Best way to heat a roach colony?

[Mikoh4792]

Let's say you are raising a colony in a tub or bin. What do you use and where?(side, bottom..etc)

Also I've read that temps should be kept at around 85-95 for successful breeding. How low should one drop it at night? And do I always keep it at 85-95 for the life of the colony or only when I want breeding to ensue?

[franks]

Best way is a large UTH on a thermostat. I keep it in the mid 80's when I do not want them to breed, and crank it to 95 with some oranges and very little brown sugar when I want more roaches. Its been working for me.

[Mikoh4792]

Best way is a large UTH on a thermostat. I keep it in the mid 80's when I do not want them to breed, and crank it to 95 with some oranges and very little brown sugar when I want more roaches. Its been working for me.

Where do you keep the UTH? Do you give it a night drop and if so at what temperatures?(when breeding and also not breeding)

[Danimal]

I keep my tape at 90-95 24/7 and I run the tape under 2/3 of the bin. I just try to keep the bin around 90deg.

[Mikoh4792]

I keep my tape at 90-95 24/7 and I run the tape under 2/3 of the bin. I just try to keep the bin around 90deg.

Damn they need to be kept really hot lol.

[smy_749]

Damn they need to be kept really hot lol.

They don't need to be kept as hot as danimal does. But if you do keep them that hot, they will reproduce much faster (with smaller adult size generally, but still, much faster). You can keep them in the eighties as well, though the temps danimal said are better. They are a tropical species.

[Mikoh4792]

They don't need to be kept as hot as danimal does. But if you do keep them that hot, they will reproduce much faster (with smaller adult size generally, but still, much faster). You can keep them in the eighties as well, though the temps danimal said are better. They are a tropical species.

Okay and even for the largest beardie, is there a certain age group of roaches I want to keep them away from?(Like for example the oldest or youngest roaches). I could be mistaken since I haven't seen a dubia roach in person, but from pictures and videos the old ones look way too big for even a fully grown bearded.

[formica]

nice bit of info there! can roaches climb plastic or metal? I'd like to use a metal bin, nice heat conduction, but i dont want escapee's, and i dont really want to use a glass tank coz that means going into my loft again (its a mission i tell ya!)

I'm looking at insects to breed for my Sav, and frankly I am sick to death of the smell of crickets haha plus they will soon be more of a snack once he's grown up a bit


apologize for hijacking thread :)

[Mikoh4792]

nice bit of info there! can roaches climb plastic or metal? I'd like to use a metal bin, nice heat conduction, but i dont want escapee's, and i dont really want to use a glass tank coz that means going into my loft again (its a mission i tell ya!)

I'm looking at insects to breed for my Sav, and frankly I am sick to death of the smell of crickets haha plus they will soon be more of a snack once he's grown up a bit


apologize for hijacking thread :)

No hijacking here. It's all under the same subject. I think one of the upsides to keeping roaches is that they are poor climbers of smooth surfaces such as glass, and plastic. I don't know about metal since some metals can have striations which may be easier to climb for insects.

[jarich]

I heat my roach tubs by placing them on top of another enclosure that is warm. For me its my monitor enclosure, just above the lights. Keeps it nice and warm for them and costs me nothing extra (no extra heat elements/thermostat/extra electricity)

[smy_749]

Okay and even for the largest beardie, is there a certain age group of roaches I want to keep them away from?(Like for example the oldest or youngest roaches). I could be mistaken since I haven't seen a dubia roach in person, but from pictures and videos the old ones look way too big for even a fully grown bearded.

The largest beardies can handle the largest dubia. Especially if you crank the heat and have smaller adults. You only want to feed the adult males (the ones with wings) to keep your colony strong. 1 male to every 3, 5, or even 10 for that matter, males.

They aren't as big as they are in pictures. Maybe 2 inches or so (guessing).

