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as an active treat for larger juveniles and adults, not an everyday staple for tiny babies. Mealworm style feeders can work in rotation, and our comparison in dried black soldier fly larvae 10LB for chicken vs SANSECT 10LB dried mealworms for Chickens, ducks explains why size and hardness matter.
Do not overlook the dish and storage. The Gbekery Bluebird Feeder for Mealworms with Glass in our list is built as an outdoor bird feeder with a metal mesh cage and glass bowl, so treat it as an example of a contained feeding dish idea rather than a reptile tank essential. Inside a dragon tank you usually want a smooth sided, escape proof worm dish that is easy to clean. If you use any calcium or vitamin powder with your feeders, follow the manufacturer’s own directions for that specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon.
My Experience
I keep an adult dragon in a large front opening enclosure with tile and a simple worm dish on the cool side, and I have run both dubia and black soldier fly larvae through that same setup. My dragon was around two years old when I settled into a dubia first routine, and what I liked was how calm the bin stayed compared with crickets. The medium dubia size, described as 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, was easy for him to chew without long chase sessions around the tank.
When I added a product like the Symton larvae, I used them as a smaller, wiggly second feeder a few times per week and kept the routine simple. I stored them as directed for short shelf life, offered only what he would eat in one sitting, and dusted only according to my supplement plan after talking with my vet. If your dragon is young, shy, or new to you, start with fewer insects per feeding and watch stool, energy, and appetite before you scale up.
Comparison and Alternatives
Compare the top two staples head to head. Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches are sold in bulk counts up to large multi pet quantities, sorted by size and packaged by weight, with the maker noting count may vary slightly. They are high in protein with a low chitin shell, quiet, and low odor when kept properly, which makes them a strong everyday feeder if you are comfortable housing live roaches. The con is real: if anyone in your home is uneasy about roaches, or your local rules restrict them, you should not buy them even if they are popular online.
Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly takes a different path. These larvae are raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet, contain high levels of calcium, and are marketed as a staple with no need for additional dusting of the larvae. Shelf life is listed as at least two weeks, so they suit keepers who want a nutritious, easy to serve grub without a long term colony. The con is that they are smaller and softer than dubia, so large, hungry adults may blow through them fast and you will need to reorder more often.
For a lower cost swap on a tighter budget, Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets is worth keeping on the shelf. It is freeze dried for nutrition rather than heat dried, packed with protein and vitamins, and made for bearded dragons, geckos, turtles, and other insect eaters. You avoid escapes, noise, and daily insect care, which helps if you travel or only need an occasional topper. The tradeoff is palatability, as some dragons ignore non moving food, so you should not rely on it alone for a baby that needs strong feeding responses.
Worms round out the rotation. Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live are active, meaty, and hand counted, with live arrival guaranteed and simple room temperature storage in bran or oats with carrot or potato for moisture. They work as enrichment and weight support for larger dragons, but they should not be your plan for tiny hatchlings. For adult focused worm tips, see 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Pick the path that matches your dragon’s age, your time, and how you feel about keeping live insects. All three assume appropriately sized insects, a secure ventilated insect container, and fresh greens alongside insects for juveniles and adults. Updated in November 2026, these paths use the same feeder family with different emphasis.
Budget: Baby Dragon Starter With Dubia Roaches Live Feeder
Start with Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in a modest count adapted to a single baby, plus a small backup of Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets for days when live feeding is hard. This suits a first time keeper with one baby who wants quiet, low odor staples without a cricket escape saga. Skip superworms until your dragon is larger and chewing confidently.
Balanced: Juvenile Rotation With Symton Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Use Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly as your calcium rich staple rotation alongside dubia, adapting size and quantity to your juvenile’s appetite. This is the version we recommend for most homes because it balances nutrition, ease of storage, and hunting enrichment. It suits a juvenile that eats daily and a keeper who can manage two small insect bins and a simple supplement plan approved by a vet.
Higher-End: Adult Variety With Live Crickets for Reptiles
Build around live crickets for chase enrichment, dubia for calm staple meals, and Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as an occasional treat for an adult. This suits an experienced keeper with an adult dragon in a larger enclosure who enjoys active feeding time and has space for separate insect housing. If you dislike noise, odor, or escapes, you should not choose this path and should stay with dubia plus black soldier fly larvae instead.
FAQ
What feeder insects are best for a bearded dragon that ignores freeze dried crickets?
Try moving, appropriately sized live staples like medium dubia or black soldier fly larvae, offered one at a time with tongs or in a smooth dish. Warm the feeding area with your normal lights so your dragon is alert, and keep sessions short. If refusal lasts more than a few days with lethargy or weight loss, contact a reptile veterinarian.
How many dubia roaches or BSFL should I feed per day?
There is no single count that fits every dragon, since feeder size and quantity depend on age and appetite. Babies and juveniles usually eat more insects per day than adults, while adults need more greens. Offer only appropriately sized insects, watch body condition and stool, and adjust slowly.
Do I still need calcium powder if I feed black soldier fly larvae?
Black soldier fly larvae are naturally calcium rich, but supplementation still depends on your overall diet, lighting, and your dragon’s health. Follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific calcium or vitamin product and do not assume any feeder makes supplementation unnecessary. Check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon’s plan.
Final Verdict
Bulk unboxing videos are fun to watch, but your home setup should be smaller, cleaner, and matched to one dragon. A simple staple plus one rotation feeder beats five open containers you cannot maintain. Keep insects secure and ventilated, feed the right size, and let appetite and growth guide you.
Our pick: the balanced juvenile rotation with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus dubia, for most keepers with a single juvenile or young adult who want nutrition without cricket hassle.
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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