Lobster Roaches?

[penelepe]

Are they good feeders? What is the cons and pros of them? How easy are they to keep?

 

[Jayson745]

The first roaches I ever had were lobster. I HATED THEM. So much that I didn't bother with roaches for a long time afterwards. The only problem with them happens to be a big problem. They can climb straight up glass like its nothing, and they are fast. So I was putting vasoline around the top of enclosers because they cant pass it. The problem with that is the lights dry out the vasoline, so if you forget to reapply it constantly, you'll be reminded when you see them escaping. I'm sure thats the biggest reason they aren't as popular as dubia.

 

[penelepe]

Fortunately I don't have a glass enclosure, so that won't be a problem, are they okay as feeders? I hear they are pretty easy to breed. Thank you for the reply!

 

[Twobeardieguy]

They are fast breeders. But as mentioned they can climb anything. If they get loose they will breed in your home. If you are going to breed them I would use roach barrier...

 

[Paradon]

Yes, they are very easy to breed and they breed fast. IF you can put up with them climbing, then they are perfect. They are softer than dubias, I believe. I would suggest you get a metal screen lid for your glass tank to contain them, if you are planning on getting them. I think this Proexotics' favorite roach species. You will always have plenty on hands once you get a colony going...

 

[invictusrules]

Fortunately I don't have a glass enclosure, so that won't be a problem

Other surfaces allow these little monsters to climb even FASTER than on glass. Unless your beardie is a lightning-fast hunter, you'll have roaches all over your house in a matter of seconds. Granted, they'll probably die. Probably.

I had a colony of lobsters for a while. They breed like crazy, eat everything you feed them, are really active, and fun to watch. But I wouldn't have them again if you gave me a colony! That Vaseline barrier that's "supposed" to keep them in? They'll cross it, no problem. They'll leave legs and other body parts and poo and dust behind until they can bridge the gap. Lid on the box? They'll be hanging like ninjas from it the next time you open the container, ready to escape. Other roach colonies on the premises? You'll find little speckled visitors in there. And these guys can outrun you, chuckling maniacally as they skitter for refuge under heavy furniture. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating about the maniacal chuckling, but...

I guess I could have mashed them a bit to stun them so Invictus could catch them, but... gross. I put the colony outside during a January cold snap. Then, just to be sure, I put them in the freezer for a week. Sorry guys. Never again!