Madagascar hissing cockroach question

[Anomalistic]

So, first off please don't hate me...

I work for a big box pet store.

BUT. When I started there our hissers were in bad shape. I had worked at a store in the past, a mom and pop store and I was in charge of the hissers (what we called them) so I took over ours at the store I work at (I am a dog trainer now). Since I took over 15 months ago. We have not lost a single one. Mind you, we have not but a few. We do not sell often but it is a corporate thing that we carry a certain amount, so I clean their too small containers and feed them very regularly and they grow and they are very used to me now. Recently one was found in the store, wandering around. Now, this big guy was not lost during my time in the store because I know how many we have. And since there is no telling what he has been eating he could not be put back into a container and sold as possible food. So the manager sent him home with me. Fast forward 2 weeks and someone came in with 2 more males. "Oh My FREEGAN GAWD! I DON'T KNOW WHERE MY DAUGHTER BOUGHT THESE BUT TAKE THEM!"

So, I now have three. Two large males and a smaller male. My big found in store male has started doing this thing where he stands atop the highest decor and lifts his backside up and lowers it down, over and over... I can't figure out what this posing is. Any ideas? Btw this is also right over some of the food.

 

[Anomalistic]

"Mind you, we have not but a few" should say "Mind you, we have not sold but a few in that time."

 

[Hisserdude]

First off, props to you for taking good care of those hissers, I've seen what piss poor conditions they are sold in, glad you are taking the time to care for them better!

Secondly, that behavior sounds like he may be releasing pheromones, trying to attract females or something? I've honestly never seen my hissers do that, and I don't know if males actually release any pheromones.

 

[Anomalistic]

I had a female in there overnight... before I realized what could or would happen (live birth, so. many. babies)... since there is not a big market for them here I did not want to be the proud owner of that many babies... So he may be trying to draw her back. That night she just kind of hid from the world, as they often do on their first night. Big Jack is out almost all the time atop that big dino skull waving his rump up and down. Jim is apt to come out too, but little Jose is rarely seen. ((Yes, my guys are the three wise men of any bar... Jim, Jack and Jose))

First off, props to you for taking good care of those hissers, I've seen what piss poor conditions they are sold in, glad you are taking the time to care for them better!

Secondly, that behavior sounds like he may be releasing pheromones, trying to attract females or something? I've honestly never seen my hissers do that, and I don't know if males actually release any pheromones.

 

[Hisserdude]

I had a female in there overnight... before I realized what could or would happen (live birth, so. many. babies)... since there is not a big market for them here I did not want to be the proud owner of that many babies... So he may be trying to draw her back. That night she just kind of hid from the world, as they often do on their first night. Big Jack is out almost all the time atop that big dino skull waving his rump up and down. Jim is apt to come out too, but little Jose is rarely seen. ((Yes, my guys are the three wise men of any bar... Jim, Jack and Jose))

Sorry to break it to you, but one night is all they need to mate successfully, she may end up giving you babies still. And if she was mature when you got her in the first place, there's almost a 0% chance she hasn't already mated.

 

[Anomalistic]

Sorry to break it to you, but one night is all they need to mate successfully, she may end up giving you babies still. And if she was mature when you got her in the first place, there's almost a 0% chance she hasn't already mated.

I wasn't clear, she was my first... she was in there the night before Jack came home. She had the place to herself. I wanted two and knew Jack would be coming home with me the next day. They were never together. And she went back to where I work, been keeping an eye on her, the place we get them from does not send them separated by sex, but since they have all matured, and I keep them well fed and hydrated I have since kept them apart. We only have 2 females in the store. 6 males left and 2 immature undetermined as of yet.

 

[Hisserdude]

I wasn't clear, she was my first... she was in there the night before Jack came home. She had the place to herself. I wanted two and knew Jack would be coming home with me the next day. They were never together. And she went back to where I work, been keeping an eye on her, the place we get them from does not send them separated by sex, but since they have all matured, and I keep them well fed and hydrated I have since kept them apart. We only have 2 females in the store. 6 males left and 2 immature undetermined as of yet.

Ah OK, I see! Well again, props to you for taking care of those hissers, if you have any more questions, let me know!

 

[WeightedAbyss75]

So, first off please don't hate me...

I work for a big box pet store.

BUT. When I started there our hissers were in bad shape. I had worked at a store in the past, a mom and pop store and I was in charge of the hissers (what we called them) so I took over ours at the store I work at (I am a dog trainer now). Since I took over 15 months ago. We have not lost a single one. Mind you, we have not but a few. We do not sell often but it is a corporate thing that we carry a certain amount, so I clean their too small containers and feed them very regularly and they grow and they are very used to me now. Recently one was found in the store, wandering around. Now, this big guy was not lost during my time in the store because I know how many we have. And since there is no telling what he has been eating he could not be put back into a container and sold as possible food. So the manager sent him home with me. Fast forward 2 weeks and someone came in with 2 more males. "Oh My FREEGAN GAWD! I DON'T KNOW WHERE MY DAUGHTER BOUGHT THESE BUT TAKE THEM!"

So, I now have three. Two large males and a smaller male. My big found in store male has started doing this thing where he stands atop the highest decor and lifts his backside up and lowers it down, over and over... I can't figure out what this posing is. Any ideas? Btw this is also right over some of the food.

I have seen my G. oblongata males do this often. Usually, I see them lift their butt and hiss loudly to show dominance. Almost like a superiority thing I believe. Looking to get first dibs on females, they try and fight to have the highest position in the cage or food priviledge. Also, great story Love the success story, hope your store continues to do well with them Roaches should be more avalible in pet stores IMO.