Substrate for B. dubia?

[mhill]

I just got the beginnings of my first B. dubia colony today. The only info I dont have figured out is do I need substrate?

 

[spiderfield]

I don't think adding substrate is necessary with B. dubia. It provides a sense of security for them, especially the nymphs, when they get alarmed and burrow to escape detection...but when cleaning time comes around, it could be time-consuming sifting out the little ones if your replacing the substrate. I don't use sub with my colony and they've been doing great for about a year now. In fact, all their cast skins and frass inadvertently becomes a "natural" substrate for them. Hope this helps.

 

[BrynWilliams]

i'd agree, i have no substrate in my colony and they produce just fine, I tend to clean my box out every 6 months as the exos and frass does accumulate in my larger dubia boxes

 

[Falk]

Dont use substrates

 

[mhill]

Thanks folks...

 

[Stopdroproll]

I have a bunch of oatmeal in the container that they love to eat and burrow in.

 

[Aquanut]

I used oat bran for a long time, but eventually went to bare bottom. When the humidity would get high it would get soggy and mold. The frass and shed skins make plenty of substrate. The bran also made for more stuff to sift though when cleaning.

 

[Falk]

Use low bowls instead, one for fruit and one for dry food.
Oat meal is not very nutritious either, use chicken food instead.

 

[Aquanut]

And water crystals

 

[Falk]

Water crystals is not necessary if you give them oranges or similar "wet" fruit.