Other roach species, such as Blatta lateralis and Blaberus, are also good breeder roaches, but dubia roaches are easier to breed. Dubia roaches (and other kinds of roaches) can be purchased at most stores that sell reptiles. If you don’t have a local place to buy roaches, they can be purchased online and shipped to you. 100 roaches will run you ~$20-$30. [2] X Research source
If you’re planning to start a very large colony, you can start with more than 100 roaches. How large you want your colony to be will depend on what kind and how many animals you plan to feed.
The second bin is for storing your roaches when you clean the first bin. Avoid using aquariums since they are harder to heat and don’t provide a dark environment.
Dubia roaches can chew through fiberglass screens, so metal is imperative. The screens will prevent your roaches from escaping through the ventilation holes. [5] X Research source
Avoid using glossy magazine paper for harborage. This type of paper contains chemicals that can harm your roaches.
Space heaters can also be used to provide heat, but they are less precise than reptile heating pads and will require you to keep a thermostat in the bins to monitor the temperature. Don’t place the heating element directly into the bin. Instead, keep it either underneath the bin or outside the bin on the side.
In very dry environments you may need to mist more often. If the humidity in your climate routinely drops below 40%, place a hygrometer in the bin to monitor the humidity levels. [9] X Research source Remove any food from the bin before misting. This will avoid getting the food wet and potentially leading to mold.
Water crystal dishes can be purchased at reptile stores or online. Your roaches will be able to get most of their water from the water you use to humidify the bins, but a water crystal dish ensures they will not get dehydrated if you miss a misting.
Add more dry food when you notice the supply getting low. A cup of dry food should last your roaches several weeks to several months.
Never leave fresh food in the bin for too long as mold can develop and kill your colony.
If roaches remain in the first bin, lift them by hand using your gloves.
Dry the bin thoroughly when you’re done.
Roaches ordinarily don’t smell, so if you notice a smell from the bin it’s time for a cleaning.
After two reproductive cycles (six-to-eight weeks for the roaches you purchase and seventy more days for the first offspring to bear young), your colony will be well-established.
If you do reduce the colony below 100 individuals and you notice a drop-off in numbers, simply purchase more roaches to fill in the gaps. For example, if you delete the colony to 75 individuals, purchase 25 new roaches.
