Roaches make excellent feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, and other exotic pets. Among the various types of roaches, three of the most common species used for feeding pets are Madagascar Hissing Roaches, Lobster Roaches, and Red Runner Roaches. Each species has unique care requirements, but they share many similarities in their general maintenance. This guide will help you understand how to care for these roaches, ensuring their health and making them a valuable source of nutrition for your pets.
1. Choosing the Right Container
The Promeal container, in which you received the roaches, is ideal for short-term storage about 7-10 days. For long-term care, you can house them in a plastic storage container or any other suitable container, such as an aquarium, garbage can, or an old plastic food container. The key is to ensure proper ventilation. Poke small holes in the top of the container to allow air circulation. A smaller container can be used if you have a few dozen roaches.
2. Providing Proper Food and Nutrition
Roaches need a balanced diet consisting of both dry and fresh foods. Some nutritious dry food options include: Roach chow, Alfalfa, Promeal Wheat bran, Crushed cat food, Crushed dog food.
Promeal offers specially formulated Premium Roach Food and Roach Thirst Quenchers, which are perfect for your roaches. These foods provide essential nutrients, keeping them healthy and strong.
3. Use Moist Food To Providing Water
Roaches obtain moisture from fresh fruits and vegetables, so it's essential to regularly provide these items. The moisture content in fruits like apples, mangoes, berries, grapefruits, and papayas will help hydrate your roaches. In addition, moist foods like potato slices and carrots can also serve as a source of water.
Always offer fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Temperature Requirements
All three types of roaches require a warm environment to thrive. The ideal temperature range for Madagascar Hissing Roaches, Lobster Roaches, and Red Runner Roaches is between 25°C to 35°C. You can maintain this temperature by using an incandescent bulb or a heat mat. This warmth will help your roaches stay active and healthy.
5. Gut-Loading Roaches for Pet Feeding
Before feeding your roaches to your pets, it's a good idea to gut-load them. This process involves feeding your roaches a nutritious diet 24 hours before feeding them to your pet. You can use Promeal's High Calcium Roach Diet, which helps enrich the nutritional content of the roaches. By gut-loading, you ensure that your pet receives not only the nutritional benefits of the roaches but also the added calcium and vitamins that promote their health.
6. Movement and Behavior
Madagascar Hissing Roaches are slow-moving and large, which makes them a good choice for pets that prefer a slower, easier target for hunting.
Lobster Roaches are fast-moving, making them ideal for pets that enjoy a challenge or those with a strong hunting instinct.
Red Runner Roaches are also fast-moving insects, which can make them more desirable for pets that are picky eaters or prefer the excitement of chasing their food.
7. Handling and Care
Avoid Refrigerating: All roach species should never be refrigerated as it harms them.
Regular Cleaning: Clean the roach container regularly to prevent odors and the build-up of waste.
Pests & Health: Keep an eye on the roaches for any signs of sickness or injury. If the roaches are healthy and active, they’ll be suitable for feeding your pets.
By following these care guidelines, you'll ensure that your Madagascar Hissing Roaches, Lobster Roaches, and Red Runner Roaches remain healthy and nutritious, making them excellent feeder insects for your pets. Proper housing, a balanced diet, and maintaining the right temperature are key to successful roach care. Whether you need slow-moving roaches for hunting or fast-moving roaches for pets with a challenge in mind, these insects can meet a variety of needs, ensuring both you and your pets are satisfied.
At Promeal, we know how important it is to give your pets a healthy and varied diet. That’s why we create high-quality, natural pet food to keep them happy and healthy.
Our specialty is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.
Check out our "Shop" section to find the perfect food for your pets!
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