Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have panther chameleons and want to offer a new type of food to them. I was looking at starting a colony of roaches, but I dont know what kind to feed, is one better then the other? Anyone who keeps/feeds roaches, you opinion would be helpful. Also what do you feed them, to gutload them, the same things as crickets?

Thanks For Your Help!
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John
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers

Fist thing, you are VERY BRAVE! I wouldn't let those nasty things anywhere near my house, let alone help them to breed, lol. I bet your chams love you.
Second, I have read in a few places that madagascar hissing roaches are loved by chams. I remember reading a lot about their care... but I can't remember the site. I'll try and find it and post it later for you.
~Lindsay

Roaches aren't noisy. They don't smell bad like crickets. If you have your own colony, you have a free source of any sized food you want. They are easier to take care of than crickets.

I have way fewer roach escapes that crickets. And this is with lobsters which are climbers. Escaped roaches usually just die in a short time without the heat, food and water that they need.

For husbandry, I follow these guidelines http://www.cricketfood.com/insects.htm#roaches

It's a lot like keeping crickets, in that you need food, heat and a ventilated container. I feed mine greens, dog food, fruits and veggies.

Roaches are cleaner than crickets - they don't poop so much. I now think that crickets are gross and roaches are fascinating!

Lobster roaches are really prolific. You can have a breeding colony in no time (I think I started with 40 adults). Many don't like them in that they can climb glass and plastic (and I mean way better than crickets) - so you need to have your cham in a bugproof cage, or if you cup feed, use a product like bug stop or bug barrier. I've found that once you get used to working with lobsters, you can keep them contained and minimize escapes no problem.

Orange-Headed Roaches are easier to work with in that they can't climb glass or plastic at all. I keep mine in a sweater box with no lid - they can't get out! You need to start with a lot more of these, or be patient, and you'll eventually have a self-sustaining colony. These are in the Blaberous genus and other species of this genus are similar. I got some of one species at a reptile show and I don't even know what they are, but taking care of them is just the same.

I can't tell you how nice it is to not have to worry about going to the store for crickets! Give it a try!

Joel Fish

Hi- thanks for the info, I was thinking the exact same thing you said in your post for reasons to use roaches over crickets. I am sure all my panthers will eat them up! I was going to go with the orange head and the madagascar dwarf's.

Thanks-
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John
1.1 Ambilobe Panthers
1.1 Nosy Be Panthers
1.1 Sambava Panthers