Starter Dubia Colony: How many to start for feeding a BD?

Im trying to find a way to save a little money in regards to the feeding and Im just looking at the "juice vs squeeze" theory of a home Dubia colony. Im reading it may take up to 10-20 Dubia Roaches (DR) a day for a proper feeding? While Im seeing an average price of $40-60 for a count of 500, (averaging .083-.125 cents per roach) which is a couple weeks worth? That sounds pretty expensive if you feed 2x daily. My local store costs are .19 cents a roach so thats even crazier at $95 for 500.

Im not really sure what is best for how many female vs male DRs needed to start a proper colony but Ill guess by saying 16 females and 4 males? Or there are packages that start around $100.

My question is if this is practical to have a small colony in the garage to feed your BD? Also, what have others done to start their DR colonies. Plainly just asking for more expert examples/advice.

Have you read this article yet?
https://www.southtexasdragons.com/dubia-roaches.html
I started my colony of just adults mainly with a few assorted sizes. 50 dubia in all and that was 3 months ago. I have only fed a few to my beardies. Colony no where near big enough yet, and I have a mess of babies. So colonies take time to get going. Probably be another 3+ months before I can feed from it and be self-sustaining. So the more you can get initially the better.

Scion19801":1zaliokx said:

Have you read this article yet?
https://www.southtexasdragons.com/dubia-roaches.html
I started my colony of just adults mainly with a few assorted sizes. 50 dubia in all and that was 3 months ago. I have only fed a few to my beardies. Colony no where near big enough yet, and I have a mess of babies. So colonies take time to get going. Probably be another 3+ months before I can feed from it and be self-sustaining. So the more you can get initially the better.

Click to expand...

I actually read that article and that is what prompted the question. Ive been reading a few more articles about it but the one you linked is what I initially read.

Did you purchase from that site or another?

I got mine locally.