If you're starting or maintaining a Dubia or Red Runner roach colony, here’s some key advice to help you get started and maintain a healthy breeding environment:

1. General Care Tips

• Container Setup: Use a plastic or glass container with a secure, ventilated lid to prevent escapes. Roaches can’t climb smooth surfaces. Proper ventilation is essential to ensure airflow and prevent humidity buildup, which can lead to mold or other issues. Stacking egg cartons inside the enclosure gives the roaches places to hide and maximizes space.

• Temperature: Keep the enclosure between 85°F and 95°F for optimal breeding. Temperatures below 70°F will slow their metabolism and reproduction.

• Humidity: Roaches thrive in moderate humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%. If the humidity drops too low, it can hinder molting and slow down breeding. Moisture-rich foods can help maintain proper humidity levels, but avoid letting the enclosure get too damp, which can lead to mold.

• Food and Hydration: Feed a mix of fruits, vegetables, and high-protein sources like our Premium Roach Chow. Provide hydration through water crystals to prevent drowning.  Remove any uneaten food within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.

• Hygiene: Clean the enclosure regularly by removing old food and waste. Poor hygiene can lead to mold growth and pest infestations.

2. Heating the Enclosure

To keep the temperature optimal for breeding, there are several heating methods to consider:

• Heat Mats/Heating Pads: Place the mat under or on the side of the container to create a temperature gradient. Use a thermostat to control the heat and prevent overheating.

• Ceramic Heat Emitters (CHE): These provide heat without light and can be placed above the enclosure. Ensure the roaches have a cooler side to retreat to.

• Heat Lamps: Infrared or red light heat lamps can be used above the container but be cautious, as they can dry out the enclosure quickly.

• Space Heater for Room: For multiple colonies, heating an entire room to 85°F or higher may be more efficient, though less energy-conservative.

3. Breeding Details – Red Runner Roaches

Red Runner roaches are prolific breeders under the right conditions. A warm environment between 85°F and 95°F is essential for successful breeding. Females produce egg cases (oothecae), each containing around 30-40 nymphs. These cases are typically deposited in hidden, secure locations within the enclosure. To ensure continuous reproduction, aim for a male-to-female ratio of about 1:3 (one male for every three females). This ratio promotes successful mating and maximizes reproduction rates. With optimal temperature and humidity, you can expect nymphs to hatch from the eggs in about 1 to 4 months and maturing in 3 to 5 months. Ensure the enclosure has plenty of hiding spaces (like egg cartons) for the nymphs to feel safe and grow. A healthy adult-to-nymph ratio ensures continuous reproduction, so maintaining a sizable adult population is key.

4. Breeding Details – Dubia Roaches

Dubia roaches are known for their rapid breeding and adaptability under proper conditions. To facilitate successful breeding, maintain a warm environment between 85°F and 95°F. Female Dubia roaches give birth to live nymphs rather than laying eggs, with each female producing around 20-40 nymphs per cycle. The nymphs can typically be expected to emerge from the mother about 30-60 days after conception.

Under optimal conditions, these nymphs can mature into adults within 3 to 4 months and start reproducing soon after. To ensure continuous reproduction, aim for a male-to-female ratio of about 1:3 (one male for every three females). This ratio promotes successful mating and maximizes reproduction rates. Providing plenty of hiding spaces and food will help create a stress-free environment for both adults and nymphs, promoting a healthy breeding cycle.

5. Disclaimer

Please note, PNW Reptile Bites is not responsible for any outcomes or issues that may arise from the use of this information or the actions you take. We strongly encourage you to continue doing your own research to ensure the best care practices and compliance with any local regulations.