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Video credit: Kripke The Chameleon & Friends. Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4f-5vc3QnQ. 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.
Think of this video as a real world look at a setup in this class for keeping crickets alive, gutloading well, and cutting feeder cost. If you feed a bearded dragon live insects every week, this process is directly useful for you.
What This Video Covers
This video from Kripke The Chameleon & Friends covers how to keep crickets alive longer and get more nutrition into your reptile through gutloading. It is framed for beginners, and the ideas apply cleanly to bearded dragon keepers who buy crickets in bulk and lose too many before feeding day.
This approach suits every dragon age, from a growing baby that needs frequent insect meals to a juvenile that eats a mix of insects and greens to an adult that needs fewer insects but better quality insects. Feeder size and quantity depend on your dragon age and appetite, not a fixed count, so you adapt what you buy to the individual animal in front of you. That flexibility is the whole point of learning feeder care instead of just buying a bag and hoping.
In terms of scale, picture a single dragon home plus one small, secure, ventilated insect holding container on the side. You do not need a breeding room to benefit. You need airflow, dry shelter like egg crate, a moisture source from vegetables, and a routine for removing dead insects and old food. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container and feed appropriately sized insects, and your survival rate goes up fast.
There are real tradeoffs at this level. Crickets are affordable, widely available, and trigger a strong hunting response, which is great for activity and appetite. The downsides are noise, odor when kept poorly, and fast die off if they stay damp, crowded, or hungry. That is why many keepers rotate crickets with quieter options like dubia roaches or calcium rich black soldier fly larvae, while keeping crickets in the mix for variety and cost control.
No verified temperature or UVB numbers are stated in this video, so I keep lighting and heat references qualitative here. Provide a bright, warm basking area on one side and a cooler shaded side, with appropriate UVB coverage over the basking zone, and let your dragon thermoregulate. For feeders, focus on what you can control every day, which is clean housing, fresh gutload, and offering the right sized prey. For more background on staple choices, see our Feeder Insects: Crickets, Dubia and BSFL hub.
Timestamp Breakdown
This is the core of the article. The video shows a setup in this class, not our exact shopping list. The table below maps what is common at this level to what I would buy today, followed by my take on the choices that matter most.
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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 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
- 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
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | setup | a similar setup in this class | Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| N/A | gear | a similar setup in this class | Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| N/A | gear | a similar setup in this class | Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| N/A | gear | a similar setup in this class | Mealworms Bird Feeder | 5 x 5 inch Powder Coated | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
| N/A | gear | a similar setup in this class | Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live | A grounded, currently sold option in the feeder insects category. |
The most important choice is your staple rotation, not a single perfect bug. I like Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches as a base because the medium size, listed from one half inch to three quarter inch, fits many juveniles and smaller adults, and the species cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly when kept properly. Keepers commonly report less odor and noise compared with crickets, which makes daily care more pleasant and consistent.
The second key choice is adding Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly for calcium support and variety. These larvae are raised on a probiotic treated grain and grass diet and are described as naturally calcium rich with no dusting required for the product itself. That does not replace your normal supplement routine. Follow the manufacturer directions for your specific calcium and vitamin products and check with a reptile veterinarian about your individual dragon.
The third choice is how you handle crickets themselves. Live crickets are active and affordable, while Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets offer a hassle free backup without live care. For treats and larger dragons, Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live are hand counted, active, and easy to store at room temperature in bran or oats with carrot or potato for moisture. Use appropriately sized prey and rotate, and you cover both nutrition and enrichment.
My Experience
I keep an adult bearded dragon in a large front opening enclosure with plenty of climbing space, and I went through the same cricket die off phase you see beginners hit. My fix was smaller, more frequent cricket purchases plus a separate dubia bin for the midweek feedings. When my dragon was a juvenile, he ate insects daily alongside greens, and now as an adult he eats more greens with insects a few times per week, so feeder hardiness matters more than sheer volume.
A product like the Josh’s Frogs dubia option performed best for me for consistency. The medium sorting made it easy to pick an appropriate size, escapes were rare in a smooth sided bin, and there was no chirping at night. I still use crickets for chase enrichment and black soldier fly larvae when I want a soft bodied, calcium rich rotation, and I keep freeze dried crickets only as an emergency backup. Live prey always gets a stronger feeding response in my enclosure.
Comparison and Alternatives
Comparing the top two picks, Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches versus Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly, you are choosing between a hardy crawling staple and a soft, calcium rich staple. Dubia are quiet, easy to keep, and available in six bulk sizes from small counts up to large colony style counts, which helps if you have one dragon or several insect eaters. Black soldier fly larvae bring a balanced calcium to phosphorus ratio and guaranteed live delivery, with a shelf life of at least two weeks, which is helpful if you order ahead.
