Roach Species Care and Feeding Experience etc

[Gwennie]

I keep multiple species of roaches, all of which have somewhat similar diets but different nutritional requirements from each. For example, I know the dubia require more fruits and less protein, while my red runners need more protein than the dubia, etc. I wanted to share the species I have, their backgrounds and nature, and what I might assume should be their dietary requirements. I want to make dry feeds for each of the species I keep that best fits their needs to make them grow healthier and faster.

PLEASE feel free to share your experiences and knowledge! I'm making this thread not just to learn about species I have, but other species I don't, and the best diets to rear species on. I'll correct info as people make addendums in the thread. Eventually I'll compile info from as many sources as I can into an in-depth feeding and care guide for every species I can and share them here and on my website!

The List:
+ B. dubia - primarily Frugivore. Relatively high percentage of fructose and fiber needed in diet. Protein content should be 15-20% maximum.
+ B. latteralis - suggested to be a Detritivore, likely an opportunistic Omnivore. Prefer grains, fruit, and greens to veggies, from what I've noticed. Protein content should be 30-40% maximum. Extremely voracious.
+ B. craniifer - Omnivore leaning Detritivore. Will consume fecal matter of other animals, as well as leaf litter, and in some cases, wood, but not commonly. Enjoys a wide variety of foods, likes more sugary veggies and some fruits. Greatly enjoy protein. Haven't seen much info on protein amount in diet, but I'll guess around 25-35% roughly, maybe higher.
+ Eublaberus sp. "Ivory" / E. biolleyi - Detritivore. Used for blatticomposting, which is similar to vermicomposting and millicomposting but with roaches instead of worms or millipedes due to their high efficiency in turning organic matter into nutritious soil. Don't seem too enthused when I feed them plant matter of any kind unless it's high in sugars, so I feed them a lower amount of greens and more high-sugar plants and more protein, which they seem to prefer. They destroy fish food and dog food. I'd guess protein content of 30-40% based on how mine act.
+ B. fusca - Omnivore. Not super picky. Eat just about anything I give them. Protein content guess around 20-30% probably.
+ G. portentosa - Frugivore, primarily. Does enjoy a healthy portion of dog food. Seems to be similar in diet needs to dubia. Noticed mine hate orange, which my dubia love as an occasional treat. Need a good amount of fiber. Protein content 20-25%.
+ T. olegrandjeani - Omnivore/Detritivore. Not honestly wholly sure about the diet on these guys. They do need a nutritious soil not unlike ivories. Seem to eat whatever is given, they do greatly enjoy some dog food here and there. Love sweet fruits. Maybe protein content of roughly 20-30% on these guys, not totally sure though.

Make any additions or corrections as needed, constructively please! Also share your experiences with other species of roach you keep! I always look to keep more species and like to know how to care for them.

 

[gbbeaut24]

What types of fruit for Dubias and cut up in what way seem to be the best? Fresh stuff I’ve put in gets moldy and gross so fast

 

[Gwennie]

What types of fruit for Dubias and cut up in what way seem to be the best? Fresh stuff I’ve put in gets moldy and gross so fast

Oranges get DESTROYED but should be limited a lot due to the high citric acid. Mine also enjoy carrots, which last a longer time and are a good staple.

But if your food is getting moldy, give them smaller portions and observe how much they eat within 6 or so hours. If it’s gone within too little time, they probably need more.

Roaches also need dry roughage, which most dry chows provide, but you can also use ground up (PLAIN!!) corn flakes or cheerios. I recommend getting some kind of dish or platform for the dry chow, you can use milk jug caps, mason bottle tops, just make sure the roaches can get into it.

 

[Slappy]

I put some dried hardwood leaves in my composting bin for the roaches, this was back before I started keeping isopods and millipedes. Someone had told me they enjoy leaves here and there to munch on and this seems true— particularly hissers and Eublaberus.
I toss in bones (very occasionally) / shells/ cuttlebones in case they have a hankering for calcium or minerals.
High value fruits, aside from oranges, are mangos and bananas.

 

[dogpack]

I've just started my adventure raising feeder insects. Currently, I am researching T care information and learning about the different scientific names in preparation for acquiring my first T after many, many years of not having one. My next plan of action is to acquire hissers.