Just a thought...

[PlantWac]

I used to keep stick insects, they breed like crazy and are small enough as juveniles for beardies to eat... I'm sure that there is a reason that they aren't used as feeders i'm just curious as to what that is.

the only thing i can think of is that they are quite thin but their shell isn't very chitinous.

I'd just like to know if anybody knows why they aren't used as a feeder.

 

[clear]

Most people view them as pets and I do not think anyone has done a nutritional analysis on them.

 

[NickBarta]

All bt the Northern American stick insect are not legal to transport/sell in the US, probably a major reason more don't use them. I would guess that due to the lack of weight to the stick, many feel it may not be worh much. I would say that they are a valuable feeder due to the fact that they are probably a MUCH more natural feeder than most commercial insects, and the variety they offer is very important.
I might know someone who raises several species.

 

[PlantWac]

The 'Indian' is a species of stick insect that I have had experience breeding and keeping.

They live, mainly, on a diet of privot leaves (May be a factor contributing to their lack of usage as a feeder insect. Privot may not be compatible with a dragon's physiology.) Their willingness to breed ensures that a small number of breeding pairs could support a bearded dragon's food mass requirements and they are easy enough to get hold of here in the UK.

the image shows an adult stick insect, the juvenile can be as small as 1-2cm in length and grow relatively rapidly so would be easy enough to grow to requirements.

*Addition*

I spoke to a reptile enthusiast today and he agrees that the only reason he can think of for them not to be used as a feeder is that they are a pet in their own right...

I believe this matter should be looked into in more detail... if anybody has any relevant information then please post it!