Dubia Roach Colony

Colony Setup

• Container: Dark (opaque) smooth-sided plastic bin, 20–40 gallons
• Hides: Egg crates stacked VERTICALLY — provides surface area and easy harvesting
• Ventilation: Cut holes in lid, cover with METAL screening (they chew through plastic mesh)
• NO substrate needed — bare bottom makes cleaning easier

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 85–95°F for breeding. Below 70°F, reproduction stops almost completely.
• Humidity: 40–60%. Too wet = mold and mites. Water crystals provide hydration without excess moisture.
• Use heat mat/tape on thermostat. Mount on side of bin, never directly on carpet.

Diet & Gut-Loading

• Colony diet: Commercial roach chow or oats/grains. Fresh produce rotated: carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, squash, leafy greens.
• Gut-load (24–48 hrs before feeding to reptile): Calcium-rich foods — collard greens, mustard greens, butternut squash, carrots.
• Avoid: Spinach (blocks calcium), citrus, pesticide-treated produce
• Remove uneaten fresh food daily before mold develops

Breeding

• Ratio: 1 male : 3–5 females. Males have full wings; females have vestigial stubs.
• Ovoviviparous — live birth, ~20–40 nymphs per clutch, ~65-day gestation
• Colony takes 3–6 months to become self-sustaining. Patience required!

Maintenance

• Remove dead roaches and frass every 2–4 weeks
• Replace soiled egg crates as needed
• Full bin cleanout every 2–3 months
• Water crystals refreshed every 2–3 days