Dubia colony issues resolved

[Andee]

Ah! I am so happy I have two orders I have needed to fill for a month+ and couldn't because my colony was causing me issues. Well now it seems to getting itself back under control! So happy I cant even say lol. It's not quite up to harvesting numbers yet. But just seeing them eating like they used to settles my nerves. Love happy bugs.

 

[Andee]

Success for sure has been made, two mamas today from the looks of the little tiny nymphs running around, just gave birth. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. I have found the perfect combination of heat elements needed for them currently in this weather for thriving. Now to just be patient and let it come back to it's full glory

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

What do you suggest for those looking to start a colony? What are the ideal conditions for dubias?

 

[Andee]

Ideal conditions are pretty easy to meet but they are specific for a colony to thrive. Temps, between 88-92 is perfect breeding temps without too much mold growth and overheating issues etc. 95 is the limit to how high you want and if you go below 78 breeding slows to almost nil. Space, space, space. To have a thriving colony it's so important to utilize your space intelligently and provide them with more than most people recommend. The colony will grow at a faster rate, and be a healthier community in general, very little wing biting, and such. And food, the food sources are incredibly important. High protein is needed for a thriving colony. 18%-20% is all you want but it has to be ALL vegetation based. Dry chow and then all water sources can be from fruit and greens/veggies. A rotating diet and a lot of variety is needed for a roach colony to provide it's optimum nutrition to your reptiles. Don't avoid certain veggies just because of low calcium levels or calcium binding properties just feed a large variety and never too much of anything ever in my opinion. I have a lot of things at my disposal though. Lot's of ventilation.... other than that keep stress low in the coloy in the beginning especially. And cleaner crews make your life easier by far.

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

After hearing that, I realize that my container might not be big enough. I will look at upping the heat and adding more protein. Thank you!

 

[Andee]

Ah it depends on how large your container is, I have around 500+ currently and usually have several thousand.

 

[CamrynTheCham22]

I have been raising a few adults in a Kricket Keeper and after I have at least a few sexually mature adults of both sexes I will move them into a larger container. I have contacted my local reptile shop about this, and they have some dimensions that they said would work if I wanted to begin a colony. I only have around 170 roaches total because my chameleon devours them daily, and most of them are many months from being mature. A colony wasn't my main focus until now, and I think it is a good investment.

 

[Andee]

Honestly just get a Rubbermaid and make it into an enclosure. Lol kritter keepers have poor ventilation and don't provide enough space. Aquariums/terrarium are too heavy for the size you need.

 

[Scottsquatch]

Did that many die off in your cold snap or did you sell a bunch off?

 

[Andee]

It's not that they died... just the breeding/birthing stopped and I had so many nymphs I didn't realize there was an issue until I had issues keeping up with my own reptile needs.

 

[Scottsquatch]

I see. Glad to hear they are breeding again.