Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My dissertation went unnoticed, so I will post a shorter one.

I would like to know which roach species do the pro's recommend for Ackies. I had hissers for my Nile in the past, but that seems to be far to large for these guys.

I would rather have a roach that does not climb glass or fly if possible. Please don't be shy, I want to get the colony established and ready for feeding by the time I get my Ackie.

I was leaning towards Blatta lateralis, but I am wondering if there is a slightly larger, better choice since they only get to about 3/4" at full growth.

Thank you for the help in advance.

Lobsters are perfect for Ackies!
The adults are a bit larger that a cricket.
They breed super fast and don't stink up the joint like crickets do either.
Lobsters are very meaty for a smaller Roach.
Just my 2 cents.
Mike

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Mike's Monitors!

Thank you Mike, I appreciate your response. The only thing that I worry about is escapes. It's not even really my concern, but my girl will Soprano me if they get out.

I know that Lobsters are very popular, so I will definitely weigh them heavy in the decision making.

Thank you very much.

sorry, i did see your post below, just hadn't had a chance to reply : )

the Lobsters are definitely the easiest to breed, but they do climb. the Dubia and Discoids don't, but they aren't as easy, so there is a give and take.

we use bug stop on our feeder bowls, regardless of species, but if Lobsters do get out, they can climb glass, and other smooth surfaces.

all of the roach species are faves of monitors. Lobsters are soft their whole lives, while some of the other species get a bit harder shell. you can feed that other stuff at younger sizes though.

as for soil, try starting with the Home Depot mix, topsoil/sand/vermiculite in a 50/25/25 mix.

it works well, burrows well, and the monitors will use it. but each setup is different, so moisture content, adding water, fine tuning the mix, those are all details you have to work out yourself. the Home Depot mix is nice because it is pretty predictable, and gives you at least a base to work with. once you get a few months with it in an actual cage setup, you will start to learn what makes a good soil, and you will be better able to judge other soils you come across, as far as monitor usability.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

i've heard of a number of horror stories of escaped lobsters causing an infestation. what's your guys take on this? have you had problems at all or are those people just paranoid or crazy?

where did you hear these stories? first hand? the domestic roaches that hitch along with cricket shipments are much more of a concern to me...
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

I have to agree with Robyn.
I have been breeding Lobsters for years, my Monitor room is kept quite warm and I have never had an infestation.
You would have to live like a pig for an infestation to happen.

Besides that vasoline is what I use to keep them in their tubs, I have never had one escapee from one of their tubs!
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

I've got three colonies of lobsters going now that came from Mike, and no escapes thus far.
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www.frogfreaks.com

Tom
I take it all is well, and everybody has enough food.
How are your kids doing with the Hissers?
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

Hi Mike,

I decided that if I ever want to have sex again, I am going to have to get a species of Roach that can not climb. That being said, I will be getting Dubia roaches. Do you sell them, I would rather keep the money in the community. If you don't sell them, do you have any recommendations on where I should get them?

Thanks

Email me as this is not the place for sales.
I can take care of you.
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

Mike,

tried to reply to your Email and it bounced back saying your name does not exist.

My direct Email is nexustjs@gmail.com. Let me know how to proceed.

Thanks,

Tom

Thanks Robyn,

I was planning on going off of your site for the soil, and tweeking the soil until I get a favorable mix to hold the right moisture and burrowability, as you said. I just wanted to see if that was the best base line to start from, and you confirmed that.

As far as the roaches are concerned, are you saying I should use a feeding dish instead of throwing the roaches in the cage? That would definitly help with keeping them in one spot, at least. I guess if I go that route I can get climbers.

I appreciate the help, and I hope I can get a crack at some of your reds. Thank you very much.

A bowl is a great idea, so is tong feeding.
I have seen bowls get tipped or Roaches climbing right up the Monitor.
Thats why I tong feed them!
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

You know, I never put much thought into tong feeding with insects. I generally only did that with rodents, and let the bugs roam in the enclosure, with Hissers it wasn't too hard, as I only fed off 3" males. They couldn't escape. The Smaller roaches worry me a little.
All this info is great, and I really appreciate everyone helping me decide which feeder would work best for me.

Tong feeding Roaches is the only 100% sure way you know none escapeed.
Mike
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Mike's Monitors!

Mike,

I now have 3 colonies going very well. I keep them in a shed out back and the texas heat does the rest for me. All the frogs love them.

The kids love the hissers. Thanks Bro.
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www.frogfreaks.com

Mike,

Drop into my site sometime and show off some of your monitors when you have the time. Did you see the lace hatchling I posted on john's site?
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www.frogfreaks.com

Hi..

I currently have over 20 Ackies most are hatclings and about 8 are over 5 months.

The Rusty reds are great for the sub-adult Ackies and they eat them like candy. ( they'll probably will be to small for them in a few months ), The reds are great for me as they breed very good and I can use them for the hatlchings and subadults.

I have two colonies of rusty reds and they are keeping up with all my Ackies ( they eat around 150 mixed sixed roaches a day )over 1000 a week.

I also have two colonies full of dubias and I'll use them for the ackies once they get to breeding age.

good luck and let me know if I can be of any help.