How to Make Roaches Breed

If you have a pet lizard, you will need to feed it live insects, and roaches are a good choice. You can continue to buy feeder roaches from your local pet store, or you can breed your own. Roaches are not difficult to breed, but it does require a few supplies and some techniques to get them to mate and lay eggs. Once you've mastered it, you'll have an endless supply of free feeder roaches and plenty of extra entertaining pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass aquarium with net lid
  • Egg crates
  • High-protein food and fresh produce
  • Heating pad
  • Incandescent bulb
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the roaches in a sealed aquarium, as they can climb glass. You might consider smearing petroleum jelly around the top, which helps stop them from trying to get out.

    • 2

      Place egg flats in the enclosure to give them a hiding place to lay their eggs. Stack them vertically if the enclosure is large enough, otherwise just stack them horizontally. Ensure that there is space between the crates so the roaches can access them.

    • 3

      Supply the roaches with high-protein food, such as cat food, roach diets or cereal. Give them fresh fruit and veggies once a week. Place the food in the corners and replace daily. This is important, as in order to breed, roaches need to be well nourished.

    • 4

      Keep the temperature in the aquarium at a minimum of 80 degrees Fahrenheit if you want them to breed, and preferably 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Use a heating pad to maintain the temperature. During the day, add an incandescent bulb.

    • 5

      Allow six months for your roach colony to breed and grow before using it to feed your lizard so you still have enough adult breeders to sustain the colony.

    • 6

      Split the colony up when it becomes large, otherwise the population will grow out of control and they will produce a toxic gas that could kill the colony in a tank that is not properly aired.