Video credit: TheStalion11. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPzIaT18iBI. 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 feed live insects, this process is for you. The video shows a setup in this class for holding crickets and keeping them alive long enough to gut load and feed, and you can apply the same ideas to dubia, BSFL and worms you keep at home.
What This Video Covers
The video from TheStalion11 walks through how to keep crickets alive instead of buying a new bag every few days. Think of it as a setup in this class, not a perfect colony build. It focuses on housing, airflow, food and moisture, which are the four things that decide whether your feeders survive until feeding day.
This approach suits keepers with a baby, juvenile or adult dragon, because every age needs live insects in some amount. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count, so you adapt what you buy to your own animal. If you have a young dragon that eats often, a reliable cricket keeper matters even more.
The scale here is small and practical. You are looking at a secure, ventilated container for insects that sits outside the dragon tank, not a second enclosure. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects, and you avoid most escapes and die off. For more staple feeder ideas, browse our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia and BSFL hub.
The main tradeoff at this level is convenience versus upkeep. Crickets are active and trigger a strong feeding response, but they can smell and chirp and die quickly if crowded or damp. Dubia roaches and black soldier fly larvae are quieter and often hardier in a bin, which is why many keepers rotate them in. You trade a little extra setup time for far less waste.
Another tradeoff is gut loading versus dusting. A product like gut load food helps pass nutrition to your dragon, but it does not replace varied feeders and greens. If this topic touches calcium or vitamins for you, follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon.
You should skip a cricket heavy plan if you hate daily maintenance or live where noise and odor are a problem. In that case a quieter staple may fit better, and crickets can stay as an occasional enrichment feeder. If you enjoy hands on care and want active prey that gets your dragon moving, this style of setup is worth learning.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The embedded video shows a setup in this class, not the exact products below, so use the table to map common ideas at this level to what you can buy today. I kept heat and lighting references qualitative because no verified temperature or UVB numbers are stated in this video.
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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 Gbekery Squirrel Proof Bluebird Feeder with Glass
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
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not specified | setup | a similar setup in this class | Dubia roaches live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not specified | gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton black soldier fly larvae | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not specified | gear | a similar setup in this class | live crickets for reptiles | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not specified | gear | a similar setup in this class | mealworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| Not specified | 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 food plus moisture. Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet is built to give food, vitamins and water in one diet for feeder insects, which simplifies daily care. I like cube style diets for crickets because they keep the bin drier than open water dishes, and dry bins smell less and lose fewer insects.
The second choice is which insect carries your rotation. Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches are sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch and cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly, so escapes are rare when kept properly. Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly larvae are raised on a probiotic treated diet and are naturally rich in calcium with no dusting required per the maker, with a shelf life of at least 2 weeks.
The third choice is treats versus staples. Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live are active, meaty worms that many dragons love, and they store at room temperature in wheat bran or oats with carrot or potato for moisture. Use them as a treat or variety feeder, not the whole diet, and always feed appropriately sized insects for your dragon’s age and appetite.
My Experience
I keep a juvenile dragon in my main front opening enclosure in the size range keepers commonly report for juveniles, and I rotate live feeders through the week. When I tried a setup like the one in this video class, my cricket survival improved once I gave them more airflow, kept the bin dry, and fed a complete gut load diet daily. It felt like less waste and my dragon ate more eagerly on feeding days.
Lately I lean on dubia style feeders for the base because they are quiet and easy to grab with tongs. A product like the medium dubia option fits my juvenile well when I pick appropriately sized insects, and I still offer BSFL and an occasional worm for variety. If you only want one insect to start, pick what your dragon eats reliably, then expand once your routine feels easy.
Comparison and Alternatives
Compare the top two in the table side by side. Dubia roaches live feeder types, represented by the Josh’s Frogs medium option in 250 count and other bulk sizes from 25 to 1000 count, are known for high protein with a low chitin shell and quiet keeping with no odor when kept properly. They suit keepers who want a steady staple without chirping or frequent die off.
