Dubia Roach Colony Questions...

[Revival]

I am starting my first colony and I think understand the basics. I had 3 quick questions.
I was plan on getting 2 x 18 gallon bins. One for the breeders and one for the feeders.

The first question is about the heater. I was thinking of using a zoommed UTH heater. What sizes should I go with? Is there an other option of heater should I be looking at? I prefer not to use lamps or anything like that.

The next question is regarding their food. What is your personal favorite mixture?

Last, where is a good place to get egg crates??? I contacted the reptile stores here in town and they dont have any for sale.

Initially I wanted to purchase a dubia breeding kit that comes with everything, but with the Las Vegas heat, I am not sure if I want to risk it. I am trying to get some roaches locally so I am just trying to plan everything else.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ridgebax1]

I do not keep my breeders and feeders separate; I keep them all in a big plastic tub. You can order egg crates from some of the sponsors or just google egg crates. I actually just saved mine over the course of time. They do not get as gross as with crickets so they last longer than you might think. I made my own dry gut load from one of the recipes on Sandrachameleon's blogs. I also feed them fresh fruits/veggies. As far as heat I have used a ceramic heat emitter over one end of the tub. There are others who use heat tape. If you want to use an under tank heater, I would get one that only covers half of the tub so they have a cool and warm area. I also supply then with water crystals too. They are pretty easy to keep you just have to make sure they are warm in order for them to breed. About 90F is a good temp.

 

[junglefries]

Egg Carton Source 120 for $42 . 240 for $75 shipped. Can order more or less. I get the 240 deals about once every 6 months.

 

[mvad]

Started a colony in February with no extra heat. Growth was slow. Now that we are having summer temps I've seen my rabbits, I mean dubia roaches multiplying.

 

[Revival]

I do not keep my breeders and feeders separate; I keep them all in a big plastic tub. You can order egg crates from some of the sponsors or just google egg crates. I actually just saved mine over the course of time. They do not get as gross as with crickets so they last longer than you might think. I made my own dry gut load from one of the recipes on Sandrachameleon's blogs. I also feed them fresh fruits/veggies. As far as heat I have used a ceramic heat emitter over one end of the tub. There are others who use heat tape. If you want to use an under tank heater, I would get one that only covers half of the tub so they have a cool and warm area. I also supply then with water crystals too. They are pretty easy to keep you just have to make sure they are warm in order for them to breed. About 90F is a good temp.

Excellent info...thanks! Does the heater have to be placed under the bins on placing them on the side ok? Not sure if I should go with the 8 watts or 16 watts? I will look up sandrachameleons blog now.

Egg Carton Source 120 for $42 . 240 for $75 shipped. Can order more or less. I get the 240 deals about once every 6 months.

Thanks! I actually just found some place that has them. I only need like 10 of them...I think? You get 240 of them?!?!

Started a colony in February with no extra heat. Growth was slow. Now that we are having summer temps I've seen my rabbits, I mean dubia roaches multiplying.

I hope i get rabbits too.

 

[ridgebax1]

I am not sure about the placement. I think I have seen people do both some on the bottom and some people use heat tape on the sides. I just know that the warmer they are the more they breed. Using no heat is very much the reason for slow going.