Dubia Care Sheet Guide
Origin
Dubia roaches, also known as the Dubia cockroach are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America.
Due to their ease of care, relatively slow reproduction rate, and nutritional value, Dubia roaches have gained popularity among reptile keepers and breeders as an alternative to other feeder insects such as crickets or mealworms. They are also valued for their high protein content and balanced nutritional profile.
As with many other insects, Dubia roaches have been introduced to different parts of the world beyond their native range. They are commonly bred in captivity for commercial purposes, serving as a sustainable food source for reptiles, amphibians, and other insectivorous animals.
Set-up for Feeders
Depending on the roaches you have, you want to get the appropriate bin size. For example, if you buy 100 dubias a week, you don't need a breeder bin. Therefore, a 16 qt tub with egg crates is the perfect size to house them while you feed them off.
Set-up for Breeding
First, get a non-clear tote and add ventilation on each side to prevent mold. Then, place egg crates vertically and cut at least two inches below the lid to prevent roaches from reaching the lid.
If you start with our starter colony, we recommend a five-gallon tote because proximity is crucial for breeding. A tote this size is perfect because it optimizes proximity and has enough room to store plenty of roaches as your colony grows.
Gut loading
Here's how you can effectively gut-load Dubia roaches:
Select nutrient-rich foods: Choose a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and commercial gut-loading diets rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Some suitable options include dark leafy greens (e.g., kale, collard greens), carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, oranges, apples, and high-quality commercial insect gut-loading foods.
Preparing the gut load: Chop or grate the fruits and vegetables into small pieces to make them easily consumable by the Dubia roaches. If using commercial gut-loading diets, follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparation.
Feeding schedule: Offer gut-loading foods to the Dubia roaches for at least 24-48 hours before feeding them to your reptile or animal. During this time, ensure the gut-loading food is available in the roach enclosure. Remove any uneaten or spoiled food after this period to maintain cleanliness.
Hydration: Provide a moisture source, such as water crystals or fresh vegetables with high water content, to keep the Dubia roaches hydrated during the gut-loading process. They will absorb moisture from these sources.
Supplementation: Consider dusting the gut-loaded Dubia roaches with calcium or other necessary supplements immediately before feeding them to your reptile. This helps ensure that your pet receives essential nutrients.
Remember, the gut load quality directly affects the Dubia roaches' nutritional value. It's essential to use fresh, high-quality foods and rotate various fruits and vegetables to provide a balanced diet for the roaches. By practicing proper gut loading techniques, you can optimize the nutritional benefits your reptile or animal receives from Dubia roaches.
Maintenance
Maintaining a Dubia roach colony requires regular care and attention to ensure the health and well-being of the roaches. Here are some essential maintenance tasks to consider:
1. Regular feeding: Provide fresh food to the Dubia roaches regularly. High-quality roach chow, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be offered at least a few times weekly. Remove any uneaten food after a day or two to prevent mold or bacterial growth.
2. Water source: Ensure a source of hydration is available for the roaches. Water crystals or fresh vegetables with high water content, such as cucumber slices or oranges, can be provided. Monitor and replenish the water source as needed.
3. Cleaning the enclosure: Regularly clean the Dubia roach enclosure to maintain hygiene. Remove dead roaches, feces, and uneaten food to prevent waste buildup. Wipe down the container walls if necessary, but be cautious with using chemicals as they can harm the roaches.
4. Temperature and humidity control: Monitor and maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity levels within the roach enclosure. The temperature should be kept between 75-89°F (27-35°C), and the humidity around 40-60%. Use a thermometer and hygrometer to check and adjust as needed. Heat mats or lamps can regulate temperature, and misting the enclosure can help adjust humidity.
5. Population control: Regularly assess the size of your Dubia roach colony. If the population grows too large, consider separating some roaches into a secondary colony or use them as feeders. Maintaining an appropriate population prevents overcrowding and ensures sufficient space and resources for the bugs.
6. Breeding management: If you intend to breed Dubia roaches, set up a separate breeding enclosure or section within the main colony. To encourage breeding behavior, provide additional hiding spots, such as small cardboard tubes or egg crates. Monitor breeding progress and adjust the setup as needed.
7. Health observation: Regularly observe the overall health of the Dubia roaches. Look for signs of illness, disease, or pests. If you notice any issues, contact an experienced breeder for proper diagnosis and treatment if treatable.
You can consistently provide a clean, healthy, and thriving environment for your Dubia roach colony by performing these maintenance tasks.
Pros
Nutritional Value: Dubia roaches are a highly nutritious feeder insect. They offer a good balance of protein, fats, and other essential nutrients, making them a healthy choice for reptiles, amphibians, and other insectivores.
Low Chirping and Odor: Unlike crickets, Dubia roaches are relatively quiet and produce minimal odor. This can be advantageous for people who keep them as feeders in their homes.
Easy to Handle: Dubia roaches are not known to bite, sting, or jump, making them easy to handle and less intimidating than some other feeder insects.
Low Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio: Dubia roaches have a favorable calcium to phosphorus ratio, which is crucial for the health of reptiles. This helps prevent metabolic bone diseases in animals that consume them.
Longevity: Compared to other feeder insects like crickets, Dubia roaches have a longer lifespan, allowing for a more stable and consistent supply of feeders over time.
Cons
Initial Setup Costs: Establishing a Dubia roach colony can have upfront costs for containers, heating elements, and other equipment. However, many find that these costs are offset by the long-term benefits.
Temperature Requirements: Dubia roaches thrive in specific temperature ranges. Maintaining these conditions consistently might require additional heating equipment, especially in colder climates.
Space Requirements: As the colony grows, it may need more space. Depending on the size of the colony, you might need to invest in larger containers or multiple setups.
Escape Risk: While Dubia roaches are not strong fliers, there is always a risk of escape.
Legal Restrictions: Before starting a Dubia roach colony, check local regulations and restrictions. Some places have rules regarding the keeping and breeding of certain insect species.
Slow Reproduction in Cooler Temperatures: Dubia roaches reproduce more slowly in cooler temperatures, so maintaining the optimal conditions for breeding might be a consideration in colder climates.
