Video credit: Kyle's Monitors. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKyXRHS-rck. 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.
Think of this as a setup in this class for live feeders, not an exact shopping list. It is useful if you are deciding between buying feeders as needed or dealing with a breeding colony at home.
What This Video Covers
This video from Kyle’s Monitors covers dubia roach colony setup bearded dragon style, giving a real world look at a setup in this category. The focus is on the warning side, meaning the smell, the maintenance, the escape management, and the long term commitment that new keepers often miss when they hear that dubias are easy.
For context, this kind of discussion suits owners of juvenile to adult bearded dragons who are eating insects regularly. Babies need small frequent feedings, juveniles are still insect heavy, and adults shift toward more greens with insects as a core rotation. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon’s age and appetite, not a fixed count, so you always adapt to the animal in front of you.
The scale here is a home colony or bulk feeder system, not a single small cup from a pet shop. That means a secure, ventilated container, egg flats or harborage, food and moisture sources, and a routine for cleaning and sorting. If you browse our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia & BSFL archive, you will see the same pattern across setups, containment first, then nutrition and rotation.
One tradeoff at this level is convenience versus control. A colony can give you steady access to the right sizes without weekly store runs, which is nice in November 2026 when you want consistency. The other side is responsibility, because you are now keeping two species alive, your dragon and your feeders, and both need clean conditions.
A second tradeoff is variety versus simplicity. Dubias are quiet and easy to contain compared with crickets, and keepers commonly report they are less smelly when kept properly. Still, most experienced keepers rotate in other feeders like black soldier fly larvae, crickets, mealworms, or superworms for enrichment and nutrition balance. Our guide on how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon walks through that starter decision in more detail.
Who should pause here. If you have one baby dragon, limited space, or you dislike handling roaches, breeding may be more work than it is worth. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects, but you can do that with small purchased batches while you learn your dragon’s appetite and schedule.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The table below maps the general parts you often see in a setup in this class to grounded picks you can buy today. The video itself is representative, so never assume the creator used our exact picks.
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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 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
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No timestamp listed | setup | a similar setup in this class | Dubia roaches live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| No timestamp listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton black soldier fly larvae | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| No timestamp listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | live crickets for reptiles | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| No timestamp listed | gear | a similar setup in this class | mealworms live feeder | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| No timestamp listed | 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, and for many dragon keepers that is dubia roaches. They are quiet, they cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly when kept properly, and they do not chirp through the night like crickets. That makes them easier to live with in an apartment or bedroom collection.
The second key choice is rotation. Black soldier fly larvae and crickets add movement and hunting interest that gets a lazy adult up and tracking. Mealworms and superworms are useful too, but I treat them more as supplemental or treat feeders because of their harder shell and richer profile, especially for younger dragons.
Lighting and heat references stay qualitative here because no verified temperature or UVB numbers are stated in this video. Focus on a clean, warm, well ventilated insect area away from your dragon’s basking zone, and keep your dragon’s own lighting and supplement routine separate and consistent per your product labels and your reptile veterinarian.
My Experience
I keep an adult bearded dragon in a roomy front opening enclosure, and I have run both small purchased batches and a simple dubia holding bin over time. A product like Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches fits my routine well because the medium size, sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, is easy for my adult to target without the intimidation of oversized feeders. They arrive sorted by size and packaged by weight, they stay quiet, and escapes are rare in a smooth sided bin.
What I learned is that buying the right size matters more than buying a huge count. I offer appropriately sized insects, remove uneaten live prey from the dragon tank after feeding, and keep the holding bin clean and dry with fresh moisture foods. When I want variety, I rotate to something active or add a few large worms as a treat, and that keeps feeding response strong without overcomplicating the week.
Comparison and Alternatives
Comparing the top two ideas from the table, dubia roaches live feeder versus black soldier fly larvae, comes down to staple versus rotation. Dubias are my staple pick for steady protein, low odor, and easy containment. Black soldier fly larvae are excellent for variety, soft bodies, and calcium rich reputation, and many dragons attack them eagerly in a dish.
