Staple foods

[wittlewizard]

So, my beardie is still young (8 inches) so I'll be keeping her on veggies and crickets until she's full grown, but I'd like to switch her from crickets. They're loud, smelly, and such a hassle, as I'm sure you all know!
I've been trying to do some research on various worms, roaches, etc., but I'm looking for one or two that would be a good staple that won't be too expensive.
I'd be willing to get some occasional hornworms for just every so often, and I have no problem with calci/multivitamin dusting.
Supers seem to be a good staple, but how many would I need?
Roaches seem good too, but to be honest, they kinda freak me out! I suppose I could try, but same thing here, how many would I need for an adult?
Right now, I have to cripple the crickets for my girl to eat them, because they hide in her viv and she won't go after them much. I'd like something that she'll love, and I can tolerate!
Thanks!

 

[unkempt1]

Get Dubia roaches, they're great! Here's a care sheet to get you started:

http://amazingly-wildfeederz.webs.com/caresheet

The initial start up costs are higher, but once you get your colony cranking babies out you'll never need to buy feeders again. Of course you still will every now and then to treat your dragon. :lol:

 

[wittlewizard]

Get Dubia roaches, they're great! Here's a care sheet to get you started:

http://amazingly-wildfeederz.webs.com/caresheet

The initial start up costs are higher, but once you get your colony cranking babies out you'll never need to buy feeders again. Of course you still will every now and then to treat your dragon. :lol:

I'll totally look into this for when she's a little older, maybe even start up a colony beforehand to be sure I know what I'm doing, lol.
Thanks!

 

[jarich]

All feeder insects have some nutritional shortcomings, so its best to simply rotate feeders constantly rather than having a 'staple' feeder. If you breed roaches, then buy hornworms, supers, crickets, etc every other week, that will keep the variety up and the nutritional problems down.

 

[wittlewizard]

All feeder insects have some nutritional shortcomings, so its best to simply rotate feeders constantly rather than having a 'staple' feeder. If you breed roaches, then buy hornworms, supers, crickets, etc every other week, that will keep the variety up and the nutritional problems down.

That's a good idea, as well. Thanks!

 

[ANDTWENTY]

You will find that having a staple food wont be that easy. Beardies are very fussy and tern their nose up after a while (mine does anyway). I have had to alternate between crickets and locusts because he keeps switching what he eats, I also give him some morioworms every now and again. Best thing to do is try a bit of everything and alternate it when he gets bored or each time you run out get something different.

 

[wittlewizard]

You will find that having a staple food wont be that easy. Beardies are very fussy and tern their nose up after a while (mine does anyway). I have had to alternate between crickets and locusts because he keeps switching what he eats, I also give him some morioworms every now and again. Best thing to do is try a bit of everything and alternate it when he gets bored or each time you run out get something different.

I guess that would be pretty convenient anyway, not having to keep those crickets all the time. That's really helpful. Anything to make her happy!

 

[unkempt1]

Supers seem to be a good staple, but how many would I need?

On a side note, superworms do not make a good staple. If you want to choose two you should probably look at roaches, crickets, and Phoenix worms. I don't like Phoenix worms as a staple (or any other worm, for that matter). I prefer to control gut-loading and just don't like them. You will see others on here that like them very much and seem to do fine with them.

 

[Sauzo]

Phoenix worms are tiny if you are talking 16+ inch dragon which I would assume you are if you are doing superworms. I personally use dubias as Harleys staple bug and rotate out hornworms, butterworms and silkworms. Her staple veggie is collard greens since those are naturally high in calcium and really seem to be the only veggie she really loves to eat 24/7.

 

[Billybatz9]

Phoeix worms are very small, good for baby bearded dragons. Too expensive to feed to adults. They would neeed like 5 containers. If I were you, I'd get into dubia roaches. Very nutritional feeders. Easy to bred and care for. Much better than crickets. Learn how to breed dubia roaches and you will never have to spend another red cent on crix again. But some good staples are lots of vegetation. Insects will only make up about 30% of your bearded dragons diet.

 

[MAK]

Roaches! nuff said