Also, metal bins ....not sure if they will be able to climb that. The reason glass works well is because it is so smooth and perfectly veritical. However they can climb the silicone seams as nymphs. You want to get a plastic tub with vertical edges (no slant on them, some of the nymphs can climb this and I made that mistake).

Get the clear plastic tubs with as close to 90 degree angles on the walls, or even a garbage pale works and you won't even need a top as they don't climb or fly or jump. If your still worried , you can put clear packing tape strip near the top, and if they reach it, they will slide back down and fall into the bin. Or a strip of vaseline will work as well, but its messy and they get stuck in it and can die. I don't advise it :P (and you won't need any of that anyways with the right bin)

Also, Jarich's idea is the best way to heat if you have the right spot to put it. Since its just ambient air heating the bottom of the enclosure, and no direct contact with any heating element, there is less worry about having something melt or need to be hooked up to a thermostat, and its cheaper since its reusing the wasted heat as it escapes through the lid.

Don't use dog food or cat food, keep it organic with veggies and dandelion greens etc. etc. , put them in a food dish so you can remove it and clean the left overs as they rot, and you won't have any smell whatsoever in your enclosure (I Had this problem and stephenbakir gave me those tips, worked great)

[Mikoh4792]

The largest beardies can handle the largest dubia. Especially if you crank the heat and have smaller adults. You only want to feed the adult males (the ones with wings) to keep your colony strong. 1 male to every 3, 5, or even 10 for that matter, males.

They aren't as big as they are in pictures. Maybe 2 inches or so (guessing).

Also, metal bins ....not sure if they will be able to climb that. The reason glass works well is because it is so smooth and perfectly veritical. However they can climb the silicone seams as nymphs. You want to get a plastic tub with vertical edges (no slant on them, some of the nymphs can climb this and I made that mistake).

Get the clear plastic tubs with as close to 90 degree angles on the walls, or even a garbage pale works and you won't even need a top as they don't climb or fly or jump. If your still worried , you can put clear packing tape strip near the top, and if they reach it, they will slide back down and fall into the bin. Or a strip of vaseline will work as well, but its messy and they get stuck in it and can die. I don't advise it :P (and you won't need any of that anyways with the right bin)

Also, Jarich's idea is the best way to heat if you have the right spot to put it. Since its just ambient air heating the bottom of the enclosure, and no direct contact with any heating element, there is less worry about having something melt or need to be hooked up to a thermostat, and its cheaper since its reusing the wasted heat as it escapes through the lid.

Don't use dog food or cat food, keep it organic with veggies and dandelion greens etc. etc. , put them in a food dish so you can remove it and clean the left overs as they rot, and you won't have any smell whatsoever in your enclosure (I Had this problem and stephenbakir gave me those tips, worked great)

Can I feed them commercial Roach food? How about Oats and cereal?

Also, what size colony do you reccommend for only a few lizards? For example 2 beardies and 2 leopoard gecko juvie/adults?

^ obviously there are many variables and factors but if you had to make an estimate how many roaches should I start out with?

[formica]

nice one thanks for all the info! I too heat my cricket colonies above the lighting inside enclosures - I am going to need to build a large viv for my monitor before winter, I wonder if building a roach breeding section into the top might be a good way to kill 2birds! thanks again all

[KORBIN5895]

There is a so much jumbled and confused facts in this thread it's not even funny.

[formica]

There is a so much jumbled and confused facts in this thread it's not even funny.

considering the vast and varied habbitats that all these creatures occupy and thrive in, maybe it doesnt matter so much?

feel free to add your own factual information :)

[KORBIN5895]

considering the vast and varied habbitats that all these creatures occupy and thrive in, maybe it doesnt matter so much?

feel free to add your own factual information :)

No thank you. I have done my research. Maybe you should also.

[smy_749]

There is a so much jumbled and confused facts in this thread it's not even funny.

I wouldn't call them facts, I just said what I think works

[Mikoh4792]

No thank you. I have done my research. Maybe you should also.

