Roach breeding set-up

[TexasJackDaniel]

Can you folks out there who have experience with breeding B. dubia & B. discoidalis give me some advice / feedback regarding this idea.

I was thinking about starting colonies of each of the above mentioned species in the following set-up:

I have a spare rack that was originally used to house snakes. the rack holds six STERILITE sweater boxes (14w X 20L X 6h) without tops. the top of the STERILITE box is closed when the box is pushed into the rack. Gap between box and shelf above it is 1/16 to 1/8 inch. the rack is heated with a single piece of 4" flexwatt which snakes it's way through the rack and under each tub to provide "belly heat".

Qusetions:

Would these STERILITE tubs be big enough to establish and maintain good colonies of the above mentioned species?

Since the rack will not allow the use of a tub top, would the gap of 1/16 to 1/8 inch confine the colony or would it be prone to escape. (I understand that these species apparently cannot climb but just need to check with you that have experience.)

Are there any other suggestions / comments /observations regarding this potential set-up.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

[Wade]

I don't think you'd get enough ventilation, especially after the colony reaches a larger size. Also, you will want to provide something for the roaches to cling to, like eggcrating, and this may give the roaches a way to reach the top if you'r not super careful about how it's placed EVERY TIME you open it. It's true that they can't climb smooth surfaces, but 6" is too close for comfort IMO. Adults probably couldn't squeeze out, but smaller nymphs could definately get out through that gap.

I use the taller storage bins for my roaches. With non-glass climbing species, tops are opional. I don't find it necessary to heat roaches, I just put them on the top shelf if the room is cold, as this is the warmest part of the room. It might be easier to get one of these and set it on top of your snake rack.

Then get 2 more snakes

Wade

 

[TexasJackDaniel]

Thanks Wade,

Yaeh.........kinda whatI thought.......you hit my concerns right on the head! Guess I will abandon that idea and establish colonies in the traditional larger high walled tubs.

Regarding ventilation, do you think using 1/4 inch wire cloth in the top of a tub would work or should I stick with smaller mesh insect screening? Also, how large should I make the ventilation opening(s)? Should they be in top or sides. Or doesn't it make a difference. (sides would be nice then you could stack tubs without interfering with ventilation.)

Jack

 

[Wade]

1/4 inch wire won't stop the small nymphs, but if the sides are smooth and clean, they won't be able to get to it anyway. If you ventilate through the sides, it might be better to use a finer mesh just in case.

Wade

 

[8 leg wonder]

I use vasiline on the sides of my discoid enclusure just in case they do manage to scale the wall