Purchasing Dubia Q

[tbelanger]

Hey, I already have a colony that has been breeding, which I purchased from BestRoach. I added about 15 adult females to it about two weeks ago from a local breeder whom I trust. Tomorrow, however, I am going to pick up 30-40 additional adults from someone I found on craigslist. Can Dubia be sick or hurt my colony? My main concern is that they would hurt my already flourishing colony. Is there anything I should look for or ask about when I go see them tomorrow and pick them up?

Thanks much!

Tanya

 

[NegativeCreep]

Wow, that's a good question! I have no experience with Dubia, but I would consider putting them in quarantine for a while to watch them!

 

[clear]

All insect can carry parasites. Including mites and worms.

 

[augsburg1530]

I think the idea of a quarantine is the best. Set up a small separate container and keep them in it for a week or two just to make sure they are healthy before adding them to your existing colony. You don't have to do anything fancy for them, and if they are in the house you don't even need to give them extra heat for the week or two they are under quarantine.

Eric

 

[tbelanger]

Sounds like that's what I'll do seeing as they come with a rubbermaid because the girl hates touching them. LoL Me too. Is it more likely that these would carry more parasites than say those from BestRoach? I know roaches have fewer parasites, but I guess I don't think I'd be able to see any effect of those on the roaches. Even if they did, would they pass on to the babies? I'm guessing they would. I just don't want to make my BDs sick ....

I did e-mail her to ask her where she obtained her colony, if she had ever had any problems with them, why she was selling them, etc. Hopefully she'll respond.

 

[augsburg1530]

Dubia haven't had any parasite issues to my knowledge that would harm your dragon. Unless they are wild caught dubia, which is very unlikely, then you should be o.k.

Eric

 

[tbelanger]

Thanks so much for your guys' help! I'm a lot more relieved. I'm always so paranoid! :roll:

Can't wait to get them. They were such a good price too! That's why I love craigslist, you can find the greatest deals if you watch! 30-40 adult colony with possible juves (not sure) plus new rubbermaid, etc. for $15!!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[patrickb]

Awesome deal indeed! I wished people in my area were trying to get rid of their dubia. I find a few things here and there though.

I myself would keep them separate for a month or so, but I am very paranoid like that. You already have the rubbermaid and it won't be much more maintenance, so might as well. If they are captive bred they should be fine, unless she just let them live in a bunch of dead bodies and never ever cleaned them or removed any food. I had one species come in that had a huge die-off rate for the first two weeks. Whether they just weren't taken care of in the first place properly, were diseased, or whatever they are doing just fine now. Once the weaker ones finished dieing off, the strong survived.