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What roaches are good for beardies? There's a reptile show coming up in a couple of weeks, and I thought I'd try something a bit different for my beardie. A little off topic, but is there a roach that golden geckos would also eat, maybe get 1 "order" of bugs for the both of them?

Thanks, happy holidays!

Howie
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1.0.0 Bearded Dragon (Digger)
1.1.0 Golden Geckos (Tevye & Golde)

Hi Howie,
We have about 6 kinds of roaches that we breed/sell.

As food for geckos, you can use several that have small, soft-shelled babies - the beardies will eat lobsters, orangeheads, discoids, smaller hissers, etc.

You also have to consider how you want to feed - and if you need to have non-glass climbing roaches. To feed the beardies, we have large tubs (128 qt and up) that we have painted with Bug Boundary (so the roaches cannot get out). We place the beardies in there, and let them graze. We don't add insects to any of the beardie enclosures. For our geckos, we use non-climbers.

Good luck!

You know, Morgana, that is such a great idea to put the beardies in with the bugs! I went out today and got one of those big tupperware containers with the "puzzle type tops" that are attached and put my crickets in there. I put shelf liner on the bottom. Then I put Zilla in there to feed. I hate trying to scoop the crickets out of his enclosure.

On another note....I thought Timber was awake....I have given him several baths and he drank and pooped. I think he ate a few crickets but I'm not seeing him eat greens. Can they sort of wake up and yet not really be awake? sigh Brumation is gonna kill me yet. LOLOL

I'm posting this here because I know other people must have these questions!

Maleea

Maleea,
The secret is not to put too many bugs in the "feeding tub" - as some dragons can freak out over that. I start with a handful, and when they eat those, give them more. The tub is easy to clean when done, and it can be used for other things (if need be).

Ahhh, brumating. It's not the same with all dragons. Some nap for days on end, while some have brief periods of alertness every few days. I offer greens once per week when they are napping - but I don't press the issue. I also give baths to the ones that are alert - but don't wake the ones that are sleeping. I keep a chart going during the winter months to keep track of who is doing what (but then, we have dozens...).

A good rule of thumb is not to force the issue... if they are alert and will take some food, ok. But if they want to sleep, I let them. I just watch for weight loss, and dehydration.

Take good care.