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 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.as...=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)