Typical elitist reaction. It's as if the information you have is something to hold back and something for other people to find out by spending the time to research just as you did. It would be more time saving for you to tell the board what you know instead of telling people they have to find out the information you know the same way that you did. You're not really here to help I guess, just here to tell everyone how much you know, but not what you know.

One reason I could see you defend your argument is that these topics have been discussed before and one could just search these things. If that's the case then we will at one time reach a point where almost everything has been discussed and no one will be allowed to ask questions anymore. There is nothing wrong with repeating things as newcomers come a long and add to a certain topic.

[KORBIN5895]

Typical elitist reaction. It's as if the information you have is something to hold back and something for other people to find out by spending the time to research just as you did. It would be more time saving for you to tell the board what you know instead of telling people they have to find out the information you know the same way that you did. You're not really here to help I guess, just here to tell everyone how much you know, but not what you know.

One reason I could see you defend your argument is that these topics have been discussed before and one could just search these things. If that's the case then we will at one time reach a point where almost everything has been discussed and no one will be allowed to ask questions anymore. There is nothing wrong with repeating things as newcomers come a long and add to a certain topic.

Typical noob reaction. He doesn't have two clues as to what's really going on has to have an opinion about everything.

Listen up as your posts are getting pretty old. I have a family that I need to spend the with, I just moved over the weekend and I'm unpacking and I have been working double shifts. I don't have time to, it all so do your own research. I told you this was wrong and the facts were jumbled now sort it out.

[Mikoh4792]

Typical noob reaction. He doesn't have two clues as to what's really going on has to have an opinion about everything.

Listen up as your posts are getting pretty old. I have a family that I need to spend the with, I just moved over the weekend and I'm unpacking and I have been working double shifts. I don't have time to, it all so do your own research. I told you this was wrong and the facts were jumbled now sort it out.

Don't take your personal life out on me please. It's hard to respond because parts of your posts are incoherently put together. If you aren't going to take the time to help someone out why take the time to say that some of the information in this thread is jumbled up and just leave it at that. You could at least tell us what pieces of information are wrong and why they are. You were being too vague and it leaves the issue at the same place as it was before - unanswered. So basically, you haven't contributed.

EDIT: Obviously I'm a noob, that is why I am here asking questions.
EDIT 2: Who are you to say that talking to people is not research? Reading a book or article online is basically looking at the work of other people. Communication through message boards can also be a form of research. Someone asks a question, other people answer. If that someone learns through talking with other people do you not call that research?

[formica]

No thank you. I have done my research. Maybe you should also.

what do you think we are doing on this forum? talking about the price of fish? lol saying 'you are all wrong' (abbreviated your general contribution, dont start being pedantic about it), and refusing to qualify it with evidence, is really quite pathetic and childish. go deal with your family and stop interupting the learning process that people want to go thru, instead of diverting threads into your own personal little drama. dont give a damn how many posts you've got, you've added NOTHING useful to this thread, except that now I know at least one person on this forum that I can ignore.


damn, no ignore function here. shame

[Pirarucu]

Typical noob reaction. He doesn't have two clues as to what's really going on has to have an opinion about everything.

Listen up as your posts are getting pretty old. I have a family that I need to spend the with, I just moved over the weekend and I'm unpacking and I have been working double shifts. I don't have time to, it all so do your own research. I told you this was wrong and the facts were jumbled now sort it out.http://www.choiceartist.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/nobody-cares.jpg

Instead of telling people they are wrong and refusing to explain how or why, perhaps you could say something to contribute to this forum? I have seen twelve year old kids say "You're wrong, do your own research because I'm not telling you how." Try being a bit more mature and helpful for once.

If you have time to type out all that to whine to us about your problems, you have enough time to offer a scrap of useful information.

[Mikoh4792]

Yes and instead of multi-quoting all of our reactions towards your responses and arguing about whether or not people should do their own research, whatever that means since I do consider talking with others as a form of research, can you actually tell us what bits of info are incorrect? I am being sincere and not doubtful of your knowledge. I really want to know what is right and what is wrong in regards to the information or advice given by other posters in this thread.

