Dubia question....

[vgaines]

I need to order some dubia roaches so that I can start breeding my own. My local mom and pop store had them for .33 each and they have gone up to .99 for small, 1.99 for medium and 2.29 for large. I checked the forum classifieds and saw that LLL has 100 small for $15.99 shipped. My question is, how long will it take for them to become mature enough to breed? Also, would 100 be enough to feed some off and start a breeding colony? I really want to get started on breeding my own feeders so that I don't have to order so many.
Thanks,
Virginia

 

[Yak]

I need to order some dubia roaches so that I can start breeding my own. My local mom and pop store had them for .33 each and they have gone up to .99 for small, 1.99 for medium and 2.29 for large. I checked the forum classifieds and saw that LLL has 100 small for $15.99 shipped. My question is, how long will it take for them to become mature enough to breed? Also, would 100 be enough to feed some off and start a breeding colony? I really want to get started on breeding my own feeders so that I don't have to order so many.
Thanks,
Virginia

Yes, 100 is enough to feed and raise, they grow relatively slow. If I'm not mistakien some one outhere sell a "starter" batch. Depending on how many chameleons you have and how many you plan to feed a day, you have to start somewhere. Keep at least 30 of the initial batch and you should be fine. Bear in mind you will only feed the smaller ones otherwise you will never accomplish your task.
I started my own colony and they are active and happy, I keep all of the adults, anything pass 1/2" I don't feed. Be sure to provide some form of heat and a good setting for them to reproduce.
Good Luck

 

[CLP]

I got a batch of 100 mixed nymphs about 2 months ago. About half of them have morphed into adults, and I'm pretty sure I've only had 1 or 2 batches of babies so far, so it can take some time. If you're looking to start a breeding colony, I would start with something close to adult size or you will be waiting a long time to get a sustainable colony going. If you want some to feed right away, you can always get some mixed sizes. The guy I got them from told me it would take 3-4 months even with my older nymphs to get a good colony going.