Roaches scare Tiamat

[techdave]

Tiamat has eaten one before, and seemed to really like it. But I can't seem to get him to eat any more. Even after a couple days of him refusing supers, I know he was hungry, he snubbed the dubias, acting like he was scared of the way they were running around. The next day he devoured a bunch of supers. I've tried several times to get him to eat dubias or turks, but he just simply refuses. Maybe he thinks they're crix. Idk. Any ideas to get him to eat them?

 

[Sapphire]

What size roaches are you trying to feed him? If they're big, maybe that's why he's intimidated.

You could try hand-feeding (if you're willing to hold the roaches). Just hold them between your fingers so they can wiggle but not get away, and maybe he'll be more interested.

Or, you could just starve him until he starts eating them. Definitely not an appealing option but if you're trying to switch him to roaches as a staple, you might have to.

 

[techdave]

I also had three little turks in there too and he still acted the same, so I don't think it's a size issue. He also loves hornworms. I put a rag in the bottom of his feeding bin, and he seemed a lot more comfortable. He actually ran across it to snatch up a super, he normally won't even look at unless it's within an inch of him. I'll try the rag with a dubia, maybe that's it.

I actually like to hold the dubias lol. My wife hates them but I think they're cute.

Yesterday he was on strike for three days without eating. He throws a fit if his schedule is interupted.

 

[Sapphire]

I actually like to hold the dubias lol. My wife hates them but I think they're cute.

Lol! I'm the opposite. I like the roaches, my boyfriend doesn't. He said once he has no feelings towards them either way. I think they're cute, and fun to watch (though I need to clean their bin out, it's starting to stink, so I don't want to watch them right now)

Hopefully your idea works and Tiamat decides to eat some roaches. Once you get him to eat a few, he'll probably want nothing but those. lol

 

[techdave]

I hope so. I would hate to think that breeding dubias for 10 months was a waste of time. lol Thanks for your help

 

[Prodigyitachi]

i have the same problem. When i first got Lizzy at 9 months she actually ate 3 dubias on that day. After that she ignores her dubias and i got a whole colony (exploding) going just for her. Lizzy currently 1 year old. She barely eats now (once every 2-3 days), not even the superworms which her previous owner fed her . Ordered Hornworms so hopefully she would love those . My girl is spoiled~~. They sure make us worry LOL.

 

[nair88]

I actually like to hold the dubias lol. My wife hates them but I think they're cute.

haha, me too! i love to sit and watch them and even let them run around on my hand. my wife thinks i'm crazy. she refuses to even even look into the bin.