[smy_749]

He seems to be having a long week, give him a break lol

[Mikoh4792]

He seems to be having a long week, give him a break lol

Never gave us one. Using one's personal life as an excuse to be rude and leave haphazard arguments is like a girl using her period as an excuse to be grumpy. One shouldn't take his/her personal problems out on other people. They didn't ask for it and don't deserve it. We wouldn't be so defensive had he been a little more polite and caring to inform less knowledgeable people such as myself who frequent this forum in order to learn. He is after all, a part of this community just like the rest of us.

[formica]

cant we just delete this thread and start over please? coz I actually would like to have this discussion on roach breeding, its something I want to start doing :) mods....?

[Mikoh4792]

cant we just delete this thread and start over please? coz I actually would like to have this discussion on roach breeding, its something I want to start doing :) mods....?

If a mod could delete this thread that would be great so I can start over and hopefully have a thread without arguments that have nothing to do with the actual topic at hand. People are just being told how to research. And because one person said most of the information given in this thread is incorrect without explaining, I am even more confused than before.

[smy_749]

If a mod could delete this thread that would be great so I can start over and hopefully have a thread without arguments that have nothing to do with the actual topic at hand. People are just being told how to research. And because one person said most of the information given in this thread is incorrect without explaining, I am even more confused than before.

The setup I described in my long response works for me. I see new babies, and don't have dead roaches.

Mid eighties to high 90's with a undertank heater covering half or 3/4 even.

Feed them fruits and veggies, they really like the oranges and dandelion greens.
Don't feed them pet food, they will be fine, but gutloaded with junk that your reptile will eat, and they will smell a bit.

Take out old food, don't keep it too humid. I spray the sides of my tank and let it drip down a few times a week. No substrate, and smooth edged 90 degree angles you won't have any escapes. I did see some nymphs climbing when i had a smaller rubbermaid tubs with a slight angle, but still no escapes.

Stack egg crates in there for hide spots and if you add springtails they will act as a clean up crew.

[Mikoh4792]

The setup I described in my long response works for me. I see new babies, and don't have dead roaches.

Mid eighties to high 90's with a undertank heater covering half or 3/4 even.

Feed them fruits and veggies, they really like the oranges and dandelion greens.
Don't feed them pet food, they will be fine, but gutloaded with junk that your reptile will eat, and they will smell a bit.

Take out old food, don't keep it too humid. I spray the sides of my tank and let it drip down a few times a week. No substrate, and smooth edged 90 degree angles you won't have any escapes. I did see some nymphs climbing when i had a smaller rubbermaid tubs with a slight angle, but still no escapes.

Stack egg crates in there for hide spots and if you add springtails they will act as a clean up crew.

All this info is consistent with what I have been reading online. However I still want to know what Korbin thinks is wrong. Not because I think he doesn't, but because if there is anything he can point out it would help.

Anyways thanks for the help.

[formica]

All this info is consistent with what I have been reading online. However I still want to know what Korbin thinks is wrong. Not because I think he doesn't, but because if there is anything he can point out it would help.

Anyways thanks for the help.

think its fairly clear you wont get the answer you want mate! n perhaps better not to bait him any more. Roaches are tough little creatures, there may be a host of other factors which mean that one particular method works best in one way, but because of another slight diffrence, it doesnt have the same positive effect; i'd go with what you know so far and see how it goes! remeber roaches are the only animals that will be left once nuclear war kicks off - so I doubt you can do much damage to a colony by yourself, have fun!

[Mikoh4792]

think its fairly clear you wont get the answer you want mate! n perhaps better not to bait him any more. Roaches are tough little creatures, there may be a host of other factors which mean that one particular method works best in one way, but because of another slight diffrence, it doesnt have the same positive effect; i'd go with what you know so far and see how it goes! remeber roaches are the only animals that will be left once nuclear war kicks off - so I doubt you can do much damage to a colony by yourself, have fun!

