Dubia Roaches and Breeding

Dubia roaches (Blaptica dubia) are a popular live food source for reptiles due to their high nutritional value, ease of care, and minimal odour. They are also less likely to escape compared to crickets. Here’s a comprehensive guide on breeding Dubia roaches:

Benefits of Dubia Roaches

• Nutritional Value: High in protein and calcium, making them an excellent food source for reptiles.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to care for and breed.
• Odourless: Unlike crickets, they produce minimal odour.
• Non-Climbing/Non-Flying: Dubia roaches cannot climb smooth surfaces and do not fly, making them easier to contain.

Setup for Breeding Dubia Roaches

Container:

• Use a plastic bin with a secure lid and adequate ventilation.
• Ensure the sides of the bin are smooth to prevent escapes.

Substrate:

• No substrate is needed, but you can use a thin layer of egg crate material to increase surface area and hiding spaces.

Temperature:

• Maintain a temperature of 85-95°F (29-35°C) for optimal breeding. Use a heat mat or ceramic heat emitter if necessary.

Humidity:

• Maintain humidity levels around 40-60%. Too high humidity can lead to mold growth, while too low can cause dehydration.

Feeding

Diet:

• Provide a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and high-protein food such as commercial roach chow, dog food, or fish flakes.
• Avoid acidic or citrus foods, as they can harm the roaches.

Water:

• Use water crystals or water gel to prevent drowning.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables can also provide moisture.

Breeding Process

1. Setup: Place a starter colony of Dubia roaches (about 1 male to 3-5 females) in the container with egg crates or cardboard tubes for hiding.
2. Mating: Dubia roaches are livebearers, meaning they give birth to live young. Mating occurs naturally in a warm, dark environment.
3. Gestation: Female roaches carry eggs internally in an egg case called an ootheca. Gestation lasts about 30 days.
4. Birth: Females give birth to 20-40 nymphs at a time. Nymphs are small, white, and soft-bodied initially but harden and darken within hours.
5. Growth: Nymphs grow through several moults over 4-6 months before reaching adulthood. Provide continuous food and proper conditions to support their growth.

Maintenance

1. Feeding and Watering: Regularly provide fresh food and water. Remove uneaten food to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
2. Cleaning: Periodically clean the container by removing frass (roach waste) and uneaten food. Replace the egg crates if they become dirty or moldy.
3. Population Control: To avoid overcrowding, periodically separate some adults and nymphs into another container.

Using Dubia Roaches as Feed

1. Gut-Loading: Before feeding roaches to your reptiles, gut-load them with nutritious food (fruits, vegetables, and high-protein food) for 24-48 hours to enhance their nutritional value.
2. Feeding: Select appropriately sized roaches for your reptile. Larger reptiles can handle adult roaches, while smaller reptiles or juveniles should be fed nymphs.

Conclusion

Breeding Dubia roaches is a practical and efficient way to ensure a steady supply of nutritious live food for your reptiles. With the right setup, temperature, humidity, and regular maintenance, you can successfully breed and maintain a healthy Dubia roach colony. This can significantly reduce the cost of feeding your reptiles and ensure they receive a high-quality diet.