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Writer's pictureTeam Pro-Meal

Roaches as Feeder Insects: Benefits, Care, and Storage Tips"

Updated: Apr 9, 2023


Roaches, often overlooked and misunderstood, are gaining popularity as feeder insects for various pets. Promeal provides a variety of roach species, including Lobster Roaches, Red Runners, Dubia Roaches, and Madagascar Roaches, with a primary focus on Lobster Roaches. In this blog, we'll explore the benefits, care, and storage tips for these feeder insects.


Brief introduction to roaches as feeder insects:

Roaches have been used as feeder insects for reptiles, amphibians, and birds for years. They are a nutritious, versatile, and easily maintained food source that can benefit many pets' diets.


The different species of roaches provided by Promeal:

Promeal offers a selection of roach species, including Lobster Roaches, Red Runners, Dubia Roaches, and Madagascar Roaches. Each species has unique characteristics and benefits. We will mainly focus on Lobster Roaches, as they are a popular choice among pet owners.


This blog will cover the nutritional benefits of roaches as feeder insects, the care and maintenance of different roach species, tips for storage, and how to feed them to your pets. We will also discuss Promeal's commitment to providing high-quality roach products.


Benefits of roaches as feeder insects


Nutritional value

Roaches are a highly nutritious food source for many pets. They are rich in protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins, making them a valuable addition to a pet's diet. Lobster Roaches, in particular, offer a high protein-to-fat ratio, making them ideal for pets requiring lean protein.


Versatility in pet diets

Roaches can be fed to a wide variety of pets, including reptiles, amphibians, and birds. They are an excellent food source for pets such as bearded dragons, geckos, chameleons, and many others. The different roach species provided by Promeal cater to the unique dietary needs of various pets.


Roaches are relatively easy to breed and maintain, making them a sustainable food source for pet owners. Lobster Roaches, for example, are prolific breeders and have a rapid reproduction rate, ensuring a constant supply of feeder insects for your pet.


Life cycle of roaches

Promeal  Lobster Roaches Cycle
Lobster Roaches Cycle

Overview of the roach life cycle

The life cycle of roaches consists of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Female roaches produce egg cases called oothecae, which contain numerous eggs. The time it takes for eggs to hatch varies depending on the species and environmental conditions. Once hatched, the nymphs emerge, closely resembling adult roaches but smaller and lacking wings.


Nymphs go through several molting stages called instars. During each instar, the nymphs grow larger, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their growth. The number of molts varies between species, with some undergoing five to seven molts, while others may go through more than ten molts before reaching adulthood. This process can take a few months to over a year, depending on the species and environmental factors.


How the life cycle impacts their use as feeder insects

Understanding the life cycle of roaches is essential for pet owners, as it affects their size, nutritional value, and palatability as feeder insects. Smaller nymphs are suitable for smaller pets, while larger nymphs and adult roaches can be fed to larger pets. Some roach species, like Lobster Roaches, are soft-bodied and easier for pets to digest throughout their life stages.


Knowing the life cycle of roaches also helps in breeding and maintaining a healthy colony for feeding purposes. By providing optimal conditions for breeding and growth, pet owners can ensure a steady supply of nutritious feeder roaches for their pets.


How to care for live roaches

 Promeal roach colony
Promeal roach colony

Housing requirements

Proper housing for roaches is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive colony. A plastic or glass container with a secure, well-ventilated lid is ideal. The size of the container should depend on the number and size of roaches, but a general guideline is to provide at least 2-3 square inches of space per roach. Adding egg crates or cardboard tubes creates more surface area and hiding spots for the roaches, making them feel secure and promoting breeding.


For species like Lobster Roaches, which are excellent climbers, a layer of petroleum jelly or a smooth plastic barrier around the top inside edge of the container will help prevent escape. The container should be kept clean, with waste and uneaten food removed regularly to prevent mold and bacterial growth.

Feeding and gut-loading to the Promeal Roach
Feeding and gut-loading to the Roach

Feeding and gut-loading

Feeding roaches a nutritious diet is essential to ensure they are a healthy and beneficial food source for your pets. A variety of high-quality, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables, along with grains, should be provided. Some popular options include carrots, apples, leafy greens, and grains like oats or wheat bran.


Gut-loading roaches with nutrient-dense foods 24-48 hours before feeding them to your pets will increase their nutritional value. Calcium-rich foods like spinach, kale, and crushed eggshells are excellent for gut-loading. Some commercial gut-load products are also available to ensure proper nutrition.


