Dubia Roaches- Colony Starter

Habitat

• Use a plastic bin with smooth sides or a glass tank with a secure, ventilated lid. Drill or cut ventilation holes covered with mesh to allow airflow.
• Substrate is optional; keep the enclosure bare for easy cleaning or use a thin layer of coco fiber.
• Provide egg flats or cardboard for roaches to climb and hide. Stack them vertically to maximize space.

Temperature and Humidity

• Keep the habitat at 85-95°F for breeding. They survive at room temperature (70-80°F), but reproduction slows. Use a heat pad or ceramic heater if necessary.
• Maintain 40-60% humidity. Lightly mist the enclosure if necessary, but avoid excess moisture to prevent mold.

Food and Water

• Offer a varied diet of fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g., carrots, apples, squash) and a high-protein dry food like dog kibble, chicken feed, fish flakes, or a commercial roach chow.
• Use water crystals or a damp sponge to prevent drowning. Replace regularly to avoid bacteria growth.

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Remove uneaten food daily to prevent mold and pests.
• Every few weeks, remove roaches, clean the enclosure, and replace old egg cartons.
• Dubia roach droppings (frass) can be used as a natural fertilizer.

Lifecycle

• Small, light-colored young roaches emerge from live births.
• Mature in 4-6 months, growing up to 2 inches. Only males have wings; females are wingless or have stubs.
• Maintain high temperatures and humidity for optimal reproduction. Females produce offspring approximately every 30 days.

Density Guidelines

• Small- sized roaches (<0.5 inches) 20–50 per square inch
• Medium-sized roaches (0.5–1 inch): 10–20 per square inch
• Adult roaches (1–2 inches): 5–10 per square inch