Discoid roaches make an ideal live food source, particularly popular among reptile, amphibian, and even larger ant colony keepers. But it’s not only reptile enthusiasts who benefit—many fish keepers are starting to raise insects like discoid roaches for the same reason: their pets thrive on a diet that mimics their natural feeding habits.
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These roaches, which can’t climb smooth surfaces, are hardy, low-maintenance, and odorless compared to other feeder insects, making them a perfect addition for those seeking quality nutrition and convenience.
Why Choose Discoid Roaches?
Discoid roaches offer many advantages that make them particularly attractive for those looking to raise their own feeder insects:
- Nutritional Benefits: Discoid roaches are protein-rich, high in essential nutrients, and provide a balanced diet when gut-loaded.
- Easy to Contain: Unlike other roach species, discoids can’t climb smooth, vertical surfaces and don’t fly or jump, minimizing the risk of escapes.
- Quiet and Odorless: Discoids are silent and have virtually no odor, especially compared to crickets.
- Low-Maintenance Housing: They don’t require complicated housing, and their enclosure only needs simple cleaning and monitoring.
Getting Started with Discoid Roach Care
Enclosure Setup
- Container: A sturdy plastic tub or 10-gallon glass aquarium with smooth sides is ideal. For ventilation, drill a few small holes in the lid and sides of the container and cover them with fine, stainless-steel mesh to prevent humidity buildup. If using a plastic tub, ensure there’s a secure lid to prevent accidental spills.
- Temperature: Discoid roaches are most active at temperatures of 80-95°F (29-32°C), which promotes faster growth and higher breeding rates. Use a heat mat or ceramic heater with a thermostat to maintain temperature, especially if your room environment is cooler.
- Humidity: Discoids thrive in a stable, mildly humid environment. Discoid roaches are able to get all of their humidity needs from their food. If the humidity is too high, it can promote mold, so provide good airflow to prevent this.
Discoid Roach Culture on Cork Bark
Providing Shelter
Discoid roaches naturally seek dark, protected spaces, so adding egg crate flats or cardboard pieces helps them feel secure. Stack these vertically, leaving gaps between layers for airflow and to reduce waste buildup. Over time, replace any crates that become damaged or dirty to maintain cleanliness.
Feeding and Hydration
- Diet: Discoids are frugivorous and benefit from a varied diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Ideal foods include carrots, apples, and leafy greens (excluding iceberg and romaine lettuce). You can also supplement with high-quality dog or cat food for protein. Young nymphs will do particularly well with a high protein feed. We suggest a commercial roach chow, or potentially a dog/cat food. Fish flakes are a good alternative. Chicken feed can be a good high protein option for smaller nymphs.
- Water: Roaches can drown easily, so it’s best to provide hydration through water gel crystals or a shallow dish with marbles to prevent accidental drowning.
Health Maintenance
Regularly inspect your colony for signs of mold or spoiled food. Remove any uneaten food every few days to avoid buildup. Frass (roach waste) can accumulate and, when dry and clean, provides beneficial bacteria to nymphs. If it becomes too thick, thin it out to keep the enclosure fresh.
Breeding Basics for Discoid Roaches
Discoids breed best when kept in warm, slightly humid conditions. Females can produce up to 25-35 nymphs per birth after a 28-day gestation, with nymphs maturing in roughly 4 months. To maintain a productive colony, aim for a ratio of 4 females for every male. Too many males can lead to competition and reduced breeding efficiency, so balance is key.
Male Selection
When selecting male discoid roaches for breeding, look for healthy, active individuals with strongly, undamaged wings and well-formed legs, as these are indicators of overall vitality.Routine Care Schedule
- Daily: Check temperature and humidity levels, and remove any visible waste food.
- Biweekly: Replenish food and water, replacing gel crystals or rehydrating the sponge as needed.
- Every 2 Months: Evaluate the population balance. Cull any over-abundant males or larger roaches if your feeding needs are high. Remove any accumulated waste (but not frass, as nymphs will eat it) and any excess dirty egg cartons.
Important Considerations
- Handling Caution: Regular handling or cleaning can expose you to allergens in roach frass and shed exoskeletons, so consider wearing gloves and a mask, especially if you’re prone to respiratory sensitivities.
- Environmental Responsibility: As with all feeder insects, avoid releasing non-native species into the wild, as they can impact local ecosystems.
Starting a discoid roach colony provides you with a renewable, cost-effective food source for your pets, giving you greater control over their diet and health. With the proper setup and a simple routine, your colony will thrive, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and peace of mind that comes from providing a high-quality, sustainable food source for your animals.