Dubia questions (pics!)

[jakemyster44]

Having just received my dubia order last week, I just want to be sure that I have everything set up alright. Don't want to delay their breeding beacuse of a stupid mistake I made . I'll give the basic run down to accompany the pictures, let me know what you think!

First, I belive this is an adult pair, am I correct (male 1st, female 2nd- right?)

First part of setup; food, water (crystals), and a deli cup with small holes (placed over the heat pad) in the lid to raise the humidity in these winter months:

Egg flats (a 'notch' cut out of the bottom so they fit over and around the 'humidity cup':

Two more egg cartons are laid over the verticle peices to provide more privacy, and maybe help retain a bit more heat:

Finally, the lid. Screen is hot glued to keep insects out/in, small enought to keep humidity in, large enough for good ventilation:

There is a thermometer on the 'warm' and 'cool' side, with heat tape on the bottom of the warm side, and on the warm side's back wall. The temps in the hot spot are around 93*-95*.

Any questons, comments, ANSWERS? I really appreciate your help!

 

[Nigel4less]

Looks better then most Set ups!

 

[shadowx362]

I am no expert, but it seems very well put together

 

[jakemyster44]

thanks guys, now, are those (especially the 'female') at the top full size?

 

[hoppslover]

Jake that looks alot like my setup which works really well. The only thing I can tell you from experience is that the babies and small ones less than 1/4" can climb those types of tubs. I know they feel smooth but I have seen babies crawl up the sides I have also seen them sitting on that ledge that goes around the inside. I have never seen any of them get out. But I have seen it. Good luck with your colony.

 

[clear]

The only concern I have is the cup you have to raise the humidity, I learned the hard way that they can mold easily! I dont worry about humidity until you start seeing bad molts or crippled wings on males.

 

[OhioGecko]

The only concern I have is the cup you have to raise the humidity, I learned the hard way that they can mold easily! I dont worry about humidity until you start seeing bad molts or crippled wings on males.

Use packing tape and run it around 3/4 the way up the tub. That will keep them from getting to the top.

 

[jakemyster44]

GREAT, idea! I saw the small ones climbing too, but they never go above the ledge. I'll be sure to put that tape on pronto though. Can anyone tell me if the female at the top is full grown? She's next to a quarter for size comparison. The only reason I'm wondering is beacuse I hear people say that they get over 2" and that particular one is just over 1"

clear- I just have plain water in there itas not a damp substrate. And theres no way the water can get on the lid or anything, so the egg cartons shouldnt mold... should I still be concerned?

 

[PacHerp]

Can anyone tell me if the female at the top is full grown? She's next to a quarter for size comparison. The only reason I'm wondering is beacuse I hear people say that they get over 2" and that particular one is just over 1"

Looks like an adult female to me! :main_yes:

 

[jakemyster44]

thanks Britt! I just finished taping the bin.

 

[clear]

Use packing tape and run it around 3/4 the way up the tub. That will keep them from getting to the top.

I think you quoted the wrong person.

 

[OhioGecko]

I think you quoted the wrong person.

yes I did, thank you.

 

[SFgeckos]

...

Looks great! Now you just need to fill it up with roaches!
Here's one of my bins, I try to keep between 200-500 females per tub.

Jon

 

[sdpnoy]

nice bins jakemyster44... clean.

SFgeckos thats a nice picture as well. What are you using as subtrate? or is there non in that picture, just pure females and nimphs?.. wow. oh also what are you using to heat those drawers if i may ask..?? i just started mine i bought 100 mixed dubia and i got em in a 15 quart container in the garage and im having trouble heating them right now... i was just wondering if anyone here would have any suggestions..

 

[SFgeckos]

to answer your questions

I don't use any substrate in my roach bins (unless you count dog food kibble). I find it much easier to clean and sort out the nymphs, since they will just hide in/under the substrate. Also, in my experience using substrate, if it gets wet it can mold or lead to unattractive odors.

The photo can be misleading since it appears to be mostly females/nymphs. But if you look closely you can see some males (with wings), but hundreds of roaches ran under the egg crate when I opened the drawer. The ratio of males to females in my bins ranges from 1:5 to 1:7. Sometimes I'll have an explosive of males, so there are times when I literally have to cull several thousand males, or give them to friends with ackies/bearded dragons as feeders. It's just not worth feeding them all and the space they take up.

My roach bins are heated from behind or from under using flexwatt heattape, depending on the rack. I hope that information helps.

Jon

 

[ponylover86]

Looks like a great setup to me.Good Job!