How to Raise German Cockroaches as Pets

Cockroaches are a fairly popular pet among exotic pet species, and those who keep them are referred to as cockroach fanciers, according to Jon Eben Field, author of "Scurrying Cockroaches," (2011). The most common pet cockroach species are the Madagascar hissing, the lobster, the Turkish , the Surinam and the death's head. Common to North America, the German cockroach is considered to be a pest and is not commonly kept as a pet; however, German cockroaches (as opposed to other roach species) will eat just about anything, and their pet habitats are similar to the exotic species.

Things You'll Need

Small aquarium
Screen material
Wood Shavings
Paper egg carton
Small plate (or shallow bowl)
Cat food
Fresh fruit
Fresh vegetables
Petroleum jelly

Instructions

- 1
  
  Although winged, most cockroaches cannot fly.
  
  Find or purchase your pet roach (or roaches). Ideally your home will be free of roaches, which means (unless you live near abandoned houses or wooded areas) you will have to purchase them from a pet store where they are kept as pet food. Creepy? Maybe, but very practical.
- 2
  
  Some wild cockroaches feed on dead wood and other decaying forest vegetation.
  
  Obtain a small aquarium for you cockroach's habitat.
- 3
  Lightly grease the sides of the aquarium with petroleum jelly to prevent the roaches from climbing out of the habitat.
- 4
  
  Cockroaches are attracted to toothpaste, but it is not the best dietary supplement.
  
  Place a thin layer of wood shavings at the bottom of the aquarium, along with two or three egg holder sections of an egg carton, and a small plate (or shallow bowl) of water.
- 5
  
  Fruits and vegetables twice a week are an excellent cockroach food supplement.
  
  Place about 1/2 teaspoon of cat food in the aquarium in near proximity to the water, but not in the same dish.
- 6
  Place a screen (screed door or window screen variety) over the top of your cockroach aquarium to prevent escape.