Want Dubias, but a little worried

[ASublimeDay]

I'd like to get a colony of Dubias going but I'm a bit worried about willingly bringing a breeding colony of ROACHES into my house.

Questions:
1. Are they really that easy to breed that its worth the start-up cost and worries about infestation?
2. What is the ideal start-up number for a colony supporting two veiled chameleons?
3. Can they replace crickets as a staple food (while still offering a variety of other foods)?
4. Has anyone experienced an accidental infestation/have a horror story to steer me away from this idea?

 

[Solid Snake]

I'd like to get a colony of Dubias going but I'm a bit worried about willingly bringing a breeding colony of ROACHES into my house.

Questions:
1. Are they really that easy to breed that its worth the start-up cost and worries about infestation?
Yes. They do take time to get a colony started (3monthsish) but once its rolling, youll have as many, of any size that you need.

Infestation risk is LOW. They are very easy to keep contained as well.

2. What is the ideal start-up number for a colony supporting two veiled chameleons?

In my opinion, 10 males and 10 females would get a decent size colony started. Once they start having babies, youll have tons of them. The pain is waiting for the babies to grow, as these things grow pretty slow.

3. Can they replace crickets as a staple food (while still offering a variety of other foods)?

You cant feed just dubia, or just crickets, in my opinion.
You can use it as a main food item. My chams eat a lot of dubia. I believe most people recommend that any one feeder not make up more than 1/3 of a chams diet.

4. Has anyone experienced an accidental infestation/have a horror story to steer me away from this idea?
I was cleaning my main bin out one time, and knocked it over.

Id say 20-30 got out, and I was sure I had found them all. A few days later, I found a few more though. ;/ That was at least a month ago, and I have not seen one since. I have modified my rules on the bin though.
If its ever without a lid, it stays up against a wall.

All in all, I highly recommend them, all around.

I was super glad I started a colony.

There is really no good reason not to.

 

[justjumpit621]

I'd like to get a colony of Dubias going but I'm a bit worried about willingly bringing a breeding colony of ROACHES into my house.

Questions:
1. Are they really that easy to breed that its worth the start-up cost and worries about infestation?
2. What is the ideal start-up number for a colony supporting two veiled chameleons?
3. Can they replace crickets as a staple food (while still offering a variety of other foods)?
4. Has anyone experienced an accidental infestation/have a horror story to steer me away from this idea?

1. They are SUPER easy, give them fruits and veggies and a source of heat(i use a heat pad on low) in a glass tank and you don't have to worry about infestation! They can not climb, don't smell, don't make noise, and don't fly.
2. Go here they have a start up kit for an excellent price! You will need to give the colony some time to start reproducing though so you don't eat through your whole supply right away. http://www.gotdubias.com/
3. YES! They are BETTER than crickets because they have more meat to them, you can use less roaches than you would have to crickets as well.
4. Nope. They are tropical and won't survive if you live in any other climate. If you do, as long as you don't have a pregnant female escape your okay if you do sick the chameleon on them!

 

[Trillian]

I've just ordered my first dubia, having heard JB (of Cresties fame) rave about them so much, then here as well, I was convinced. Plus I struggle to keep crickets alive and I like the idea of a feeder that can't climb and doesn't smell. And all my scaly guys can eat them, so added bonus! Well, aside from the tortoises, though I have seen them eat slugs and woodlice and try to catch ants.

 

[Rodger]

1) YES
2) Buying adults is better than buying nymphs to start a colony IMO . I bought a 300 nymph assortment from a seller ( Josh something ) & did not get the amount of large nymphs that was stated in the auction . You have to wait until the nymphs mature , then 30 days before babys & then wait until they get big enough to feed . As easy as they are to keep ( VERY easy ) better to have more than less to make sure there is enough producing . I have chickens & they will have to eat my surplus , unless i start selling like everybody else does .
3) Yes
4) I don't think there is much of a chance . As big as the adults are , Slow as they move .. especially the females , they are very easy to catch . Even though I thnk ( & a memeber here has stated ) they breed at normal summer temps ) I am not worried even though I have had some escape .

I'll be selling some adults as I see how many I need to keep . Youtube has zillions of videos about Dubias & worth watching .
If they were called " South American wood bugs " there would not be as much fear . They don't attract my veiled as much as crickets as they hide & don't move around like crickets .

 

[Zubi]

JonRich needs to get in this thread NOW!!!! He's the master of Dubias

 

[justjumpit621]

I've just ordered my first dubia, having heard JB (of Cresties fame) rave about them so much, then here as well, I was convinced. Plus I struggle to keep crickets alive and I like the idea of a feeder that can't climb and doesn't smell. And all my scaly guys can eat them, so added bonus! Well, aside from the tortoises, though I have seen them eat slugs and woodlice and try to catch ants.

Tortoises are more "Shelly" so your good.

 

[ASublimeDay]

They're both juveniles now, so I think they'd be able to reap the benefits earlier