Q: T's and Roaches

[Draychen]

I heard that roaches were a better source of food for T's, so about a month and 1/2 ago, I bought a ton of roaches to feed to my T's. My G. Rosea (Goliath) ate two on the first day, and one a week and 1/2 later. My geckos and other T's COMPLETELY avoided them like the plague. I tried feeding them to Goliath last week, and he too avoided them and was skittish until I removed it. Thinking this was a fluke, I tried to feed him a couple days later to the same effect. I tossed in crickets right after and he tracked down three of them and took them all. He sat there for a long while truckin' them along in his mouth eating them. The others ate crickets as soon as I removed the roaches as well. Is this odd behaviour or have they just gotten so used to crickets they wont eat anything more unless they're practically starving? The roaches I tried to feed them were about 1/2 their sizes. I'd really like to continue feeding them the roaches, as they're scentless, noiseless, and breed like jackrabbits (not to mention I am told by a avid T keeper that they're FAR better for them and will not attack a T when molting etc). Thanks in advance for your responses

 

[Smitty78]

I would suggest that you quit giving crickets completely. T's are not going to starve themselves. Once they are hungry enough, they will take whatever prey items that are presented to them. They can go months without eating. I have had a few T's that I purchased that were resistant to roaches at first due to the previous owner feeding crickets. I did exactly what I said above, and they all eat roaches without hesitation now.

 

[Draychen]

Thanks! I figured that but wanted some verification before doing such! Appreciate the response!

 

[Moltar]

Yeah it takes a while to get them to switch. They get used to a certain "prey profile" ie the way they move, smell, etc and sometimes have a hard time adjusting to new prey at first. Like Smitty said, just starve 'em and eventually they'll come around to the roaches. What kind of roaches did you get, B. dubia?

 

[Draychen]

Yep, got them B Dubia roaches in a good mix of size from ~1/2" to 3" since my T's Vary greatly in sizes

 

[Smitty78]

Since you are feeding your reptiles as well, maybe B. lats, or Lobster roaches will work better. Both of those species have softer exoskeletens, and movements that closely resemble crickets. I personally use 4 different types of roaches in order to provide, or attempt to provide a varied more balanced diet.

 

[Draychen]

A very good idea, I think. Will they attack the T durring a molt and do they burrow quickly like the B Dubia roaches? I must say it's rather annoying when they bury themselves so quickly in the substrate!

 

[Smitty78]

From my experience, they will not burrow like the B. dubia do. They will however hide. The difference is that they will come out and cruise around the enclosure daily. B. dubia on the other hand will stay burrowed and motionless for weeks. I personally prefer the Lobster roaches to the B. laterlis.

 

[Draychen]

Awesome! Thanks for all that info! They sound like they'll be perfect. Again, my sincerest appreciation for the responses!

 

[Moltar]

I also keep dubias and lateralis. I decided not to mess with lobsters because they can climb smooth surfaces. I still have a G. rosea who won't touch dubias and the lats are better for arboreals because they'll climb up on the bark with the T.

 

[Draychen]

Definately no lats for the geckos then! Their cage top has opened portions for more positive airflow... dont want anything escaping! But they do sound wonderful for my Avics! I'll probably end up going with a good mix of the two styles then as crickets prove to be... less hardy. With an apple slice in their tank I can only get each batch to last about 1 and 1/2 weeks before I need to make another run to the pet store. I hate going there because I almost always return with a new T! My room is becoming a zoo (And the barracks managers do NOT like that one bit).

 

[Smitty78]

I also keep dubias and lateralis. I decided not to mess with lobsters because they can climb smooth surfaces. I still have a G. rosea who won't touch dubias and the lats are better for arboreals because they'll climb up on the bark with the T.

That is true, but it also a reason I like Lobsters. I keep mine in a 35 gallon rubbermaid with no lid. I put a 2" strip of Vaseline around the top, and I have yet to have an escapee.

 

[Moltar]

Yeah, I actually was a bit more worried about uneaten ones escaping from a T's enclosure, but also from the container. I'm sure I could deal with them knowing what I do now but two spp of roach is enough for about 60 spiders.