Just another thought...I guess what would answer my question perfectly is...

How long would it take X mixed colony size (starter) to grow enough to feed a voracious eater like a beardie constantly? And...starting w/ Y number of adult females (non mixed starter colony), same question.

I dont expect anyone to have all the answers, but maybe people in similar situations can say what they have exeperienced. For instance...Joe Schmoe says he bought 2 starter colonies. One was 100 mixed, the other was a half dozen females and a couple of males. They both grew too a colony size of 1000+ within 4 months.

These numbers are all potentially bogus, just throwing out an example.

Also, another question. In the mixed sets typically offered by bug breeders, is it all nymphs or mostly nymphs with some adults? If some adults are there, how many breeder females could I safely assume to get per 100.