Advice/opinions on feeding options for (future) breeding

[mands1397]

I love this forum already, so many ideas and things I hadn't thought of!!

I wanted to ask those who do or have bred bearded dragons there opinions on best and most economical feeding options when your breeding and have such a huge demand for food. When we do breed were trying to be as self-sustainable as possible. We're fortunate enough to live in a zone where we do and can grow lots of the more nutritious staples almost year round (collard greens, sqaush, as well as kale, spinach and a few others). We also have successfully grown crickets, and have both meal and king worm colonies (more for treats).
The benifits of all this being one, its healthier, we know exactly what our beardies are eating and two, obviously its a lot cheaper.

We were planning on breeding crickets again in preparation for breeding. I dubai roaches in the forums noted as healthier etc. I guess my questions for any breeders here are ( I apologize if any seem silly im not familiar with them)

Are they easy to grow yourself?
Are they practical to rely on (space, maturation cycles etc) as a main staple for numerous dragons?
What about baby dragons, with crickets you feed pinheads are the roaches just as small when young?
Are they more or less economical to start up and maintain?

Any other ideas or suggestions on healthier options or things we can do to make things more economical totally welcome

 

[TheDragonKeepers]

I'm lucky that I've got a good supplier for locusts, so get bulk pretty cheaply. Offer a variety of food, and keep the bowl topped up. Mocha, the dragon that goes nutty laying several batches a year, particularly likes Nature Zone Beardie Bites.

 

[jarich]

Wish we could get locusts here, they are great feeders too.

As for roaches, yes they are very easy to breed and sustain economically, especially since you can grow so much of you're own food for them. A good way to feed them is by giving them the same veggies you give your dragons, things like squash, carrot, collards, etc. If you can grow all that, I'd really recommend growing some alfalfa too. Great calcium rich plant for both dragon and roach alike!