Turkestan Red Runner Roaches Best For Small Reptiles

August 2, 2018November 1, 2019
by Ash L

Turkestan Red Runner Roaches

lateralis, or Shelfordella lateralis

Are from Central Asia & the Middle East. Turkestan red runner roaches are kept to feed reptiles and other poultry like quail and chicken that readily need extra protein and get it by eating insects. They can’t climb smooth surfaces. They don’t burrow so they are readily spotted. Therefore, provide for those reptiles that like to hunt their prey. Feeder Roaches Like Turkestan Red Runner Roaches have been replacing crickets, as the most popular feeder insect, due to the negatives associated with cricket’s noise, odor, short lifespan, and expense Turkestan cockroaches are a popular choice of species, and are readily available for sale

Turkestan Red Runner Roaches are very nutritious as they have a high meat to shell ratio containing 77% protein and 14% fat making them an ideal feeder source nutritionally, more so than crickets, mealworms or superworm larvae provide. They are less chitinous than other roaches, which makes them more digestible. The gut contents of the cockroach, depending on its diet, may provide essential nutrients unavailable from a cockroach with an empty gut. Before feeding of any Feeder Insect to your reptile or Insectivore always Gut Load the feeder roach in order to pass along the nutrition to your pet.

https://www.readyreptilefeeders.com/gut-load-feeder-insects/

Turkestan roaches (males only) may have wings

But do not fly, that is a misconception. They only use their wings to flutter down to the ground from a higher location and so they must be housed in a screen-top container. They grow quickly if kept between 85 and 90°, Red Runners breed quickly with each female producing 100 babies monthly.

It is so easy to keep and breed turkestan Red Runner roaches compared to crickets. When your colony has started breeding, you will have roaches of all sizes (just start out feeding) especially good for small species or babies) You will save money compared to cricket purchasing. House them in a storage tote or aquarium with eggflats for real estate. Just make sure it is covered and well vented with screening.

Turkestan Roaches need food & water food can be vegetable or fruit based with a bit of high protein grains. Produce will ensure vitamin A, which is essential to your reptile’s eye health.

Red Runner Roaches prefer a bit more humidity than other roaches. You can spray every few days or you can include a substrate which will retain moisture. Give water on a regular basis to the roaches. The best way to do this is with Water Gel Crystals so that they do not drown. Vitamin Enriched Water Gel Crystals are the best as they supply 2 needs in 1, Vitamins & Water without risk of drowning.