Video credit: Kooda Aguirre. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-9tuQ71huA. 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.
This feeder focused setup is for you if you want a practical rotation of live insects for a bearded dragon. It looks at a setup in this class that centers on Dubia roaches and black soldier fly larvae, with crickets, mealworms and superworms as familiar extras.
What This Video Covers
This video from Kooda Aguirre covers black soldier fly larvae for bearded dragons, giving a real world look at a setup in this category. Think of it as a setup in this class rather than an exact shopping list, so you can see how these feeders move, how they are contained, and how a keeper might offer them during a normal feeding routine.
In my view this approach suits juveniles and adults best, with adjustments for babies. Young growing dragons usually need more frequent insect meals and smaller sized prey, while adults do better with fewer insect feedings and a stronger focus on greens. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count, so you want to adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and your own animal.
For scale, picture this working in a normal home reptile corner, from a starter bin setup for a baby to a full size adult enclosure of the type keepers commonly report using. You do not need a large breeding operation to use this method. A small secure tub for Dubia, a cup or dish for larvae, and a ventilated holding container for crickets or worms is enough for most households.
One tradeoff at this level is convenience versus variety. Dubia roaches are quiet, they cannot fly, they cannot climb smooth surfaces, and they offer solid protein, which makes them easy to live with. Black soldier fly larvae are naturally rich in calcium and easy to serve, but they are small, so larger dragons may eat a lot of them in one sitting and you will go through cups faster than you expect.
Another tradeoff is activity versus mess and care. Crickets trigger a strong hunting response but they can smell, chirp and escape if your lid is loose. Mealworms and superworms are simple to store at room temperature in bran or oats with carrot or potato for moisture, yet they are better as part of a rotation rather than the only feeder. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects for your dragon.
If you are building background knowledge, it helps to read more in our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia & BSFL section alongside this breakdown. You can also compare notes with our piece on dried black soldier fly larvae 10LB for chicken vs SANSECT 10LB dried mealworms for Chickens, ducks when you are deciding how much variety a young animal needs.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. Use the table below to see what is common at this level and what we would buy today in 2026 for the same job. The video shows a setup in this class, and the picks on the right are our own independent choices for that role.
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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 100 Live Medium Dubia Roaches 1/2 to 3/4 Inch
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
- High protein feeder supports stronger nutrition than common crickets
- Quiet, odor light and non invasive with no wings, climbing or noise
- Medium 1/2 to 3/4 inch size fits a wide range of medium breed reptiles
- Simple care and storage with no special setup required
Cons
- Live insects need timely unboxing, warmth and ventilation to stay healthy
- Medium size may be too big for tiny juveniles and too small for large adult reptiles
- Natural size variation is normal in live bulk packs, so individual roaches will differ slightly
This 100-count pack from Midwest Fulfillment LLC delivers live medium Dubia roaches in the 1/2 to 3/4 inch range. It is built for owners of bearded dragons, leopard geckos, amphibians and other insectivores needing a reliable staple feeder.
The standout benefit is nutrition. Dubia roaches provide more protein than crickets or mealworms, with soft bodies that are easier to digest. In daily feeding, that means better growth, steady energy and less odor and die off than cricket tubs.
Packaging is simple and practical, with roaches shipped in a ventilated tub or carton for easy storage and portioning. The insects themselves are calm, flightless and unable to climb smooth surfaces, which keeps feeding clean and contained.
The main limitation is that live feeders need care. They require warmth, airflow and prompt unboxing on arrival, and medium size will not suit very small hatchlings or very large adults. Some size variation between roaches is also normal.
Overall, this is a strong choice for reptile keepers who want a quiet, high protein alternative to crickets. If you feed medium sized insectivores regularly, this 100-count medium pack offers convenience, nutrition and ease of use.
Feed medium Dubia roaches sized appropriately, generally no larger than the space between your reptile's eyes. Offer 3 to 8 roaches per feeding for medium species, adjusting for age, appetite and guidance from your vet.
House extras in a smooth sided tub with ventilation, egg crates for hiding and steady warmth around 75 to 85 degrees. Provide dry gut load plus fresh vegetables and water crystals, and remove uneaten feeders after feeding sessions.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 here is your staple. I lean on Dubia roaches as the workhorse because they are hardy, quiet and easy to handle with tongs or in a smooth sided dish. For day to day feeding, you want an insect your dragon chases with interest but one you can also keep without odor taking over your room.
