Feeding problems, help?

Davii · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 11:34 am Post subject: Feeding problems, help?

As you most probably know, I have accumulated a decent sized variety of reptiles now.

Only problem is, feeding them all!
The only herps I have problems feeding are my bearded dragons.
I have two, and they're both on around 8 crickets a day, (usually using up 100 a week)

Over here 100 crickets are £25.
25 x 4 = £100
£100 x 12 = £1200.

Thats alot of money per year.. I wondered whether anyone knew of where I could get crickets cheaper? Maybe an internet seller that ship them out or something?

They're not even fully grown yet, And will probably need the dosage upping soon.. So it could get to be abit of a financial problem.

As I say, Snakes are cheap, Monitor is just on cow meat, Iguana is on fruit and veg.

It seems that because some herps can only eat crickets and locusts, Pt stores take advantage of it and charge at a high rate

Any Ideas? I would be truly grateful.
Dave.
_________________
Davii
[www.herp-observer.uni.cc]

<- Exotic Pets Referral Program ->
[http://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/referrer.php?ref=12906]

Rick · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 1:49 pm Post subject:

One word.. Discoids!

I switched from crickets to discoid roaches. I raise several large colonies and feed off thousands of these a week. The key is to grow a large colony before feeding off the young, this way you are only feeding off the excess. Each adult female can produce nearly 30 young every month.

Discoid roaches also have little to no odor. They don't fly, jump, or climb and can be houses in a large plastic Sterilite (brand name) bin with just some egg crate. We feed them roach/cricket food and they get daily scraps (potato peels, carrot ends, melon rind, etc)

I still occassionally use crickets too, but I buy them only as variety.

Rick
_________________
Sisco Reptiles - Proud Breeder of the Tamest & Most Social Tegus. See www.SiscoReptiles.com

Davii · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 2:01 pm Post subject:

Never heard of Discoids.. Roaches are not familiar around here at all..
Anywhere on the net I could buy them?

And you can feed them to bearded dragons??
I mean.. your the expert so I imagine you think they are sufficiently nutritious.. what you think is good enough for me =D

I'll ask around see if I can get hold of any, They sound good.

I tried breeding crickets.. But couldn't stand all the near-throwing up when I went to get them, and the cleaning out, it was horrendous.

Thanks for your help so far though, much appreciated =)

Best Regards,
Dave.
_________________
Davii
[www.herp-observer.uni.cc]

<- Exotic Pets Referral Program ->
[http://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/referrer.php?ref=12906]

Rick · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 2:09 pm Post subject:

Indeed, crickets reek. I hated breeding them.

There are several breeders and reseller of roaches online. There are several types of roaches too. Avoid hissers, lobsters, etc.. They are climbing roaches and can get out. I think discoids or dubia would be the best roaches for you. They are meatier and more nutritional than crickets, plus you can get more gutloading into them.

Rick
_________________
Sisco Reptiles - Proud Breeder of the Tamest & Most Social Tegus. See www.SiscoReptiles.com

Davii · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 3:06 pm Post subject:

Well, www.exotic-pets.co.uk sell them.. But not Discoids. They sell turkistan and lobster.. I'll have a good browse of the net.
_________________
Davii
[www.herp-observer.uni.cc]

<- Exotic Pets Referral Program ->
[http://www.exotic-pets.co.uk/referrer.php?ref=12906]

txrepgirl · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 4:12 pm Post subject:

Hi Dave.

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/feeder-crickets-worms-rodents-roaches-and-more/

http://www.sundialreptile.com/care%20sheet--bearded%20dragon.htm

Davii · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 1:47 pm Post subject:

txrepgirl · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject:

That is some great news.I'm happy to hear that things worked out for you.I'm also glad to hear that you liked those links

.Take care.