Breeding dubias

[DeenosMama]

I bought a colony with 11 female and 4 males. They have the chow stuff that I bought for them already in there but no water crystals because I don't know where to get them. How expensive are they and how often do I need to add more food and water crystals. I have these orange flukers cube things (with food, water and nutrients) that I use for my crickets... will those work for the roaches as well? And I've read that I need to give the roaches heat but how do I do that? Also, when will there be baby dubias for me to feed my beardie? Thanks for any answers!

 

[steph2one11]

I pm'ed you.

I just recently started my own colony too so I have some answers.

You can buy water crystals off some websites that sell the dubias, the price depends on who's selling them.... You can also get them on http://www.hoobly.com sometimes they are really cheap on there

You can't use the fluckers cuz there's something in it or something about it I don't remember, which is bummy since I have a lot left over from when I had crickets.

To heat them you can get a human heat pad and put it under the bin, it's better if you get one that doesn't automatically shut off, cuz mine does and it's a pain to always have to make sure it's on, and sometime I forget and it will be off for an hour and it will be cold in the bin again.

It depends on how big you want the nymphs(baby dubia) to be when you feed them to your beardie,,, I'm sorry i dont know how long it takes for them to get big.

Bump.

I hope I helped

 

[DeenosMama]

you DEFINETLY did. I answered your PM before I saw your post so ignore the question. Is the heating pad going to kill my electric bill? I've had them for a week with no heat and they've been fine... or at least they're all still alive.

 

[steph2one11]

Well I read they will only breed if the temp is in the 80s and 90s and I'm not sure about electric bill :?

 

[Burra]

You can keep them at lower temps but they generally won't breed. They are tropical roaches, so they need temps in the 80's. I haven't noticed a change in my electric bill from the heating pad. Just be sure to get one without auto shut off. Or get a uth if they are in a glass tank.

They need a water source and humidity, so you should put something in until you can get water crystals. Lettuce or veggie scraps will work, and wet cotton balls will as well. Most home improvement stores like Lowes and Home Depot sell water crystals, just be sure to get ones without additives or coloring.

 

[DeenosMama]

great, thanks!