The second key choice is adding Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly as a calcium rich complement. These larvae are raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet and are noted for a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio, with no dusting required according to the maker. If your setup touches calcium or supplements, follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon.
The supporting cast matters too. Live crickets supported with Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet can work well if you gut load carefully, while Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live are best treated as an active, high protein treat rather than the base of every meal. Keep all feeders secure, offer only appropriately sized prey, and remove uneaten insects from the enclosure.
My Experience
I keep a two year old male in a large adult enclosure with tile, a hide, branches and a shallow dish for worms and larvae. When I switched the base of his rotation to Dubia style roaches with BSFL mixed in twice a week, feeding time got calmer and cleaner. He still gets that alert head lift for moving prey, but I am not fishing loud crickets out from behind decor.
A product like Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly performed well for me because the grubs arrive active with guaranteed live delivery and keep for at least two weeks when stored as directed. I serve them in a smooth dish so they cannot crawl out quickly, and I only offer what he will eat in a short session. For worms I like the hand counted 25 ct size of the superworm pack because it is easy to store at room temperature and use up before they get too large.
Comparison and Alternatives
Comparing the top two picks, Dubia roaches live feeder versus Symton black soldier fly larvae, comes down to texture, size and routine. Dubia roaches are meatier and more filling per insect, which many keepers prefer for juveniles and adults that want a satisfying chase. They are also quiet and do not climb smooth tubs, so your holding bin stays simple with egg flats, ventilation and a secure lid.
Symton larvae win on ease of serving and calcium content. You do not need to dust them per the maker, they are soft bodied, and they work nicely in a dish for dragons that are shy about chasing. The con is that you may need more of them per feeding, and some dragons get bored if larvae are the only thing offered. I use Dubia for the main hunting meal and larvae as a calm second offering or topper.
Against live crickets, both options are cleaner and quieter. Crickets are excellent for enrichment and are widely available, but they need more upkeep and good gut loading with a product like Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet to be at their best. For a tighter budget, a lower cost swap is to use fewer superworms or mealworms as treats and put your regular spending toward Dubia and BSFL. If you want more on worms for grown dragons, see 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Budget Starter With Dubia Roaches Live Feeder
Start with Dubia roaches live feeder and adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and your dragon’s age. Add a small dish for serving and a ventilated holding tub with a locking lid. This suits a baby dragon starter setup or anyone testing whether their household prefers roaches over crickets.
Balanced Juvenile Setup With Symton Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Choose Symton black soldier fly larvae and adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure, paired with Dubia roaches for the main meals. Include Fluker’s Orange Cube Complete Cricket Diet only if you also hold crickets, and keep larvae in their cup until serving time. This balanced version we recommend suits juveniles and busy keepers who want simple storage plus active feeding.
Higher End Adult Variety With Live Crickets for Reptiles
Use live crickets for reptiles and adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure, alongside Dubia, Symton larvae and occasional Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as a treat. Add a smooth feeding dish and a dedicated cricket holding container with food and hydration. This suits an adult in a larger decorated setup where you want maximum enrichment and are willing to manage more bins. For colony ideas, read how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon.
FAQ
Are Dubia roaches or black soldier fly larvae better as a staple for bearded dragons?
Both can be part of a staple rotation, and many keepers use Dubia as the base with BSFL mixed in. Dubia are larger and meatier per insect, while BSFL are small, soft and naturally calcium rich. Offer appropriately sized insects and adjust amounts to your dragon’s age and appetite.
How do I store live feeders without smell or escapes?
Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container with a locking lid and smooth sides where needed. Store worms at room temperature in bran or oats with a little carrot or potato for moisture, keep larvae in their cup until use, and never release extra feeders outside.
Do I still need calcium powder if I feed black soldier fly larvae?
The maker of the Symton larvae notes no dusting is required for their product because of its calcium content, but routines vary by dragon, diet and lighting. Follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific supplement and feeder products. Check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon before changing supplements.
Final Verdict
For most homes, a Dubia led rotation with BSFL as a regular second feeder gives you the best mix of ease, nutrition and feeding response without cricket odor. Add crickets when you want extra chase enrichment and keep worms as treats. You can explore more ideas in NutriCricket 110 live banded crickets vs the critter depot.
Our pick: the balanced juvenile setup with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus Dubia roaches, for juvenile and adult dragons in a standard home enclosure who need simple care and steady variety.
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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