No baiting, just want help if he is willing to give.

That's right, roaches are invincible. Anyways, I am not adding more reptiles to my collection as of now. I'll have plenty of time to learn and practice.

[formica]

I know u are not intentionally, but when a snakes in the mood to bite, its gona bite

[Mikoh4792]

I know u are not intentionally, but when a snakes in the mood to bite, its gona bite

Moods can change, so I'm open to positive feedback. However if it's gonna bite ill take it, unless it's a fully grown reticulated python or anaconda. <-- humor isn't really my thing so excuse the attempt lol.

[Danimal]

There is a so much jumbled and confused facts in this thread it's not even funny.

For sure. Google is your friend.

[KORBIN5895]

I would like to thank Formica and mikoh for pointing out how little I contribute here. It's obvious that they understand this forum. Especially with their long time memberships.


Okay here we go.

Not all roaches are tropical species as before mentioned.

Most species of roaches can climb plastic bins.

Certain species of roaches NEED to be kept around 90°f to continue to reproduce.

Talking to others on a forum is not a form o research. Not one of you checked any of the facts to see how true they were or you could've corrected it yourselves.

I will also like to point out some species of roach can fly.

[smy_749]

I would like to thank Formica and mikoh for pointing out how little I contribute here. It's obvious that they understand this forum. Especially with their long time memberships.


Okay here we go.

Not all roaches are tropical species as before mentioned.

Most species of roaches can climb plastic bins.

Certain species of roaches NEED to be kept around 90°f to continue to reproduce.

Talking to others on a forum is not a form o research. Not one of you checked any of the facts to see how true they were or you could've corrected it yourselves.

I will also like to point out some species of roach can fly.


Korbin is right, for some reason I had only blaptica dubia in mind, and just realized after he typed this that you didn't specify which type of roach. Everything I wrote was concerning what I found worked with me regarding blaptica, to clarify now.

[Mikoh4792]

I would like to thank Formica and mikoh for pointing out how little I contribute here. It's obvious that they understand this forum. Especially with their long time memberships.


Okay here we go.

Not all roaches are tropical species as before mentioned.

Most species of roaches can climb plastic bins.

Certain species of roaches NEED to be kept around 90°f to continue to reproduce.

Talking to others on a forum is not a form o research. Not one of you checked any of the facts to see how true they were or you could've corrected it yourselves.

I will also like to point out some species of roach can fly.

Thank you. I should have been more specific. I meant for this thread to be about blaptica roaches.

Facts can be shared on forums. Talking with others on a forum may not give one absolute knowledge on a matter but it can still be used to learn.

[formica]

I wondered how an argument could break out over roach care haha :D good info cheers!

btw Korbin, i bite too, and u where bein a bit rude - this doesnt mean i dont respect your experience or input

[KORBIN5895]

I wondered how an argument could break out over roach care haha :D good info cheers!

btw Korbin, i bite too, and u where bein a bit rude - this doesnt mean i dont respect your experience or input

No, I wasn't being rude. I was being brief. There's a huge difference. Again it isn't my responsibility to hold your hand and walk you through it. I told you the facts were wrong and it was your responsibility to figure out what or to accept it blindly.

[Mikoh4792]

No, I wasn't being rude. I was being brief. There's a huge difference. Again it isn't my responsibility to hold your hand and walk you through it. I told you the facts were wrong and it was your responsibility to figure out what or to accept it blindly.

We expect you to explain when you say things are wrong. We can't just accept that blindly either. No one is asking to be walked through with our hands held. We come here to ask questions, we expect them to be answered. I don't know why you think informing people is walking their hands like they are little children crossing the street. We're all adults here lets not condescend.

[formica]

ok then you werent rude.


I'm gona be rude tho


you are totally full of yourself.

[Mikoh4792]

ok then you werent rude.


I'm gona be rude tho


you are totally full of yourself.

