Gliders can eat a wide range of foods, from high-processed substances (dog food, cat food, cereals) to fresh foods like fruits and vegetables. Some people also dust these foods with vitamin or mineral powders before offering them up to gliders.
Despite this wide range, most gliders should only be offered 50% of their diet as insects and animal protein (such as commercial insectivore diets, newborn mice, day-old chicks, insects, eggs, and meat). The remainder should be comprised of a variety of plant and fruit offerings (including a staple of leafy greens), calcium-rich foods (including adult gut-loaded crickets or Dubia roaches), and treats. sugarglider.website
Dubia roaches (also known as Blaptica dubia) are tropical species of cockroach that are a popular feeder insect for exotic pets. These insects are not commonly seen in homes and tend to be kept in pet stores specializing in exotic animals.
In the wild, dubia roaches live in tropical and subtropical forests where temperatures and humidity are necessary for their survival. They can tolerate a low humidity environment but are not as well adapted to such conditions as other tropical roaches.
Unlike other cockroaches, dubia roaches do not have legs that allow them to climb vertical surfaces. In fact, they often cannot even walk on smooth surfaces like textured carpeting or a piece of cardboard slat.
They are also very quiet, and their odor is almost completely absent from their enclosures. This makes them a safe choice for many people who are otherwise nervous or fearful of cockroaches.
Dubia roaches are nutritionally superior to many other feeder insects, making them one of the best choices for your reptile. They are more nutrient dense than mealworms, superworms and crickets in many key areas including protein, chitin and fat content.
Reptiles, amphibians and arachnids are animals that need high quality protein in order to thrive. The scientific literature on reptile nutrition overwhelmingly emphasizes that a quality, high protein insect is the most important diet component for captive insectivores.
Insectivores in zoos are especially encouraged to eat a high-protein diet because of their higher metabolic rate and higher calorie needs. The calcium to phosphorous ratio is also considered an important factor, as a Ca:P ratio of less than 1:1 is a risk factor for Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and other serious medical conditions.
Reptiles in the tegu family, for example, benefit greatly from the nutrition Dubia roaches provide as hatchlings and juveniles. Tegus, which are larger reptiles with a meatier diet, require a high intake of protein to grow and develop.
Dubia roaches are known for their superior nutritional value, making them one of the best feeder insects available. In addition to protein, they also provide a wealth of vitamins and minerals.
They are also low in fat, making them ideal for reptiles that require lean proteins and fewer calories to maintain healthy weight. They are also more nutritious than mealworms, superworms, and crickets in terms of the relative amount of protein.
These facts make them an attractive option for reptiles and arachnids alike. They can be added to a variety of diets, ranging from raw vegetables to pre-formulated insect diets like Dubia Dust.
They are also easy to keep and are long-lived, usually living up to two years in captivity. They aren’t a problem to keep in the cage, and their frass (poop) doesn’t smell or breed unwanted pests.
Sugar gliders have a large appetite and require a diverse diet in order to obtain all the nutrients they need. Fruit-based diets are not a good choice for captive gliders because they provide inadequate protein and calcium.
However, you can still offer a variety of insects as a supplement to their primary diet. Mealworms, crickets, dubia roaches, waxworms, and other insect snacks are a great source of protein for your glider.
You can also feed them dried fruits and yogis for treats. These foods are fattening so you should only give them in moderation.
In the wild, gliders eat more insects and spiders during spring and summer and less during autumn and winter. Gliders also consume exudates, which include sap and gums from trees.
If you are considering a diet of dubia roaches or other insects, consult a veterinarian first. This is because if a corn-based bedding is used to raise these bugs, there is a risk of aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a mold that can be fatal to pets, including your sugar glider.