Dubia Roaches: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that the roachoid ancestors of modern cockroaches appeared 320 million years ago?

Regarding types of roaches, the Dubia roach is a favorite among amphibian and reptile enthusiasts. These insects are easy to breed and care for and make delicious meals for various pets.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about breeding Dubia roaches.

Breed Dubia Roaches

Breeding Dubia roaches involves starting with a small colony. You can buy these from a breeder or pet store if you click here. Remember that Dubia roaches love warmth, humidity, and plenty of food. This will allow them to reproduce in spades.

A plastic storage bin with ventilation holes works well as an enclosure. You can also use a glass tank or other similar container. Make sure it’s spacious enough to hold your entire colony.

Remember to fill the bottom of the enclosure with a moisture-holding substrate. Most people use coconut fiber or peat moss.

You should start with 20 to 30 roaches and give them a few weeks to settle. Give them a heat source, too. For instance, a heating pad or ceramic heat emitter works well. The best atmosphere for them is 85 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit with around 50% to 60% humidity.

Dubia Roach Care

Once everything is set up, you can easily care for them. Always give them fresh food and water.

Dubia roaches need a consistent warmth source, so ensure your heat source is always in working order. You should also pay attention to the humidity level in the enclosure and adjust it if necessary. A hygrometer is a perfect tool for this task.

Dubia Roach Diet

Sticking to your Dubia roaches’ diet is vital to their health and reproduction. As omnivores, they can eat a range of foods.

For food, you can offer fresh fruits and veggies, non-wet dog food, and even commercial roach chow. Water gel or a dish of water in the corner is essential. You can give them the occasional protein and calcium supplement to protect your investment. These nutrients can make all the difference.

Maintaining Your Dubia Roach Colony

Maintaining a Dubia roach colony involves keeping the enclosure clean and ensuring the health of each roach. Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of waste and other bacteria. Don’t forget to remove any uneaten food or dead roaches immediately.

You can scan the enclosure for signs of illness, such as lethargy, discoloration, or strange roach behavior. If you notice any issues, remove the affected roaches from the rest of the colony and treat them.

Are You Ready to Get Dubia Roaches?

Now that you’ve learned all about buying and breeding Dubia roaches, you can use them as a healthy food source for your pets.

Our site covers other essential topics, so it’s worth revisiting each day to learn plenty of other facts about pet-keeping.

FAQs

1. What are Dubia roaches?

Dubia roaches are a species of cockroach commonly used as feeder insects for reptiles and amphibians due to their high nutritional value and ease of care.

2. How do you care for Dubia roaches?

Dubia roaches thrive in a warm and humid environment, a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a clean habitat.

3. What do Dubia roaches eat?

Dubia roaches primarily eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and commercial roach chow. They should have a balanced diet to ensure their nutritional value as feeder insects.

4. How do you breed Dubia roaches?

Breeding Dubia roaches involves maintaining optimal temperature and humidity levels, providing adequate food and water, and ensuring a clean and spacious colony habitat.

5. Why are Dubia roaches good feeder insects?

Dubia roaches are high in protein, low in fat, and have a balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, making them an excellent food source for reptiles and amphibians.

6. How long do Dubia roaches live?

Dubia roaches can live up to two years under optimal conditions, with females generally living longer than males.

7. Can Dubia roaches infest my home?

Dubia roaches are unlikely to infest homes as they require specific environmental conditions to survive and reproduce, which are not typically found in household settings.

8. What are the benefits of using Dubia roaches over other feeder insects?

Dubia roaches are less odorous, do not climb smooth surfaces, and have a longer lifespan compared to other feeder insects like crickets, making them easier to manage and more convenient for pet owners.