For daily practicality, dubias win if you hate noise and escapes. They do not jump, they do not chirp, and they are simple to gut load with fresh greens and commercial chow. Black soldier fly larvae win if you want a low maintenance cup in the fridge door or on the shelf that you can shake into a bowl for enrichment without managing a colony.
A common alternative is live crickets for reptiles. They trigger a strong chase response and are widely available in many sizes. The cons are real though, they smell more, they can escape and hide, they chirp, and they need frequent cleaning. If you are sensitive to noise or odor, crickets as a sole staple will wear on you fast.
For a tighter budget or backup plan, consider Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets. This is a 1.2 oz freeze dried option packed with protein and essential nutrients, and it is freeze dried for optimal nutrition unlike heat dried. It will not replace live hunting enrichment, and most dragons prefer live movement, but it is handy for travel, emergencies, or topping greens. See also 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver if you are weighing worm based swaps.
One note on Gbekery Bluebird Feeder for Mealworms with Glass. Despite the mealworm name, this is an outdoor bird feeder with a metal mesh cage and glass bowl, not a reptile feeder system. I would not buy it for a bearded dragon setup. Stick with reptile specific feeding dishes and secure insect bins instead.
If you like worm treats, Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live from TC INSECTS is a grounded option. You get 25 live large superworms, hand counted, with live arrival guaranteed, and storage at room temperature in bran with carrot or potato for moisture. Use them sparingly for adults and avoid oversized or hard prey for babies. If you dust with calcium or vitamins, follow the manufacturer’s own directions for your specific product and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon.
Three Ways to Set This Up
Adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and your dragon’s age and appetite. These three builds use the same idea at different commitment levels, from simple purchased feeders to a fuller rotation.
Budget Friendly Starter With Dubia Roaches Live Feeder
Start with Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches in a small secure ventilated bin, plus a shallow reptile dish for feeding. This suits a first time owner with one baby or juvenile dragon who wants quiet, low odor feeders without breeding.
Buy small batches more often, feed appropriately sized insects, and keep greens as the other half of the diet as your dragon grows. You should not set up breeding if you only need a dozen feeders a week or you cannot commit to weekly bin cleaning.
Balanced Rotation We Recommend With Symton Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Pair a dubia staple with Symton black soldier fly larvae for variety, and keep Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets as a shelf stable backup. This suits a juvenile owner who wants strong feeding response and simple storage without a full cricket setup. Learn more about sizing tradeoffs in NutriCricket 110 live banded crickets vs the critter depot.
Rotate live prey across the week, clean bins on schedule, and remove uneaten insects from the dragon enclosure after each session. This is the setup I suggest for most keepers in 2026 because it balances nutrition, enrichment, and workload.
Higher End Variety With Live Crickets for Reptiles
Use live crickets for reptiles for active hunting sessions, dubias as your calm staple, and Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as an occasional treat for larger juveniles and adults. This suits an experienced owner with an adult dragon, extra space for separate insect bins, and time for frequent cleaning.
Only choose this if you tolerate chirping and odor and you can manage escape proof lids and regular substrate changes. If you want lower maintenance, drop crickets and stay with the balanced dubia plus larvae rotation.
FAQ
Should I breed dubia roaches for just one bearded dragon.
Often no, especially for beginners. A single dragon usually does well on small purchased batches where feeder size and quantity depend on age and appetite. Breeding makes more sense if you have multiple insect eaters, steady high demand, and space for a dedicated bin you will clean weekly.
What size dubia roaches should I feed my bearded dragon.
Choose prey no wider than the space between your dragon’s eyes and adjust as they grow. A product like medium dubias sized from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch suits many juveniles and adults, while babies need smaller nymphs. When in doubt, go smaller and feed appropriately.
How do I store live feeders safely at home.
Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container with a tight lid, smooth sides, and good airflow. Provide harborage, dry gut load, and moisture foods, clean out frass and dead insects often, and never leave loose live prey overnight in your dragon’s tank.
Final Verdict
Breeding dubias can work, but it is a second pet project with cleaning, feeding, and sorting built in. For most bearded dragon homes, buying the right sizes on rotation gives you all the benefits with far less risk and odor.
Our pick: the balanced rotation with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus a dubia staple, for juvenile to adult owners who want variety, easy storage, and consistent feeding response without managing crickets full time.
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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