In daily use, dubia tolerate keeper mistakes a little better, while black soldier fly larvae are simpler to serve because you do not need to chase fast insects around the tank. I gutload both with fresh greens and vegetables, then dust according to my supplement labels. If your dragon is picky, try offering one type at a time and watch stool quality, activity, and appetite over a week before you judge.
For a tighter budget, the lower cost swap is to lean on Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets as a supplement to live feeders, not a full replacement. They are packed with protein and nutrients, freeze dried for nutrition rather than heat dried, and work for bearded dragons, geckos, turtles, and other insect eaters. The tradeoff is clear, which is convenience without movement, so use them to stretch live orders or for travel, and keep live insects as the main event. If you want to learn more about colonies, read how to choose a dubia colony starter for your dragon.
One note on the odd item in the list, Mealworms Bird Feeder | 5 x 5 inch Powder Coated. It is a powder coated mesh bowl with a stainless steel roof and locking height, designed as a feeder dish, not a live insect. I would not buy it as a bearded dragon food bowl for worms because dragons need a smooth, escape proof dish they can lick from easily. If you need live mealworm guidance instead, see 8 mealworms for adult bearded dragons that deliver and dried black soldier fly larvae 10LB for chicken vs SANSECT 10LB dried mealworms for Chickens, ducks.
Three Ways to Set This Up
There is no single right shopping list. Adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure and your dragon age and appetite. These three versions show how I would build it at different budgets and life stages.
Budget Friendly Starter for a Baby Dragon
Start with Dubia roaches live feeder, adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure. Choose a small count of appropriately sized medium roaches and feed in short sessions so your baby can hunt without leftover insects hiding in decor. This suits new keepers who want quiet, low odor feeders with fewer die offs while they learn daily care.
Add Fluker’s Freeze Dried Crickets only as backup for days when live insects run out. Keep everything in a secure, ventilated container with egg crate and fresh vegetable moisture, and remove uneaten prey after feeding.
Balanced Juvenile Setup We Recommend
Build around Symton black soldier fly larvae, adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure. Use Symton Large Feeding Grade Black Soldier Fly as a calcium rich rotation alongside Josh’s Frogs Medium Dubia Roaches for active feeding days. This suits juveniles that need steady protein plus variety, and keepers who want less dusting hassle without skipping supplements.
Gutload with fresh greens, keep larvae cool and dry per label, and follow your calcium and vitamin schedules exactly. Check with a reptile veterinarian if you are unsure how often to dust for your dragon age.
Higher End Adult Setup With Variety
Center on live crickets for reptiles, adapt size and quantity to your own enclosure. Use live crickets for enrichment, Large Superworms 1.5-2″ 25 ct Live as an occasional treat for larger adults, and black soldier fly larvae for softer prey days. This suits experienced keepers with an adult dragon in a roomy setup who can manage separate insect bins.
Do not overuse superworms for small dragons, and always match prey size to your animal. This version costs more time in cleaning and gutloading, but you get the best feeding response and diet breadth.
FAQ
How do I keep crickets alive longer for my bearded dragon?
Give them space, airflow, dry hiding places, and fresh food and moisture daily, and remove dead insects quickly. Keep live insects in a secure, ventilated container, avoid crowding and damp bedding, and buy a quantity you can use up while they are still healthy.
What is gutloading and does it help bearded dragons?
Gutloading means feeding your insects nutritious greens and vegetables before you offer them to your dragon, so the nutrition passes along. It helps a lot with crickets, dubia, and black soldier fly larvae. Use fresh produce and commercial gutload as directed, and keep supplement dusting on schedule per your product labels.
Are dubia roaches better than crickets for bearded dragons?
Many keepers prefer dubia because they are quiet, produce less odor when kept properly, and cannot climb smooth surfaces or fly. Crickets are still useful because they are affordable and trigger strong hunting behavior. Most dragons do best with rotation rather than one insect only.
Final Verdict
If you lose crickets fast, fix housing and gutloading first, then build a simple rotation that fits your schedule. Live insects drive appetite and activity, while thoughtful backups keep you from skipping feedings. For related ideas on supplements, see our Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Supplements section.
Our pick: the Balanced Juvenile Setup with Symton black soldier fly larvae plus dubia roaches, for most keepers in November 2026 who want steady nutrition, easier care, and good variety without overcomplicating the routine.
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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