Contemplating breeding feeders

[Mimiworkslave]

Hi. I am UK based and am currently contemplating breeding feeders for my baby to eat. Are they hard to breed? Just trying to think of the best way to feed my baby

 

[ruben0311]

starting your own colonies are usually a pretty good idea, you will need a large up front cost however in the long run it'll cost alot less. depending on what kind of feeders you are speaking of, it can be pretty simple to start growing your own food supply. I have dubia roaches and super worms what live together in a plastic container, havent bought food for more than 6 months however since Fred is over a year now he has started to eat less. you need to think about what size of feeder you will need and how long it will take to get the feeders that particular size also (for a baby beardie for example having a feeder that reproduces quickly would be good because you can have lots of smaller sized food to give to the little dragon).

 

[Taterbug]

For me, breeding feeders is totally worth it because I always have live food on hand (I hate giving my money to the local pet stores) and I know they are well fed/raised. For others it might be easier to buy bulk, or from a pet store - just depends on what your up for.

I think crickets and locusts are more a of a pain but others like morio worms, tropical cockroaches and even silkworms are not too hard.

 

[Rankins]

If your talking about crickets...they are a pain to deal with. I was breeding about 10,000/mo, but it takes up a lot of time, effort, and stink.
If your meaning roaches, I would do it. In fact I do I breed three species, soon to be 5.
I wouldn't breed dubias (I do have a colony, but trying to feed them off) they take longer than other species of roaches. Their nymphs are not very bulky and you end up feeding more to the dragon. I would look into orange heads, ivory heads, or six spotted roach. The nymphs of both the six spotted roach and ivory heads are some of the bulkiest roaches available.

 

[Rankins]

Ivory head roach nymph. Couldn't capture a side view...but they are very bulky. They are rare roaches though and kind of expensive to buy. Cheapest I have found them is $2 USD each....usually around $3 each The orange heads or 6 spotted roaches are cheaper..[ximg]85426 9701546914[/ximg]
Adult Ivory head
[ximg]85426 8871788531[/ximg]

 

[Rankins]

Orange head nymph
[ximg]85426 8083535470[/ximg]
Orange head adult
[ximg]85426 8712083976[/ximg]

 

[ruben0311]

Fred is fully grown now so he gets a few adult males maybe once a week... got so many adults it works for right now. Breeding dubia for baby or juvi dragons will require alot more in terms of numbers and reproductive time so take that into account. once fully grown though having a colony is easier as you have lots of nymphs growing up to replace the large adults you feed off.