Feeder Cost and more

[ilovebeardies]

Guys I am debating on what to feed as the main source of protein, right now I am feeding large crickets and the occasional super worm with veggies however. The crickets are driving me nuts. Any ideas on a cost effective protein for them, as a for instance it cost me 20.00 for 200 crickets and 4.99 for 50 super worms at local pet store. Any suggestions of online ordering sites that are cost effective would be greatly appreciated!

 

[timbalan]

Breed roaches. They are better than crix in every aspect.

 

[monkeybumpz]

I just started my budget roach colony

 

[ilovebeardies]

See I am a freak when it comes to bugs and I mean even lightening bugs! I hate them! So I am very meticulous with getting my crickets I use like 10 inch tongues the bags from the pet store I can't touch them or anything or I will freak so. I can't imagine evvveerrrr having roaches in my house even with the tongs. I know I'm lame but I'm a girl so...yeah lol anywho worms not really a big deal tongues work fine no jumping etc. Plus I'm pretty sure my fam would not be happy with roaches in the house

 

[Elemental Dragon Lord]

Roaches are easy, you have to put in the cardboard egg creates anyways. Put on gloves, grab a cardboard crate, bang it on the side once or twice then put it back. You never get close to them.

 

[monkeybumpz]

Will water crystals for plants work for dubias?

 

[ilovebeardies]

I don't touch the egg crates I wait till they go in the paper towel roll haha but I will look into it would possibly try if I could keep them outside, I live in Ohio only place you can have all four seasons in one day lol. I'll research the breeding requirements etc.

 

[ilovebeardies]

I just started my budget roach colony
View attachment 8724

where did you order your dubias from to start your colony?

 

[monkeybumpz]

I actually found someone local to me selling them as feeders and I asked if he had males and females for sale and he said yes. He gave me a good deal. I got 18 females, 8 males and 50 small/medium nymphs for $20, I lucked out.

 

[ilovebeardies]

Wow nice! Yeah I don't know anyone around where I'm at that actually sell feeders besides the pet store so I'm stuck paying an arm and a leg

 

[Josh]

Roaches are the way to go. I don't love the idea of breeding them either but they really are superior. A good set of tongs will be your best friend

 

[ilovebeardies]

always lol

 

[monkeybumpz]

I've ordered from doodle bug critter before. A breeder set. I think they sell a complete kit and also small ones if you don't want a huge colony

 

[ilovebeardies]

I'll check them out thanks

 

[monkeybumpz]

Or west coast roaches. But I've never ordered from them

 

[ilovebeardies]

I think I just looked at their site the other day actually!

 

[Elemental Dragon Lord]

Check craigslist, I have found nice dubia deals there also.

 

[will_him_is]

I payed 45-50 for 500 off ebay from a company called the Invert Shop. http://theinvertshop.com They actually sent 600. 1/4 to 1/2.. I would say 99% live arrival and in that size range. Took 3 days to get from Oregon, they are really easy to handle compared to crickets, and easy to catch for the beardies. Especially these little beardies. You can feed em out of a cup

 

[will_him_is]

Double checked price.. its 39

 

[will_him_is]

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=161069775053&alt=web this might be better to try. They offer 200 +10% chow and crystal... and buy 3 get one free.. and safe packaging. . I think my next order will be them.. they offer bunch of options and breededrs