Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have yet to see my orange head roaches feed,(it's been a week) they are still nymphs and are continually buried in the substrate (a mixture of sani chips and shredded aspen). They are in a 10 gal tank with a UTH under 1/2 the tank. I was also using a red light to raise the temps a bit. The side with the heater gets to about - 90 degress on the glass. There are 49 mixed sized nymphs(fed one to the ackies to see if they liked them), I know they're alive because the substrate and towel rolls move from time to time, and I see antennae sticking out and moving. Any response will be appreciated, thanks for your time, Dave

PS I mist 1/2 the cage daily

Roaches don't care for light. I just got mine (orange heads and discoids) and never see them either but I hear them scurry around when i open the lid.
I keep a 1 foot section of heat tape on one end and a 60 blck light on the same end. Right now some are under the dog food i have in a bowl. I don't see them eat but they're still alive so lol..
By the way if i'm correct they're nocturnal (could be wrong).

All Roaches, as far as I'm aware, are nocturnal by nature. They dislike light and open spaces most of the time. So of course when you flick on a light they scatter to pre-scouted hide areas. A roach in direct light can dehydrate quickly... they're tough little critters but not that tough *L*
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Lucien

1.0 Columbian Redtail Boa (BCI)(Sutekh)
2.2 Leopard geckos (2 Blizzards (Caine and Goliath), 1 het Blizzard (Lilith) and 1 Tangerine Albino (Tequila Sunrise ...Tiki for short))
0.1 Savannah Monitor (Kiros)
13 rats
5 Gerbils
2 Dogs (Loki and Storm)
2 cats (Sahara and Hercules)

I use 2 strips of heat tape under the roach cages to keep them heated because it is electrically cheaper for me than using heat lamps. I am not sure how or if red or black light affects roaches, but I do know whenever I turn on the lights in my roach room on, they all scurry to hide.
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~ Juli ~
www.Polliwog-Design.com

I have yet to see my roaches eating anything except apples when I put it in the tank. I have tried feeding them a dry mixer I made, that crickets would devour, but these guys don't go near the stuff. I will try to us fresh veggie's to see if I can get them to eat. They seem ok but I would like them a little gutloaded. I never liked roaches but after several feedings to my cresteds and the non smell of their tub, they are a heaven sent.(I never thought I would ever say that.)

When you feed them veggie and fruits you are gutloading them.
As for the smell of crix i feel the same way. I only have to deal with them for awhie longer while i get my colony of orange heads and discoids going.

My roaches eat their dry mix and I need to refill their dish every few days even with fresh veges being provided. Maybe they like it....

I know what you mean about roaches. I never thought I would have any in my house and be happy. I was just going insane over the sounds crickets make, even through the walls.
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~ Juli ~
www.Polliwog-Design.com

Thanks for all the replies. I covered the cage with a dark cloth to keep the light out. Then i snuck up on them with a flashlight and caught them red. . uhm handed? happily munching away. Thanks for the help, Dave