Breeding Colonies?

[Floatingice2010]

Since I am a noob to the whole reptile hobby, I have been buying around 20-30 crickets a week for my young Jasper. This is around $3.59 a week (which isn't expensive). However, I would like to learn how to start up a colony of these things. I looked around the forum and there are great guides on how to manage such things, but how does one get it started? I am also willing to start a roach colony (although Jasper has never been fed roaches) as well.
Any good starter guides to this process? Is it expensive? Currently, I host my 20-30 in a gallon "aquarium" (really it's just a small pet carrier) and offer them Fluker's Thirst Quencher and Fluker's Hi Calcium Diet (the grains not the cubes).

 

[5HiddenLizards]

For me crickets aren't easy to breed at all. Roaches are better (and easier), plus they don't really have a smell to them. I also breed mealworms. Those are super easy. Right now I am trying to grow some tiny baby crickets that hatched in my skink's tank. They are taking forever to grow. My baby roaches grow way faster than the crickets.


The roaches are a bit pricey-er. but i think that it'll be worth it in the long run.
With roaches its best to have a good number of adults & let them sit for a while, with food & water, and ,depending onwhat kind you get, let them breed & lay egg cases or give birth. Let the babies grow some. Heat & food help the roaches populate faster.

 

[thegeckoguy23]

Try using youtubs theres a lot of vids on vrix on it.

 

[Stl_Greaser]

I agree roaches are a lot easier to keep a sustainable colony going. They breed faster, smell a whole lot better, and don't need a special area to lay their eggs. A lot healthier for your animals too!

 

[Tony C]

Another vote with the majority here, crickets stink, take up lots of space, and a very labor intensive. They are not worth the trouble unless you are breeding in bulk for a LARGE collection. You'll be much happier if you stick with roaches and just buy crickets if you feel the need.

Here is a decent write-up on cricket breeding.

 

[Floatingice2010]

Thanks! I'm looking into buying roaches online because Petland here doesnt have any . Any recommendations as far as that goes?

 

[Stl_Greaser]

http://afexotics.weebly.com/
http://www.theroachguy.com/
http://www.theroachranch.com/index.html

I ordered form Theroachguy.com I would highly recommend him.

 

[Magic Merlin]

Thanks! I'm looking into buying roaches online because Petland here doesnt have any . Any recommendations as far as that goes?

I can easily beat anyone's price on Red Runners or Dubias.....just pm me with the size and amount you are looking for. :main_thumbsup:

Thanks, Jason