A Beginner's Guide to Breeding Dubia Roaches at Home

Chapter 1: Introduction to Dubia Roaches

Why breed Dubia roaches? (Nutritional benefits, ease of care, low odor compared to other feeders).

Overview of Dubia roach lifecycle.

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Breeding Habitat

Container: Use a plastic bin with smooth sides. Dark bins are optimal for privacy.

• Drill ventilation holes or use a mesh cover on the lid to ensure air flow without escape.

Heat and Humidity: Maintain temperature at 85-95°F using a heat mat or heat emitter. Humidity should be between 40-60%; a hygrometer helps monitor this.

Shelter: Provide egg crates or cardboard for hiding and breeding spaces. Avoid glossy paper.

Water: Use water crystals or a shallow dish to prevent drowning; ensure moisture without excess dampness.

Chapter 3: Starting Your Colony

Roaches: Buy a mix of adult roaches (suggest starting with at least 10 females and 5 males). Males have full wings, females have wing stubs. As your colony grows you will want to aim for a 3:1 to 5:1 female to male ratio.

Feeding: Use Dubia roach chow, supplemented with fruits and veggies. Avoid high-protein foods like cat or dog food to prevent gout.

Initial Setup: Place roaches in the prepared bin, ensuring they have access to food and water immediately. You may want to us a clean spray bottle to mist the enclosure to boost the humidity.  It helps them acclimate to their new home.

Chapter 4: Maintenance

Daily Check: Monitor temperature, humidity, and food supply. Remove any mold or dead roaches promptly.

Weekly Cleaning: Scoop out frass (roach droppings) and replace food if necessary.

Health Checks: Watch for signs of stress or disease; ensure the environment is clean to prevent allergies.

Chapter 5: Breeding and Harvesting

Breeding: Females will start mating about 5 days after they become adults. They give live birth rather than laying eggs.

Harvesting: After 6-8 months, you can start harvesting nymphs. Remember, the colony should grow for a while before harvesting begins to ensure sustainability.

Scaling Up or Down: Adjust the size of your colony based on your pet's needs. If too many, consider selling to other pet owners or reduce breeding by adjusting conditions or population.

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting

Slow Breeding: Check temperature, food quality, and humidity. Ensure there's a good male to female ratio.

Allergies: A few people can have mild allergic reactions to roaches (strangely there seems to be a correlation to people who have shellfish allergies) Handle roaches in well-ventilated areas, consider wearing gloves or masks to reduce exposure.