Everything seems settled down, substrate beginning to build up

Everything seems have settled down, not much going on apart from the usual.

Shown more interests in lettuce this time, only very tiny bits left, also more carrots were consumed, but still some left and they’ve been there for 3 days now.

Replenished finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus and dried grass hay mix.

Substrate has built up quite a bit, smaller ones are building tunnels. will need to thin up the substrate soon.

Foods i have been feeding

I have been keeping them for over a month now, and so far they’re doing fine, so I guess I would share a list of food that I have been feeding.

From what I have experienced, I think these guys are actually quite hardy, could probably survive or even thrive on a wide variety of food without problem. Even without a deep substrate for them to burrow is okay. But then since they grow so slow, and breed only when they’re at least 3 years old, and could be up to 5, also even in best condition, they only produce 1 clutch of around 10 to 30 nymphs once a year, so it is understandable that keepers tend to be very careful on experimenting on these roaches.

Here is a list of foods that I have been feeding my rhino roaches.

Leaves, twigs, and barks
Eucalyptus crebra leaves and mulch (not 100% sure, came with roaches, won’t be able to get more since the seller only has license to export roaches, not plants)
Eucalyptus globulus leaves (Ordered from DD)
Eucalyptus torelliana leaves and barks (Collected from country park)
Eucalyptus robusta leaves and twigs (Collected from country park, and roadside nearby)
Liquidambar formosana leaves (Collected from countryside)
Other food
Apple, Carrot, Chinese Lettuce, Rolled Oat, Dried Grass Hay for Turtle, ZooMed Forrest Turtle pellets, Cypress Mulch


Following are foods I have at hand, but haven’t tried yet
Eucalyptus tereticornis
Dimocarpus longan
Ficus virens var. sublanceolata
Acacia auriculiformis

Signs of nibbling on carrots

Some signs of nibbling on carrots, but only very little was consumed.

Added a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus as usual.

The largest AIF nymph seems have grown a little, maybe he just molted?

Water dish

Although everyone suggest that they don’t need a water dish, but since I am keeping them on a thin substrate, I’ll try a water dish set up and see how it goes. The water dish is a heavy non-hallow-bottom dish for reptiles, I make sure it is evenly sit at the bottom so the roaches won’t accidentally dig under it, and the edge is about level with substrate for easy access, but I should keep an eye on them. I also piled water crystal up so and then filled it with water so that small roaches won’t drown or get flip over.

Offered them a little piece of carrot break into 2 pieces. A larger one immediately nibble on it, but stopped as soon as I started observing.

Removed very damped plant materials and replenished with fresh and dried matters

Plant materials have somewhat demolished, and quite a large amount is damped. Removed damped leaves, left twig and barks in there to continue decomposing.

Sign of water crystal consumption.

Replenished top substrate with dried and crushed leaves, and twigs of Eucalyptus torelliana, Eucalyptus robusta (mixed with those collected from Ma On Shan country park and Chung On) and Liquidambar formosana. A few pinches of finely crushed Eucalyptus globulus, AIF leaves/mulch, and dried grass on top for food.

Fresh dried plant materials, washed and ready to be microwaved


19/8/2011

27/8/2011


After replenishment with various matters

Not much interests in turtle food

Not much interests shown in turtle food, so i removed them and offered to other roaches. But then obviously a small one dragged one of the pieces to the entrance of a burrow, but not sign of nibble on it, so it could be just accidental.

Plant matters continue to decrease, will take a photo and replenish their supply tomorrow.

Observed same 8 out and about. They’re more thirsty than the last few days, at least 2 of them ignored me opening the bin and drink immediately after I spread, humidity was kept not as high, but some water crystal was placed in a corner. So maybe they just need to drink more than other roaches.

Turtle food

Stopped refilling plant matters for a few days now, I plan to not refill until most are depleted, I want to find out their consumption rate, and what they like more.

Up to now, it seems that they prefer crushed Eucalyptus globulus and dried grass most, but will nibble on all plant matters I threw in there except Eucalyptus torelliana barks which probably is too hard for them.

I threw in 2 pieces of turtle food last time, and they ate 1. This time, I throw them 3 pieces and see if they have more interests since most of their favourite food are gone.

Same as before, all 6 larger males, and 2 small AIF nymphs are out and about.

Not interested in Lettuce core

Really didn’t show much interests in lettuce cores, probably a few bites in 2 days from the look of it, so I removed them and offered to peppereds.

Signs of consuming plant materials, the area covered and thickness is visually shrinking.

Refilled a few pinches of crushed Eucalyptus globulus.

Observed all larger males, and 2 AIF nymphs stay in open, maybe near time to molt for some of them?

Seems a small nymph has reach certain age threshold

Here we go, 6 larger nymphs and “da da” the biggest AIF nymph, again! Seems to me that AIF nymph (male) has reach the age of living alone, and try hard to find a quiet place to dig a sweet home, too bad he just keep bumping into his huge brothers!

Lettuce have been nibbled on with bite marks, but not much was consumed, removed, and replace by a few pieces of lettuce core to test their interest.

18 alive, cleaning substrate

Cleaned out very wet leaves, and plant materials. Also take out some sand since substrate is getting thicker. Replenished plant materials with new cypress mulch on sand, then refilled with old materials I took out, and on top, with fresh AIF leaves and mulch, Eucalyptus globulus.

Found some pieces of apple buried in the substrate when I do the cleaning, so they didn’t really interested in apple that I thought they’ve eaten. Maybe I should avoid feeding apple, and stick with lettuce, since they almost finish the lettuce, so I just removed all the apple and gave them a few more pieces of lettuce.

