breeding roaches

[Pookie]

I'm looking into breading some roaches as feeders for my chameleon. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this? Is it a good/bad idea? Are they good for chams? I've heard they're better than mealies. Also, would this be something that my leopard geckos can eat too?

[Brock]

Also does anyone know where I can buy a nice colony of lobsters, orange heads or hissers? I live in BC.

Thanks,
-Brock

[jaybox_reptiles]

i no that they are very easy to breed and have like thousands of babbys at a time

[Linds]

Roaches are an excellent food source for many reptiles. Great if you want to get rid of feeding nasty ol' crickets....lol... they don't get stinky or make all that ruckus either :p LOL... albeit they are excellent breeders, they don't quite produce thousands of babies at a time. Depending on the type of roach, I believe the general average for Lobsters and Hissers are about 30 young every month or so.

[Pookie]

Ok good to know! thanks everyone! But where can i get these creatures around Massachusetts? I think i've only seen Hissers but these seem a bit on the large size for my cham. Also, can Leopard geckos eat these too?

[Linds]

Adult hissers may be large, but the babies are suitable for even tiny little lizards. They make a great food source for leos as well. I would recommend looking in to getting Lobster roaches if you can. They are much smaller (max 1.5") and have a softer exoskeleton with a higher meat ratio. I'm not sure exactly where he is located, but if you are willing to ship (maybe you don't even need to?), click <a href="http://roaches.arbreptiles.com/lobsters.html">here</a> ;)

[jadegrasse]

If you want to breed roaches for food go with the lobster roaches.

[Pookie]

I will look into the lobster roaches. I know these buggers are capable of glass climbing. If i use a plastic critter container w/ a secure top w/ breathing holes in it would they still be able to escape? I'm clueless about roaches :) Thanks for all the help so far!

[Pookie]

something similar to this.... http://www.petco.com/product_info.asp?familyid=6131&sku=1083820050&tab=5&dept_id=2538&c1=2535&c2=2538&c3=&ct1=Habitats+%26+Accessories&ct2=Habitats&ct3=

[bebo]

I raise Deathheads, Hissers,Lobsters, and OrangeHeads. They are easy as everyone has said. I feed them to my tegus,and albino pacman frog. Babies or nymphs from any of them are suitable for small lizards and amphibians. The DeathHead nymphs do have a somewhat harder exo. than the others. You can use Bugstop or vaseline around the tops of your tub or tank. And the roaches can be purchased from many breeders in the classifieds(canadian i'm not sure about). But the DeathHeads are very easy and don't climb glass either. They breed fairly quickly when they reach adulthood. They all like warmer temps, and seem to do better in them(mid to high 80's). You shouldn't have too much trouble with them. Good Luck if you do.

[Boy Harris]

does anyone know if they are illegal to own in alberta or saskatchewan??

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Yah, good question, reading this i am wondering on breeding them.

[Stockwell]

It's illegal to keep any and all tropical roaches in Canada, same with stick bugs.
Pet stores and even private keepers have been busted for these in 03

[brandi]

i don't get that... its not like a tropical roach could really survive a canadian winter could it? Anyhow, those of you in AZ there are a few guys who breed and sell lobsters, hissers, etc. I can get contact info for anyone in the PHX area. PM me...

[Stockwell]

I assume,Agriculture Canada isn't so sure, as roaches are infamous for surviving where nothing else can. They are concerned about any non native beasties that could hybridize or naturalize and possibly become a pest and threaten crops, just like those damn new biting asian ladybugs, that ruined some wine crops last year.(they pooped all over the grapes, which changed the flavor)

[Linds]

I had no idea stick bugs were illegal to keep. What is the reasoning behind this? I see them everywhere...

Originally posted by Stockwell
they pooped all over the grapes, which changed the flavor)

LOL tasty! :flick:

[Stockwell]

Linds, you won't find them in too many pet shops, at least not anymore. A few pet stores had surprise "visits" last summer.
I've heard exotic Mantids are also banned,and those giant African snails are also a big No No.
I assume its all the same reason, fear of them colonizing or hybridizing with native stocks or becoming a pest
I'm not sure the exact reasoning or how the decision is made.
Luckily the common staple feeder bugs are allowed.

[reverendsterlin]

B. dubia (a bit more expensive to start)(orange spotted not orange head) don't climb smooth surfaces, are easy to sex, live bear ~30, don't stink, eat vegies, don't really need substrate(but a verticle roach motel is good), and don't have the hard exo that some have. Leave some frase on the bottom because from what I know the nymphs get nutrition from it when young.

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Thats gay,

How could a stick bug hybridize with something in Canada?

[Linds]

Originally posted by CHRISANDBOIDS14

How could a stick bug hybridize with something in Canada?

I'm not terribly knowledgeble in the world of stick bugs, but are the exotic stick bugs (I know they come from Australia and Africa, dunno where else) related to our Native stick bugs? Maybe we have other flora that is similar enough to pose a potential threat of hybridization. Just because an animal doesn't come from the same spot in the world doesn't mean you can rule out hybridization.

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

Thanks,

I agree. I was just thinking that there would be nothing for it to hybridize with? I did not know there were stick bugs in Canada. What are they?

I think you meant fauna(wildlife) not flora(plants)?

[Linds]

Oops, yeah forgive my sleepiness :o I don't know the latin name of the stick bugs we have here, I just know everyone calls them walking sticks and they used to startle the crap out of me as a kid because I would be right up close thinking they were part of the tree and they would move.

Taken from http://www.thehoffmanfamily.com/images/creatures/stickbug.jpg

<img src="http://www.thehoffmanfamily.com/images/creatures/stickbug.jpg">

[CHRISANDBOIDS14]

I never knew we had those here in Canada? They must be in Ontario or something hey(im an Albertan)? Cool little guys