What do I need for Dubia?

[Sangheili]

I'm getting a Dubia colony because I HATE crickets and they are stupidly overpriced here and in the winter, the passes close up and we are literally trapped in town for weeks at a time sometimes.
I want to know what all I need so I can calculate prices.
I'm getting my Dubia from this site http://afexotics.weebly.com/available-feeders.html

This is all I know so far
-Large plastic bin [tall]
-Heat pad [any preference on make? Sundial, softheat?]
-Water crystals [where can I get those? XD]
-Egg thingies
-Screen [for the bin, ventilation]

What do they need for food? How high should the temperature be? What can I put around the top so the babies can't crawl out?

I'm overflowing with questions XD;

 

[Sangheili]

[pokes at this] I need to know soon, otherwise it'll be too cold here to order them DX

 

[Rob461]

First off get a rubber maid tote with a lid. They are about 7 dollars at wall mart, make sure you get one that does not let ANY light into it.

Second you need to cut a hole in the top of said lid. Make it maybe a 5x5 square and tape a screen over it so nothing can escape while it is on.

Third you need to get a heat source. I use a CHE on top, others use a heat pad on the bottom, while some even use a combo of both. My roaches seem to really like it 90F and 50% humidity.

Water crystals you have, just make sure you keep them stocked up plenty (helps with the humidity)

I feed mine roach chow (you can find this on a number of sites that sell roaches) and also every time I make more food for Carl I give them a ton of Squash/Green Beans/Collard Greens. They love that stuff!

The last thing you are going to need is egg crates. Find them at a farmer's website... they are much cheaper than from the roach guys.

That's about it. Give them darkness and leave them alone as much as possible and soon you will be over run with the little guys.

 

[wes]

Rob covered most of your questions, but I just wanted to add that you can get water crystals and egg crates from Marcus, too, when you order your dubia. His prices are pretty fair for the dry goods. I'm sure you can find better, but when you start adding shipping and the time to find them, it probably pays to just get them with your dubia.

You want to get metal (aluminum) screen. Your local hardware store should be able to cut a small piece for you. You can email Marcus and see if he has any he could sell you.

If you go with the Rubbermaid tote, you want two inch plastic packaging tape around the top of the bin to keep them from crawling out. If you go with the Sterilite bins, you don't need any tape but the Sterilites let a lot of light in, which isn't an issue if you keep them in a dark place.

 

[Theroachguy]

good luck with the colony let us know if you need any help

 

[Lk4sturns]

All reply's should get going right, but there are some varibles and adjustment may need. If like further help PM and you can call me and help with info. and good sites to help. I hated Crickets also, plus Dubia's are easier and cleaner besides one Biggest plus is you have no Cricket's hopping around in tank. TheRoachranch and TheRoachguy are good sites to start with.

Scott

 

[triumphtt]

I don't use any crystals I just put carrots in for them to get hydrated. Used to use oranges but they mold to easily and quickly. I was gonna try a water bottle upside down with a container with a sponge in it so they don't drown. probably a ton cheaper also.

 

[Lk4sturns]

Everyone says use water crystals and I do but you don't have to. Feed high water content fruit like orange, apple, melon (I leave some melon on rind for them-orange color for A) but these do needed to changed daily. Always look to feed fruit or veg. that higher nurtrion. Most time appox. like 5 days week go high protein chow appox. 5 days week, then need water for them unless go more for other. Sponge work well but must be clean every 2 to 3 days atleast, does also help raise humdity which need to shed. Note you can mix in fruit with veg. for more water content, but with dry need water. There are some things can do to control growth but note if you want them to breed need 80 or higher air temp. off floor of enclosure and do not use clear container and cut 6 by 6 hole, this really is to retain heat than keep them in, tape at top will stop them(if there happy they don't even try to climb out). Pm me if like, and keep thread going.

Bye,
Scott

 

[Sapphire]

I got a 12oz container of water crystals at Home Depot in the gardening section back in July. Not sure if that kind of thing would still be there given the season, but you can check.