Dubia Roach Breeding

[jfenton954]

I'm trying to start a dubia colony and they don't seem to be eating that much. I put some apple and orange slices in and they didn't eat any of it after a couple of days. I'm thinking it could be the 250w inferred night light but I heard they were ok to use.

 

[acpart]

Make sure it's warm enough (high 80's to low 90's. If that doesn't do it, try getting rid of the bulb. They like it dark. I have no idea whether they can see infra red or not.

Aliza

 

[Josh2]

Could be the infrared. 250W could also be a bit too much heat... Those are the two things that come to mind immediately. Let us know what you find!

 

[jfenton954]

The heat is about 89F and it's is a very large tub that's why the large light. I've tried smaller lights but it wasn't getting warm enough.

 

[brunerbags]

Ever since I've taken the lighting off of my breeder roaches they have been breeding like crazy ... I keep the temp at 95

 

[brunerbags]

Try a heating pad on one end of the enclosure...

 

[jfenton954]

I have a heat pad also it alone is not enough

 

[Caleb C]

Heat pads alone should typically be enough unless it's too weak.
An expensive alternative would be a ceramic heat emitter, but those are usually for large-scale roach breeders.
Roaches don't like light, so bulbs are a bad option.
Your best option would most likely be to get a bigger/better heat pad and keep it dark.

 

[jfenton954]

I got the biggest heat pad that Dr. Smith & Foster had I think it's 24watt

 

[jfenton954]

I have the 25 watt one

 

[Josh2]

Where are you located again?

 

[jfenton954]

Eastern panhandle of West Virginia.

 

[Josh2]

OK so it's still a bit chilly there, ay? Where do you keep the dubia? In the garage?

 

[jfenton954]

No I keep them in my finished basement. It stays about 68F in the room there in.