Hi all im starting a B.Lateralis colony got about 600 so far and 40 egg cases, i have noticed that the egg cases look dented to me or "shrivelling" is this normal? or are they drying out? how do i keep humidity up so that the eggs will hatch? i have two small containers filled with water to try keep it humid.... advice would be great thanks i think the cage is 28-35`

To keep humidity high enough, your water dishes should be fine. As your colony grows, humidity will be always a bit higher as they generate some themselves.

The oothecs are probably fine, just wait and see... :whistle:

I use to remove the oothecs from the enclosure and put them on substrate and heat them, in 2 weeks you get nymphs.

I found that, if the shrink to drastic, they are not viable.

They do sometimes look dented ... its ok
The eggs hatch fine if left with the roach colony cause the feaces keep them moist.
No need for extra humidity within the colony.

If you are not lazy like me and decide to seperate them then a water dish, wet tissue or anything else can be used to provide extra humidity.
At normal summer humidity they should all hatch ok anyway

I also have a few B.Lateralis that I would like to try and breed. And I have a few question and don't know where to start.

1. What is the preferred enclosure, hide, food etc.
2. What is the perfect conditions to keep them for breeding.
3. How big should a colony be to successfully breed them.

Garfield wrote: I also have a few B.Lateralis that I would like to try and breed. And I have a few question and don't know where to start.

1. What is the preferred enclosure, hide, food etc. Any enclosure is ok. Just depends on the quantity you have. Egg cartons work best for hides. High protein diet. Dog or cat biscuits.A moist veg or fruit will provide water eg carrots
2. What is the perfect conditions to keep them for breeding. Keep warm during winter. They continue breeding fast at 26'C
3. How big should a colony be to successfully breed them. I started my colony with only 25