I can't tell if you are joking or not. lol

[KORBIN5895]

We expect you to explain when you say things are wrong. We can't just accept that blindly either. No one is asking to be walked through with our hands held. We come here to ask questions, we expect them to be answered. I don't know why you think informing people is walking their hands like they are little children crossing the street. We're all adults here lets not condescend.

I expect you to check what you're told.

If I don't explain myself it really doesn't hurt me but if you don't check your what you're told it could be a problem for you, no?

ok then you werent rude.


I'm gona be rude tho


you are totally full of yourself.

No I'm really not but I do know my limits and I do know my knowledge and experience.
It's called confidence. Just a reminder I wasn't the one that was wrong.

[poison123]

Just wanna throw this out there. I'm 100% positive dubia males can fly if they get a good start. I had one fly across my room just like a moth.

[smy_749]

Just wanna throw this out there. I'm 100% positive dubia males can fly if they get a good start. I had one fly across my room just like a moth.

If they get a good start meaning off the ground (up high i mean) from high to low right? What about starting on the ground? Ive never seen it personally.

[poison123]

If they get a good start meaning off the ground (up high i mean) from high to low right? What about starting on the ground? Ive never seen it personally.

It took flight from a 3ft cage and kept flight for a while. It did this more then once. But yeah I think they need to be up high to get a good start.

[franks]

It took flight from a 3ft cage and kept flight for a while. It did this more then once. But yeah I think they need to be up high to get a good start.

That is fascinating. Has anyone else ever seen this? I have witnessed males with good long running starts falling off of high branches etc and have never seen anything even close to an attempt to fly.

Guys, you started a good thread, don't derail it by engaging korbin in one of his pissing contests.

I have only been keeping dubia for one and a half years, and would love more info, especially on accelerating breeding. This is what I have learned and what has been working for me.
Temps in the 80's slows breeding
Temps in the 90's greatly increases breeding.
I have read, tried, and swear by the fact that oranges combined with appropriate temps makes the dubia breed more/faster.
It SEEMS (at least in my colonies) that each female can put out approximately 30 young once every 30 days. I have nothing to confirm this at all except my own observations and would love to see if anyone else has charted info about this.
I strongly suggest segregating a small colony (2 males and 5 females or so) to monitor, experiment with, and to hedge your investment in the event you have a colony kill for some reason.
I put aspen shavings on the bottom for the babies to hide in.

Last point/question
I have heard of keepers that freeze their males to feed at later times and was considering this. Anybody here try this?

[Mikoh4792]

I expect you to check what you're told.

If I don't explain myself it really doesn't hurt me but if you don't check your what you're told it could be a problem for you, no?

You're right, I should still do some background research to make sure what people here are saying is true. Although it doesn't hurt you personally to not explain yourself, expect people to question you when you leave such vague statements on a forum board where you are supposed to explain yourself in arguments. Saying " Some of the information in this thread is wrong" and then just going off just leaves me more confused. What information is wrong? Why don't you tell me who gave me the wrong information so I can know who's credible and who not.



No I'm really not but I do know my limits and I do know my knowledge and experience.
It's called confidence. Just a reminder I wasn't the one that was wrong.[/QUOTE]

[KORBIN5895]

Yes roaches can be frozen and fed later. There are a few breeders doing this in the states. It helps the control the market.

[Mikoh4792]

Yes roaches can be frozen and fed later. There are a few breeders doing this in the states. It helps the control the market.

So they freeze and then "come back to life" once thawed?

[Mikoh4792]

quoted an edit

[poison123]

So they freeze and then "come back to life" once thawed?

LOL what?

Micedirect sales DEAD frozen roaches. :p

[Mikoh4792]

LOL what?

Micedirect sales DEAD frozen roaches. :p

ahah okay. That was just an assumption because there are bugs that don't really die when frozen and then go about their day once they thaw out.

[formica]

freezable roaches sounds awsome, any idea how low temps should be?

[KORBIN5895]

Most freezers run around -4°c I think.