Dubia Roach Set up

[froggielog]

Hello and good day!

This is my set up for my dubia roaches,
I'm planning to drill some ventilations(+window screen) ASAP
I have a question though, i live in texas and our garage temps flux greatly...What to do about the winter and summer months and how well will these roaches survive in Texas temps?
Any suggestions,helpful advice? BTW: I cannot bring them into the house

My gut load: Currently this roach chow
- http://www.gregsexoticinverts.com/roachchow.htm
+apples/romaine lettuce/oranges and bananas
+occasional whole grain cereal

Anything i should change/tweak?

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/600/photoaso.jpg/

Thanks!!

 

[Dave]

You're going to have an issue keeping your roaches warm in winter if you can't bring them inside. I'd recommend keeping them in a heated outbuilding or garage during these months, as temps below 45 WILL kill your roaches.

 

[Solid Snake]

Is that tape? With snowflakes? You can use a heating pad underneath them, or a heat light on top to keep them warm. They will reproduce faster if they are warm as well.

 

[Dave]

Do more than just drill holes in the bin for ventilation. I like to take a dremel to it, cut out a rectangle, use some hot glue or silicone and paste the aluminum window screen on both the front and the back (to be doubly sure they won't escape) and you're all set.

Having a lot of ventilation is key to keeping mold away.

 

[froggielog]

Is that tape? With snowflakes? You can use a heating pad underneath them, or a heat light on top to keep them warm. They will reproduce faster if they are warm as well.

haha yes, my mother is a bit paranoid about these roaches so i put a "extra tape barrier" with some pretty tape :roll eyes:

Will a heating pad, like for bearded dragons work?

 

[froggielog]

You're going to have an issue keeping your roaches warm in winter if you can't bring them inside. I'd recommend keeping them in a heated outbuilding or garage during these months, as temps below 45 WILL kill your roaches.

My dad says he can get a heating rock, but I'm not so sure that would be wise...stick with the heating pad?

 

[pssh]

Heat rocks are scary! Heating pad is best. I would stay away from that chow since it has fish meal in it.

 

[Solid Snake]

haha yes, my mother is a bit paranoid about these roaches so i put a "extra tape barrier" with some pretty tape :roll eyes:
Ok, I understand! Just making sure I was seeing right
Will a heating pad, like for bearded dragons work?

My dad says he can get a heating rock, but I'm not so sure that would be wise...stick with the heating pad?

I would try to use a heating pad. The rock might keep them alive, but it might melt the bin. It also wouldnt distribute the heat very well IMO.

 

[froggielog]

Do you think this one would melt the bin? ( size mini)

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752652

although i think i might put a piece of glass between it and the bin, just to be safe...

 

[pssh]

No. They work alright.

 

[Solid Snake]

I honestly dont know. But I think I would get the cheapest one I could find. Like the kind for human use. Im told you can get one for about $10. Thats what Id use.

 

[froggielog]

Thanks for all your help guys!

BTW is mist kings site down for you as well?