How to Keep Cockroaches as Pets

What you need to keep cockroaches as pets

Before you start keeping any type of pet, you should understand what your responsibilities are. The first thing you need to think about is housing. Cockroaches need an environment that is both safe and comfortable. They like warm, humid environments with plenty of hiding places and access to fresh water. They are not a species that can thrive in a cage like you keep hamsters or gerbils in. Cockroach cages come in a few different styles. You can find large, walk-in habitats that allow the roaches to move around, smaller tanks like you would use for frogs or even simple plastic boxes with few holes in the lid. When you are choosing a cage for your cockroaches, make sure it is big enough for them to move around comfortably. Some species of roach can grow to quite a large size, so you want to make sure their home can accommodate them as they get older.

Housing

One of the most important aspects of keeping cockroaches as pets is providing them with proper housing. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right roach habitat. First, you’ll want to select a container that is large enough to accommodate your roaches and their food and water dishes. You’ll also need to decide whether to go with a glass aquarium or a plastic tub. Keep in mind that you’ll need to clean your habitat regularly if you go with a glass aquarium. You should also avoid using a glass tank if you plan to breed your roaches since it can be difficult to control the temperature inside the tank. By contrast, plastic tubs are easier to clean and less likely to break if you have to move them. A plastic tub also provides more insulation and can be easier to regulate the temperature inside.

Feeding

One of the most fun parts of keeping roaches as pets is feeding them crickets! Roaches are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. Most roach species will eat a variety of different foods and enjoy a diet of both plants and bugs like crickets and mealworms. Crickets are the best food for your roaches, but many pet stores don’t sell them. You can also buy crickets from online stores, such as Amazon. If you can’t find crickets, roaches can eat mealworms and superworms as well. The best way to feed your roaches is to give them fresh food as often as possible. You can feed crickets and other bugs to your roaches every day, or you can give them a large amount at once and only feed them again every few weeks.

Handling and Care

One of the best things about keeping roaches as pets is that you can handle them. Cockroaches are social insects, so they enjoy being held and cuddled. Many species are also nocturnal, which means that they are more active at night when there are fewer people around. You should avoid handling your roaches on hot, sunny days since they are sensitive to extreme temperatures. To hold a roach, gently pick it up with two fingers and place it in the palm of your other hand. Make sure you have clean hands and wear gloves if you have recently handled something that could be harmful to your insect. I

Which type of roach to keep?

There are a number of species of roaches available as pets, so you should decide which one you want to keep before you start shopping for a cage. One of the most common species is the American cockroach, which is also the largest. Cockroaches are social animals, so you should keep two or more roaches together as long as they are the same species. If you want to keep a smaller species of roach, there are a few options. The brown-banded cockroach is a very small species that would be appropriate for beginning roach keepers. The tropical roach is a bit larger, but it is a quieter and less smelly species. The giant desert cockroach is a very large species that is only appropriate for advanced roach keepers.

How to care for baby cockroaches

Cockroaches grow very quickly and will outgrow their baby roach stage in about two months. During this time, your roaches need a humid environment that is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need a lot of protein in their diet, which means you should feed them crickets three times a day. Let your roaches grow up in the same cage they will live in as adults, but make sure it is big enough for them to move around freely. Small roaches can fit through even tiny holes, so you want to make sure your baby roaches don’t get stuck inside their cage. You should also stay on top of cleaning by removing any uneaten crickets and any droppings that fall to the bottom of the cage.

Conclusion

Cockroaches are fascinating, easy-to-keep pets. They don’t need a lot of space or special care, and they don’t require a ton of time each day. They are social insects and they can make a great pet if you are interested in something different. To keep cockroaches as pets, choose a species that is appropriate for beginners, provide them with a spacious cage, and handle your cockroaches regularly.