The Pet Lover Debate: Dubia Roaches Vs. Crickets
Posted by Emily Porter on Aug 9th 2024
When it comes to feeding your beloved reptile or amphibian pet, the question often arises: Should I feed my pet the evergreen Dubia roaches or exciting crickets as my feeder insect?
Several factors, particularly nutritional value, cost and difficulty in feeding these insects to pets, play a role. Newcomers to reptile-keeping and experienced owners will find it helpful to ascertain the primary distinctions between Dubia roaches and crickets.
In this guide from TopFlight Dubia, we will discuss the Cricket vs. Roach debate and share detailed insights such as lifespan, pet preferences, and more.
We will also learn the facts, including whether Dubia roaches are better than crickets.
Finally, this is an opportunity to solve this feeder insect debacle conclusively!
A Quick Look: Cricket Vs. Dubia Roaches
Here is the detailed breakdown based on essential factors:
01. Nutritional Value
Nutritional value is the critical factor to be considered regarding feeder insects. Your pet's excellent health and welfare depend highly on the kind of food you give them.
Dubia Roaches
They are a nutritional goldmine. They have a higher protein content, lower fat, and a reasonable calcium-phosphorus ratio.
Protein: Around 20–23%
Fat: About 7%
Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratio: Reptiles, especially geckos, are best for bone and joint health because they contain more calcium than phosphorus.
These characteristics make them an ideal food for pets like beard dragons, geckos and chameleons.
Crickets
They are also nutritious but need to catch up in certain areas compared to roaches.
Protein: Approximately 18–20%
Fat: Only marginally larger, about 9%
Calcium-to-Phosphorus Ratio: Crickets, in general, contain more phosphorus than calcium.
VERDICT: Dubia roaches take the limelight due to their better diet content.
02. Ease of Care
They both require care and need maintenance.
Dubia Roaches
Low Odor: Another advantage of roaches is that they make very little smell compared to conventional roaches, which can disturb those with sensitive hearing issues.
Quiet: Compared to crickets, these roaches are not noisy and do not make squeaking sounds when the sun has gone down.
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NOTE: Escape Artists? Rarely. Dubia roaches generally won’t be able to escape their enclosures, as they only have limited climbing ability. |
Longevity: They can easily survive 6-12 months, making them ideal feeder insects.
Crickets
Odor: Crickets produce an extremely unpleasant smell, and such a stench quickly fills a small area.
Noisy: They are known to chirp most of the time, and if they are raised inside the house, the sound can be highly unpleasant.
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NOTE: Escape Artists? Absolutely. Cricket is a good jumper and climber, often resulting in their wanderers. |
Longevity: Cricket lifespan is under 3 months, so replacements are more frequent.
VERDICT: Yes, Roaches are easier than crickets.
03. Breeding & Lifespan
Knowing how feeder insects reproduce and their life spans is essential when growing them in the comfort of your home.
Breeding Dubia Roaches
Requirements: Although Dubia roaches are not prolific breeders, they are known to be hardy and reproduce with high efficiency under the right circumstances.
Temperature and humidity are factors that come into play with these roaches.
Population Control: They reproduce slowly, so an infestation will not overwhelm you.
Breeding Crickets
Requirements: Crickets also require a warm and humid environment. However, they are more easily bred.
Challenges: They breed much faster, which can result in overcrowding and their reasonably short life span results in frequent replacement.
VERDICT: Dubia roaches retake the limelight because they reproduce easier than other roaches.
04. The Capital Issue
Yes, price is a critical factor;
Upfront Cost
The initial investment in the case of Dubia roaches is much more than that of crickets. But, in the long run, the longer lifespan of roaches neutralizes the cost.
Ongoing Cost
Crickets are comparatively inexpensive to buy but more costly in the long run because they require relatively frequent replacement because of their short life spans.
VERDICT: Overall, long-term cost savings indicate that roaches are better for reptile feeding.
05. Palatability
Pet owner preferences play a role:
Dubia Roaches
Almost all reptiles and amphibians mostly go for the Dubia roach. Due to their slow mobility, they are an easy meal for many other reptiles, such as geckos and chameleons.
Crickets
Crickets are very sensitive and active, which makes them appeal to reptiles that like chasing their food.
VERDICT: This one feels like a tie. Your pet's personality and feeding habits determine the choice between roaches and crickets.
Summary
|
Feature |
Dubia Roaches |
Crickets |
|
Protein Content |
20–23% |
18–20% |
|
Fat Content |
7% |
9% |
|
Calcium-Phosphorus |
Balanced |
High phosphorus levels |
|
Odor |
Minimal |
Strong |
|
Noise |
Silent |
Chirps constantly |
|
Longevity |
6–12 months |
8–10 weeks |
|
Escape Risk |
Low |
High |
|
Cost |
Higher upfront, long-term savings |
Cheaper upfront, higher ongoing costs |
Wrapping Up: Dubia Roaches vs Crickets
In many ways, yes! Factors like Nutrition, maintenance, and durability favor Dubia roaches over feeder insects, so reptile and amphibian lovers consider them an ideal food for their pets.
Therefore, your pet’s requirements, preference, and ability to feed the insects will determine your choice between the Dubia roaches and the crickets.
TopFlight Dubia has a fantastic collection of roaches at a reasonable price. Explore the collection and let your pet feel the taste of dubia.
Your pet will be grateful for a healthy and balanced diet!