Essential Guide to Roaches Care

Keeping roaches as exotic pets might sound unusual, but many enthusiasts are drawn to their unique characteristics and low-maintenance care requirements. From their fascinating behaviors to their ease of upkeep, roaches are becoming increasingly popular in the world of exotic pets. This blog post will guide you through the best practices for roach care, ensuring your new pets thrive and remain healthy.

Roach Care Basics

Before bringing home any roach species, it's essential to understand their fundamental care requirements. Most roaches prefer warm, humid environments and do well in a controlled habitat but it does depend on the Roach Species. That said, we do specialize in Discoid Roaches (Blaberus discoidalis) and that what we can speak to. A glass terrarium, a plastic bin or an acrylic enclosure is ideal for housing your roaches.

Environment Setup

Enclosure: Choose a habitat with adequate ventilation. The size should correspond to the number of roaches you plan to keep.
Bedding: Use organic substrate like coconut coir or peat moss for bedding. This retains moisture and provides a comfortable environment for burrowing.
Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a temperature between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), and humidity levels should be around 45%-55%. Regularly monitor these conditions to ensure a healthy habitat.

A single Discoid Roach in an acrylic pet setup

Diet and Nutrition

Roaches are omnivores, which means they can eat a variety of foods. It's essential to provide them with a balanced diet for optimal health.

Base Diet: Offer high-quality commercial roach food rich in protein. You can also supplement their diet with scraps of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples, and leafy greens. We create out own organic dry food and add seasonal freeze dried fruits and veggies.
Hydration: Ensure a constant supply of water via a shallow dish , water crystals or simply mist the bin. By keeping the dish shallow, you can avoid drowning hazards.

Are Discoid Roaches Good Feeders?

If you're considering keeping roaches for feeding other pets, particularly reptiles or birds, you might be wondering about their nutritional value. Among various species, discoid roaches are known for their excellent feeder capabilities.

Nutritional Value: Discoid roaches are high in protein and low in fat, making them an ideal choice for many pet diets. They can provide essential nutrients while being easier to care for than other feeder insects.
Behavior: Their robust size and willingness to breed can ensure a stable food supply. Moreover, they are less likely to escape compared to other roach species due to their inability to climb smooth surfaces or fly, making them manageable feeders.

Handling Your Roaches

Handling roaches can be a pleasant experience, as most species are non-aggressive. However, it’s crucial to approach them correctly to avoid stress.

Gently Introduce Your Hand: Allow the roaches to become familiar with your presence before attempting to handle them. Sit quietly by the enclosure to let them observe and get used to you.
Lifting Technique: When handling, support the entire body of the roach and avoid lifting them by their legs. Handle them over a soft surface to prevent injury in case of a fall.

Safety Precautions

Although roaches are generally safe to handle, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Hygiene: Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent transferring anything from your hands to your roaches and vice versa.
Allergies: Some individuals may have allergic reactions to cockroach droppings or body parts. If any irritation occurs, discontinue handling.

A well-handled Discoid Roach

Common Health Issues

Like any pet, roaches can experience health problems if not properly cared for. Here are some common issues to watch for:

Molt Problems: Roaches regularly shed their exoskeletons. If they struggle to do so, it can indicate poor humidity levels. Ensure the environment is moist enough for successful molting.
Drowning: Young roaches are at risk of drowning in improper water sources. Use shallow water dishes to minimize this risk, or for a smaller number of roaches, water crystals are optimal.
Pests: Regularly inspect your roach habitat for signs of pests such as mites or mold. Clean the enclosure routinely to maintain a healthy habitat. The easiest way to prevent mold issues is to remove uneaten fruits or vegetables after 24 hours.

Breeding Roaches

If you're interested in breeding roaches, these insects can reproduce rapidly under the right conditions.

Breeding Setup: Create a separate tank for breeding, maintaining a temperature and humidity similar to their main habitat. You can also review our Video on said topic here.
Egg Cases: Female roaches produce egg cases (oothecae) containing several eggs. Once they hatch, provide adequate care to the nymphs until they mature.

Breeding can provide a sustainable food source for other pets or an opportunity to enhance your roach collection.

Final Thoughts

Caring for roaches as exotic pets can be rewarding and educational. With proper setup and maintenance, these fascinating creatures can thrive in your home. Remember to pay attention to their habitat, diet, and health to ensure a long and healthy life for your exotic pets. Whether you're starting a breeding project or simply keeping them as pets, roaches can be delightful companions. Enjoy your roach-keeping journey!