Longhorn1234

All I can say is wow. This is amazing information for everyone out there. Thank you for taking the time to post this. Amazing work!

It seems that most of the people who say to stay away from animal sources for protein are people who use roaches as feeders. If you read threads in here from people who keep roaches as pets then you will notice that most of them use dog food. Personally, I use a blend of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. I always have these things on hand because of my diet, so I grind them up in a coffee grinder and feed it to the roaches. I don't know if anybody has done an actual study on how much protein is too much protein. If I remember correctly someone once posted an interview with a scientist that breeds roaches and he said that about 4% protein is all they need. But, hobbyists have been using dog food for years and it doesn't seem to have a negative effect on the roaches. Or at least nobody has noticed a negative effect to report to other hobbyists.

I guess it depends on how much "trash" you're throwing in there.

I agree with Pycnoselus spp. I have a colony of Surinam roaches and they are like little garbage disposals.

I just throw some hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and shredded coconut in a coffee grinder. Granted that I always have those seeds on hand for my consumption (except coconut but it's pretty cheap). The roaches seem to like it and I haven't had any problem with roaches or mites infesting the colonies.

Oniscidea is the suborder I believe. Is that all it said? They normally tell you what species they are.

Personally, I have never had any die when introduced in a new enclosure. Are the banana peels organic? If they're not organic, they could have some pesticide residue. I'm not sure this is the issue, but it's something to think about.

Awesome!

I normally do 2 parts of coco fiber, 2 parts of sphagnum moss, 1 part of coco husk chips, and 1/2 part of charcoal. Then I just add some decent amount of crushed leaves and mix it all up. So far I haven't had any problems with that. Edit: I honestly don't know if it really matters the amounts of each haha

The substrate I use is coco fiber, sphagnum moss, coco husk chips, crushed dried leaves, and charcoal. Then a layer of leaf litter and bark/branches for hiding. I use the same substrate for all roaches and isopods. The only thing that changes is how dry/moist the substrate must stay depending on the specie

How should rotting wood feel to the touch? I've read on other forums that good rotting wood should be white to pale yellow and easily crumble. I found a log that meet those requirements but it also feels "spongy" and soft. Is that normal or should it be hard to the touch but still crumble?

Willy nilly

Welcome! What species do you keep?

These are based on species I keep, but my favorites are Eublaberus sp. "Ivory" and Blaberus craniifer (which you already have) for non-climbing species. Climbing species I like Panchlora nivea and Gina centurio. Although p. nivea adults are escape artists, but nothing that a gasket bin can't fix.

Any update on the half and half guy?