Maintaining proper temperature and humidity

Different roach species have specific temperature and humidity requirements for optimal growth and breeding. Generally, roaches thrive in temperatures between 75°F and 90°F, but it's essential to research the specific requirements for the species you're keeping. A heating pad or heat lamp can be used to maintain the appropriate temperature.


Humidity levels should also be maintained to promote proper molting and reproduction. A shallow water dish with a sponge or paper towel can be used to provide moisture without creating standing water that can lead to mold or bacterial growth.


Tips for storing roaches


Short-term storage

If you need to store roaches for a short period (a few days to a week), keep them in a smaller container with adequate ventilation, such as a plastic critter keeper. Provide a small amount of food and a water source, like a damp paper towel or water crystals, to keep them hydrated. Maintain the recommended temperature for the specific roach species, but avoid high humidity levels, as this can lead to mold growth in a small container.


Long-term storage

For long-term storage, a larger container with proper ventilation, hiding spaces, and appropriate temperature and humidity levels should be used. Regularly clean the container and provide a constant supply of fresh food and water to ensure the roaches' health and vitality. A well-maintained roach colony can serve as a sustainable food source for your pets for an extended period.


promeal Roch Colony
Roch Colony

Ensuring roach health and vitality

To maintain a healthy roach colony, keep the environment clean and free of mold and bacterial growth. Remove uneaten food and waste regularly, and replace the bedding material as needed. Providing a balanced diet and gut-loading roaches before feeding them to your pets will also ensure that they are a nutritious food source. Monitoring temperature and humidity levels and adjusting them as necessary will promote optimal growth and reproduction.




Feeding roaches to your pets

Reptile Eating promeal  Roach
Reptile Eating Roach
A. Properly introducing roaches to your pet's diet

When introducing roaches to your pet's diet, start by offering a few at a time and observing your pet's reaction. Some pets may need time to get used to the new food source, while others will readily accept roaches. Gradually increase the number of roaches in your pet's diet while monitoring their health and digestion. Ensure that you're feeding the appropriate size and species of roach to your pet, as some may be more suitable than others, depending on the pet's size and nutritional needs.


Promeal Calcium Dusting Supliment
Promeal Calcium Dusting Supliment

B. Dusting roaches with supplements

To further enhance the nutritional value of roaches, dust them with a calcium or multivitamin supplement before feeding them to your pets. This ensures your pets receive the necessary nutrients to support their health and well-being. To dust roaches, place them in a plastic bag or container with the supplement powder and gently shake until the roaches are evenly coated.



Bearded Dragan Eat Promeal Roach
Bearded Dragan Eat Promeal Roach

C. Tips for feeding live roaches

Use feeding tongs or tweezers to avoid direct contact with the roaches and minimize the risk of your pet accidentally biting you.

Offer roaches in a separate feeding container to reduce the risk of escapees and maintain a cleaner living environment for your pet.

Monitor your pet during feeding to ensure they are consuming the roaches and not experiencing any difficulties.


Promeal's roach products and commitment to quality


Lobster Roaches

Promeal offers high-quality Lobster Roaches as a primary feeder insect option. These roaches are bred in a controlled environment, ensuring they are free of parasites and pathogens. Lobster Roaches are fast breeders and are an excellent choice for various pets, including reptiles and amphibians.


Other roach species

In addition to Lobster Roaches, Promeal also provides Red Runners, Dubia Roaches, and Madagascar Hissing Roaches. These species offer variety in size and nutritional content, catering to different pet needs and preferences..


Supplementary products for roach care and nutrition

Promeal offers a range of supplementary products designed to ensure proper care and nutrition for your feeder roaches. These products include roach chow, water crystals, and enclosures to maintain a healthy and thriving roach colony. By providing proper care for your roaches, you are ensuring a top-quality food source for your pets.


Recap of the benefits of roaches as feeder insects

Roaches, particularly Lobster Roaches, offer numerous benefits as feeder insects, including high nutritional value, ease of breeding, and suitability for various pet species. By providing proper care and storage, you can maintain a healthy colony of roaches to support your pet's nutritional needs.


Encouragement to consider roaches as a nutritious option for your pet's diet


Roaches are an excellent option for pet owners seeking a nutritious, sustainable, and low-maintenance food source for their pets. With the wide variety of roach species available, there is likely to be a suitable option for your pet.


Discover the variety of roach species and supplementary products Promeal offers to support your pet's health and well-being. With a commitment to quality, Promeal ensures that you are providing the best feeder insects for your pet.


Visit the shop page to purchase roaches for your pet's diet


Take the first step towards providing a nutritious and sustainable food source for your pet by visiting Promeal's shop page. Browse the available roach species and supplementary products to enhance your pet's diet and overall health.



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