Roach Care Sheet
Housing
Many types of cages can be used to house roaches. We use plastic Rubbermaid tubs. These tubs are lightweight, easy to clean and can be modified. We cut a moderately sized hole in the lid of the cage and silicone/glue a small hole screen (screen used for windows) in place. This provides ventilation and keeps pest/predators out. Climbing roaches can easily climb the cages; to prevent escape we place a 2" line of Vaseline around the top of the cage.
Substrate can be complex or simple. We like to use fine sand for non-burrowing and wingless roaches. A small amount of sand on the bottom of the cage allows for easy cleaning and quick collection of roaches. Newspaper works also, but requires more cage cleanings (and roaches cling to it harboring your catching abilities). Mulch (cypress mulch works well) is used in our burrowing and winged species. We have found that they breed and survive better when provided with this substrate.
Feeding
Roaches should be gut-loaded and should always have food available. We provide our roaches with a constant supply of dry food. Dry food that can be used include dog food, cat food, cereal, or any of the commercially available roach/cricket foods. We also feed our roaches fruits and veggies 2-3 times weekly. Fruits and veggies include apples, bananas, oranges, greens, kiwi, carrots, potatoes, etc…..(whatever they will consume). Only feed your colonies what they will consume in 2-3 days. Do not allow food to mold in the cage (this will kill your roaches)!!! Water may be provided in several different forms if needed. Your colonies should get plenty of water from the fruits and veggies, but we have found that some species breed quicker when provided with excess water. We like to use a shallow bowl filled with cypress mulch, soaked to the top with water. This prevents roaches from drowning (do not place a bowl with only water in the cage).
Breeding
Roaches need to stay warm to breed efficiently. Many species breed at optimum levels when kept at 80-90 F. Roaches also breed better when kept in little amounts of light. Lids (cut to specs as discussed in Housing) will provide your roaches with the correct amounts of light. Dark tubs (non-opaque) are also used to lessen light in the cages.
Many species of roach are territorial, so several items can be place in the cage to increase space. We like to use cardboard egg flats. They provide lots of space, are easily replaced and prove easy to help in collection. We also use cardboard paper towel and toilet paper rolls in our cages. These help collection as roaches will run to hide in them and you can then pick it up and shake them out. Other items that can be used include newspaper (crunched up), pieces of wood, large bark chips, and any other non-toxic item.