Setting up your feeder roach bin is pretty straight forward (will add photos as time permits). Scroll down to see items you will need to successfully setup you first roach bin. If you live in a dry climate, less ventilation to hold humidity in. More humid climate, more ventilation. Proper ventilation is necessary to keep humidity levels right and to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. Also try to avoid glass tanks as they don’t hold heat and humidity well.
Roaches are nocturnal, so most will suggest you use a dark-colored container. Although this works for the majority of people, we simply use clear Sterilite plastic bins. In our experience, the light doesn’t bother them. Our roaches produce very well even in clear containers.
Most people will use either Rubbermaid or Sterilite plastic containers. We’ve used both and have switched to Sterilite brand. Reason is it is smoother plastic. We found that newborn B. dubia could scale the sides of certain Rubbermaid bins.
After you have the proper housing container, you’ll need to add ventilation. Take your lid and cut a single hole of around 8×9 inch out. Get some metal screen mesh (window screen) and hot glue it or silicone, whichever you have will work. Hot glue is quicker, silicone needs to cure 24 hours.
Now your ready for egg flats, egg cartons (cardboard, not plastic), cardboard tunes, etc. Something for your roaches to hide in and feel more safe and secure. Setup your egg flats vertically on one end of your roach bin. Roaches will hide in between them.
Add a food and water dish, preferably shallow. Remember, B. dubia cannot climb smooth plastic. If you don’t have a shallow dish, lid, etc… you can take sandpaper and rough up the inside and outside of dishes you’re using.
Add food source! Roaches in general will eat just about anything. A high protein diet is recommended to support a thriving colony. You can get our special blend of roach chow, or use dog food, cereals, oats, etc. Also be sure to give your roaches fruits and veggie scraps each week for variety.
Add a water source! Roaches need a source of water continually to avoid dehydration and ultimately death. One of the best ways to give water to your roaches, is to use water gel. Water gel is made from water crystals, which absorb up to 400 times their mass. Water gel is a safe alternative to plain water, sponges, etc. Unlike water, your roaches can walk on the water gel without drowning. Avoid using sponges, as they can harbor bacteria, mold and fungus, which can be harmful, even fatal to your feeders.
Next, a heat source (for breeding or cooler climates). There are many mays to heat your roach bin. Be sure to use safety precautions when using a heating device with plastic to avoid any kind of fire hazard. People use heating pads (human), UTH (Under Tank Heater), heat tape, heat cables, heat lamp (not recommended). One way we have heated our roach bins was place a heating pad underneath one end of the roach bin. Plug the heating pad into a thermostat to control temps.
Read our care sheet on B. dubia or our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for more details on maintaining your roaches. The essential items below can also be purchased from the dry goods page.
Supplies Needed:
*Plastic tub/bin (shoe box size up to 73 qt is adequate for most).
*Metal screen mesh (ventilation).
*Egg flats / cartons, paper towel / toilet paper rolls or similar (hiding & breeding).
*Food and water bowls (deli cups, shallow bowls, lids, etc. work well).
*Razor to cut ventilation hole(s).
*Scissors / razor to cut metal screen mesh.
*Hot glue gun & hot glue sticks for gluing metal screen to lid / bin.
*Roach chow for feeding your feeders (high protein dog food works or our special blend).
*Water crystals to make water gel to hydrate & provide humidity for your feeders.
*Roach barrier to prevent climbing of some species & small nymphs (packing tape, Vaseline, etc.).
*Last, but not least, feeder roaches (buy here).
