i bought some hissers

[tyrant963]

Today i went to the pet store and bought 7 madagascar hissing roaches. Is this engough to start a colony? I attemted to sex them annd i think there are only 2 females and 5 males.

 

[Andrew273]

Best way to sex hissers is to look at the top of the head. The male has two horns, the female doesn't. Two females is plenty to start a colony with. I've never seen my males fight though one is definatly the alpha.

 

[tyrant963]

I forgot to mention the enclosure, >< the the temp is at a steady 80F-90F, and there are carrots and water gel. I have computer paper as substrate, card board hides. And Will the water gel keep the humidity high enough?

 

[Andrew273]

I'd say mist occasionally, mine like it pretty humid. It depends on what kind of lid you use. They may not breed in a setup like that. If you want babies I'd suggest making it more natural. They might mate, mine did in something like that though it's easier when it's more naturalistic. Vary their food a bit once in a while. I use romaine lettuce and turtle food as their staple. They also get carrots, oranges, apples, and celery.

 

[Rochelle]

89' is optimum for breeding. Citrus is key. Dog and/or cat food is is also required for protein. We also supplement with fish flakes and cichlid bites. Also expired fruit and veggies.
*Never broccolli, asparagus, brussel sprouts or cauliflower.
Fresh water always and an occasional misting..no water crystals needed with this sp.
No substrate if you wish to use as feeders.

 

[DITB]

i feed my roaches crushed dogfood and oranges/apple i have them in a 20 gallon tank with lots of egg carton for them to hide in

 

[pinkfoot]

89' is optimum for breeding. Citrus is key. Dog and/or cat food is is also required for protein. We also supplement with fish flakes and cichlid bites. Also expired fruit and veggies.
*Never broccolli, asparagus, brussel sprouts or cauliflower.
Fresh water always and an occasional misting..no water crystals needed with this sp.
No substrate if you wish to use as feeders.

I'm with Rochelle! (Except for the citrus, which is new to me ~ thanks!)

 

[jpet]

*Never broccolli, asparagus, brussel sprouts or cauliflower.

Why is this?

 

[arachnocat]

I've seen mine eat broccoli but they don't care too much for cauliflower. There's a thread on the roach forum about what roaches in general will/wont eat. Check it out:
http://www.bidabug.org/Forum/index.php?showtopic=648