starting a small Dubia colony?

[Andyurgay]

I only have my one beardie. But my brother still has 3 one year olds from an old rescue batch. I've finally found a place that sells dubias! So I figure, with four beardies in the house, starting a breeding colony would not hurt. I'll give my extras to him.

I just have a few questions, if you have a colony, where do you keep it? I know they like warm temps and I could keep them in during winter, about around 89f. Humidity here in central Texas is no worry.

Also, my store is always pretty low on roaches, being the only place to sell them. So they sell them pretty small. None have wings. How long should a large nymph take to reach breeding age? And is it still 1 male to 3 females?

 

[jarich]

Yes, one male for every three females is a pretty good ratio. It takes them about 4 months to mature, but if you're buying large nymphs already it should only be about 1-2 months at most.

As for where to keep it, somewhere even a bit warmer is good. I keep mine on top of my enclosure, above the basking lights. Keeps it in the 90s and they breed prolifically.