Feeders

[M21]

I bought an Ambilobe Panther this summer. He is about seven months old now. I started him off on fruit flies and pinheads. Shortly after that I started adding newly hatched mantis to the mix. As he's grown, I started feeding crickets, Phoenix Worms, Silkworms, occasional Butterworms and just added occasional Hornworms to the mix.

I have lots of Mulberry trees in my backyard so growing Silkies over the summer from eggs was easy and cost-effective. I also kept a large container of gut-loaded crickets outside (I can't stand the smell).

With winter fall/winter approaching, I'm trying to decide on different feeders I can keep inside without the smell or a chance of infestation. I like Silkies, but I don't want to pay for or mess with the chow and ordering the pods can get expensive. I'm really contemplating getting Dubias. I've been reluctant (a little grossed out). Also, if my roommate found out he'd probably kill me. I'm starting to reconsider it anyways (I can always hide them in the closet LOL). I've also been thinking about adding some BB flies to the mix.

I'd like some feedback about the roaches/flies care involved, experiences and any other recommendations.

 

[SSimsswiSS]

Just look at Dubia's as being big rolly pollies. Slight musky smell

 

[sandrachameleon]

sounds like you are providing good variety!
you might find some of the links in this blog entry useful:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blogs/sandrachameleon/74-feeders.html

I find dubia very easy to keep. Almost scent-free and sound-free.
Call them dubia rather than roach and keep in the bottom of your closet and your roomate will never have a concern.

 

[M21]

Good advice LOL. I think I'm gonna take the Dubia plunge. I use a plastic container that I cut holes in and glued mesh wire over the holes to keep my crickets. Can I use that for Dubias? Is it okay to feed them Cricket Crack and water cubes? Do they need some type of substrate?

 

[M21]

I just started looking at the link you posted (thanks by the way). It looks like a lot of excellent information. One thing I didn't see was info on the BB fly. Have you had any experience with using them as a feeder? I had a fly get into my chameleon's cage one time and he appeared to be on cloud nine. The only other insect he's responded to so well are mantis. The flies would be more of a treat whereas the Dubia a staple for him.

 

[d3s5]

I ordered BB fly spikes from MantisPlace along with food. I used their 3 cup method for breeding. It was cheap, easy, and didn't smell. My Cham LOVES flies! I only stopped because I started free ranging. But definitely add BB flies to your list of feeders!

 

[sandrachameleon]

I just started looking at the link you posted (thanks by the way). It looks like a lot of excellent information. One thing I didn't see was info on the BB fly. Have you had any experience with using them as a feeder? I had a fly get into my chameleon's cage one time and he appeared to be on cloud nine. The only other insect he's responded to so well are mantis. The flies would be more of a treat whereas the Dubia a staple for him.

Look again there are two links regarding blue bottles on that feeder list.

https://www.chameleonforums.com/blue-bottle-flies-22254/
http://www.forkedtreeranch.com/new-blue-bottle-fly.html
http://web.archive.org/web/20070327...ham.com/html/insects/insects-fly-rearing.html

Cultured flies are a good treat.

 

[M21]

Thanks, I saw that right after I posted my comment.