Cockroach

Why People Keep Pet Roaches

• Quiet, odorless (when cared for properly)

• Very low maintenance

• Interesting behavior

• Great for education or bioactive terrariums

• Some species are handled like reptiles

⚠️ Important: Pet roaches are NOT the same as pest species.

⭐ Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

Most popular pet roach

• Size: 2–3 inches

• Lifespan: 2–5 years

• Friendly & hardy

• Makes hissing sounds by expelling air

• Easy to handle

🪵 Dubia Roach (Blaptica dubia)

• Calm, slow-moving

• Cannot climb smooth surfaces

• Cannot survive cold homes

• Often kept as feeders or pets

• Very clean

🌴 Orange Head Roach

• Fast but interesting

• Good display species

• Likes warm, humid setups

🌳 Domino (Halloween) Roach

• Beautiful black-and-white pattern

• Small and active

• Great display roach

• 3 Housing (Enclosure Setup)

  🏠 Container

  • Plastic tub or glass tank

  • Tight lid with mesh ventilation

  • Smooth sides (prevents escape)

  🪵 Substrate

  • Coconut fiber

  • Soil mix

  🪨 Hides

  • Egg cartons

  • Cork bark

  • Wood pieces

  🌡️ Temperature

  • Ideal: 80–90°F (27–32°C)

  • Use heat mat (on side, not bottom)

  💧 Humidity

  • Moderate (50–70%)

  • Light misting 1–2x/week

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  4. Feeding Pet Roaches 🥕

  🥗 Staples

  • Fruits: apple, banana, orange

  • Vegetables: carrot, squash, leafy greens

  • Dry foods: fish flakes, dog kibble, oats

  💧 Water

  • Never open water bowls (they drown)

  • Use:

    • Water crystals

    • Moist fruits/veggies

  Remove uneaten food to prevent mold.

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  5. Handling & Behavior

  • Wash hands before & after handling

  • Hissing roaches are calm and rarely bite

  • Some species may hiss, flutter, or run

  • They recognize vibrations, not faces

  💡 Tip: Handle them over a surface in case they drop.

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  6. Breeding (Optional)

  • Most pet species are live-bearers

  • Easy breeding if warm & fed

  • Separate males if population grows too fast

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  7. Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Spot clean weekly

  • Full clean every 1–2 months

  • Minimal odor if kept dry and clean

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  8. Safety & Legal Notes ⚠️

  • Check local laws (some species restricted)

  • Never release pet roaches outdoors

  • Keep away from kitchens & food prep areas

    Are They Good Pets?

    ✅ Great if you want:

    • Low maintenance

    • Quiet pets

    • Something unique

    ❌ Not ideal if you want:

    • Cuddly interaction

    • Zero escape risk

    • Traditional pets

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    10. Fun Pet Roach Facts

    • Can recognize shelter locations

    • Hissing roaches “talk” to each other

    • Molting roaches turn white temporarily

    • Females are calmer than males