Here is my main breeding colony at full production. It takes the females about a year to get to where they are constantly putting out young like you see in the video. You can buy starter colonies here: www.ebay.com/itm/302666439537...
If you're going to put it inside the container: 1) ALWAYS have a thermostat hooked up to it to prevent overheating. Those heat mats can get very hot, unless of a very low wattage. I myself use a 14 W one outside and underneath the container, without a thermostat. I've been using this black plastic heat mat for around 10 years now for all sorts of things, and I found out that 14 W is plenty enough heat and doesn't need a thermostat for what I'm mostly using it for (breeding Dubia). It won't melt the plastic container, but it sure does get pretty hot. Hot enough for the Dubia to thrive (hottest spot in the container being 35 degrees Celsius), but "cold" enough to keep your bare hand on the mat itself without burning yourself. 2) Keep in mind that they WILL climb on it. So, make sure there are no gaps at all and do not use cheap plastic mesh for your lid, only one made of metal. Much to my surprise Dubia do love to nibble on soft plastics and have no problem with leaving their habitat. One day I found a hole the size of an adult Dubia in it and several Dubia escapees - young and old - roaming around near the container.
try this www.ebay.com/itm/DUBIA-ROACHES-Adult-Breeders-Large-Colony-Starter-50-F-25-M-Fast-Colony-Start/303714036206?hash=item46b6c469ee:g:WXEAAOSw21RbxmOd
Yeah, I had to take them off to replenish. they are ready to sell again, so I will send you the new link when I post. Maybe tonight. if not, then it will have to be Sunday. thank you!
A little bit of a late response, but you can actually get an allergy to roaches after handling them and keeping them for a while. It's best to use gloves, a mask, and good ventilation when handling if you do have an allergy.