Symton black soldier fly larvae types are different in texture and routine. They are soft, calcium rich grubs with a balanced Calcium to Phosphorus ratio noted as 2.5, and the maker notes no dusting required. They suit keepers who want a low maintenance cup of feeders that do not climb, jump or smell much, and they work well for dragons that prefer slower prey.
Which should you pick for your home. If your dragon loves chase and you want active prey, start with dubia style roaches and keep BSFL as backup. If your dragon is picky with hard bodied insects or you want calcium rich variety, start with BSFL and add roaches for protein. Learn how to scale a quiet colony in our guide on how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon.
For a tighter budget, start with gut load support instead of a big insect order. The Fluker’s orange cube diet in 6 oz size helps the crickets you already buy live longer and carry more nutrition to your dragon. It is not a feeder itself, so pair it with a small count of appropriately sized insects rather than overbuying in bulk.
Be honest about who should not buy which. Do not buy large superworms for a tiny baby that cannot handle larger prey, and do not buy a huge bulk count if you only have one dragon that eats lightly. Do not choose crickets as your only feeder if noise, escape risk or daily cleaning will burn you out, since you will quit the routine.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count. Adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and animal for each option below, and keep every live insect in a secure, ventilated container.
Budget: Baby Starter Setup With Dubia
Budget pick: Dubia roaches live feeder, adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure. Pair Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in a small count with Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet for gut loading. This suits a new keeper with a baby dragon who wants quiet, low odor feeders and simple daily care.
You keep a small ventilated keeper, offer appropriately sized insects, and remove uneaten prey after feeding time. Skip bulk worms for now and focus on routine. If you want mealworm background reading, see our 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver post before you add treats.
Balanced: Juvenile Everyday Rotation With BSFL
Mid-range pick: Symton black soldier fly larvae, adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure. Use Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly as your easy base plus a small backup of dubia for chase and protein. This suits a juvenile dragon that eats daily and a keeper who wants less cleaning and steady nutrition.
You rotate cups so you always have live, appropriately sized prey ready, and you gut load any crickets you bring in for variety. Follow the manufacturer’s own directions for supplements and check with a reptile veterinarian about your dragon’s needs. This is the balanced version we recommend for most homes.
Higher End: Adult Variety Setup With Live Crickets
Premium pick: live crickets for reptiles, adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure. Keep crickets with gut load support for activity, add Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as a hand fed treat, and use BSFL for calcium rich variety. This suits an adult dragon and a keeper who enjoys enrichment feeding and does not mind daily bin checks.
A note on Gbekery Bluebird Feeder for Mealworms with Glass. It is built as an outdoor bird feeder with a metal mesh cage and glass bowl, not as a primary bearded dragon dish. Most dragon keepers should skip it for inside the tank and offer worms in a shallow reptile dish instead. Compare cricket sourcing ideas in our NutriCricket 110 live banded crickets vs the critter depot comparison.
FAQ
How do I keep feeder crickets alive longer?
Give them space, airflow and dry bedding, plus a combined food and water source made for crickets. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container, remove dead insects quickly, and avoid open water that can drown or dampen the bin. Gut load for a day before feeding to your dragon.
What size feeder insects should I offer my bearded dragon?
Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count. Choose appropriately sized insects that your dragon can chew and swallow comfortably, such as medium dubia sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch for many juveniles and adults. When in doubt, go smaller and ask a reptile veterinarian for guidance.
Are black soldier fly larvae better than crickets for bearded dragons?
Neither is best for every dragon, they fill different roles. BSFL are soft, calcium rich and easy to keep, with no dusting required per the maker, while crickets are more active and can trigger hunting. Many keepers rotate both and follow the manufacturer’s own directions for any supplements.
Final Verdict
If your crickets keep dying, fix housing and gut loading first, then pick a staple that fits your tolerance for noise and cleaning. Crickets bring activity, dubia bring quiet protein, BSFL bring easy calcium rich variety, and worms bring treats. Start small, watch appetite and stool, and adjust quantity to your own dragon.
Our pick: the balanced juvenile rotation with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus a small dubia backup, for keepers who want easy daily feeding with less smell and waste.
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