Orange spotted roaches dying off.

[chamlover]

I am kinda new at this roach business and did do quite a bit of research before i decided to purchase these guys and thought i had it right, but for some reason some of my guys have dyed and i don't know why. I have them in a huge plastic container with ventilation all around, a 2" cypress mulch substrate. temps around 75. I know this is too low for breeding, i have them in this set up temporarily while i get the other one done so i can put a heat mat on it. I seemed to have lost several of the full grown females and a few of the juvies. They always had fresh food and water gel. I have not misted them at all, but the enclosure does seem to be humid. I will have to put a gauge in there to find out where that is. Could that be the reason? I suppose it is possible where i bought them from sent me some old ladies too, but i would appreciate any input.
Thanks,
Debby

 

[RhettusMaximus]

roaches

From my experience with roaches, it's either not enough humidity or not enough heat that kill off a roach population, I.E. leading to incomplete molts. Another big killer is mold that has grown on old roach food. Just a few things to think about.

 

[RhettusMaximus]

roaches

forgot to mention that it is def. possible that you were sent "old lady roaches"

 

[chamlover]

Thanks. I am moving them to their new cage today so that will up the heat. I will also start misting them, something i haven't done. I didn't see any mold on their food and i'm really good about changing all the feeders food everyday when i feed my torts, but i suppose it is possible some food fell into the pen. I really am uncomfortable with these guys and havne't been checking the enclosure as good as i should. I guess i'm gonna have to get over it huh? I thinnk i am also going to take out the substrate to make it easier to keep on eye on things for now. Any more suggestions would be appreciated.

Debby

 

[SuperRad]

Dubias are also experts at playing dead. I had a couple that i was convinced were dead. put them in a little box next to my feeder stuff to throw away, went inside for a few hours came back out and they were walking around.
Also make sure the temp is around 75-80 for them as they are tropical roaches