Another observation, they stopped eating water crystal since humidity was kept high by plugged most of the ventilation holes.

All 18 alive.

Here is some family photos

AIF nymphs


Bigger males

More visual comparisons on the cage

1900 19/8/2011


1300 20/8/2011


1500 21/8/2011


From what I see, nothing much changed since 20/8/2011. So what mostly happened between 19/8 - 20/8 was probably just simple physics, smaller objects will work their way down to the bottom. But a close inspection on the substrate, not much fine plant materials can be found, so some finely crushed materials were consumed. Also uncovered some evidence of nibbling on AIF leaves, and other plant matters.

Collected some E. robusta from a pathway outside Chung On Estate

Those trees bear a tag of E. robusta, but they look somewhat different from what I have seen in Ma On Shan country park. So I collected some dried leaves from the bottom of those trees for study.

Their leaves look narrower at the first glance, but when I compare them to what I collected from Ma On Shan country park, they’re just smaller, so to appear narrower. Another interesting thing is that they’re a lot more lighter in colour, looks like tannin contain is as low as E. globulus that I imported from the U.S. That makes me wonder, tannin contain may not be species specific, but environment influenced or perhaps it is due to different stage of leaf or tree growth. Another possibility is that those leaves picked from Ma On Shan country park absorbed the tannin from other plant matters, since there was a layer of a few inches of plant matters on the forest floor, and it had been raining non-stop for a few weeks when I collect them.

The major difference of these different collecting sites is that I picked mostly big individual leaf already on the forest floor probably fell leaf by leaf and probably been there for sometimes in Ma On Shan country park, while in Chung On, they were mostly dropped from the tree not very long ago, and they fell with the whole twig, so all leaves were still attached to the twigs.

But after close inspection, I am quite certain they belongs to the same species, most probably E. robusta.

Collected from Ma On Shan country park


Collected from Chung On site

A visual comparison on the plant matters between 24 hours period

I took a picture right after I replenishing the top with Eucalyptus globulus and dried grass then another one about 20 hours later.


1900 19/8/2011
1300 20/8/2011


Crushed matters like Eucalyptus globulus, dried grass and mulch was obviously decreased visually, it could be either those have been consumed by roaches, got buried under larger litter from activities, or both. I would incline to believe it could be both. I often observed when crushed matters like Eucalyptus globulus, dried grass and mulch are running visibly low, they eat larger litter such non-crushed leaves, and twig more often as well.

I’ll not replenish their supply until tomorrow, then take another picture to see if there is any visual difference in another 24 hour period.

Wow! One of the smaller nymphs was observed eating

One of the smaller nymphs was observed eating probably AIF leaf, and he didn’t run away when my torch shine on it! Hopefully more and more will do that!

And a medium size one was observed eating a dead twig.


Still some Apple leftover from 2 days before. Seems not generating much interests after the first day, removed.

Dehydration improved, evidence of eating

All 6 large males were out with 2 more smaller nymphs.

They didn’t run for water when I spray, so I think dehydration problem is fixed.

Signs of foraging everywhere, most Eucalyptus globulus gone, and only 2 small pieces of Apple left, even those have signs of nibbling.

Should change out some plant materials since quite a few of them are damped due to frequent spraying.

Gave them a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus and dried grass on to top up

Retain moisture better after plugging a few ventilation holes

It seems plugging a few ventilation holes make things better, moisture seems retain a little better since the wall is still foggy when I came home.

All 6 large males are out and about, seems very lively as well. 1 small nymph was with them, buried himself right after he sensed me, not sure how long it will take them to get used to me being around. Thicker top substrate made up by plant matters seems calm them down a bit, at least they now don’t just trying to climb out of the bin when bothered, they would sometimes retreat to centre of the bin using leaves, barks as cover.

Seems some amount of water crystal was consumed, I will stop putting more into the bin, and see how they react tomorrow when I spray, then put a few more into the bin for them see whether they change their behaviour, that way, I could be certain whether they need those crystals.

Carrots still there, will remove the carrots and give them some fresh one before the end of the day.

Offered them a few small pieces of Apple. Odd B was observed eating AIF leaf, too bad I have no way to get more of those.

Still very thirsty, added some water crystal to tranches at the edge

Still very thirty, drink directly from water droplets when I spray, dispute the fact that everything near the edge were still very wet, and some condensation on top edge of the bin still visible.

Added some water crystal on the tranches along the edge see if it helps on dehydration.

Some sign of nibble on carrots, but largely untouched. Lettuce almost finished, only trace amount left.

A few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus until visible thin layer established

Added more mixed of crushed Eucalyptus torelliana, Eucalyptus robusta and Liquidambar formosana as staple and substrate. Should set up an schedule to thin out the substrate and clean out wet plant litters, and replenish clean sand if needed.

Leaves were totally dried and crisp at first, they were rise under running water until damped and soft, and then microwaved to back bone dry and crispy. Offer them crushed.

Observed all larger ones came out wait for water, and 2 more smaller nymphs were with them. Also found 3 alive nymphs burrowed on an casual check.qqqq

Many came out

May of them came out when I came home from work, even 3 of the smaller ones.
Since sand is still quite damped, and even some water still on the wall of the tub, I just sprayed them a bit, but 2 larger ones immediately went for droplets, smaller ones of course retreated. That makes me wonder, because the sand is still very damped, so maybe its not ventilation issues, its thin substrate dehydrating them since they have nowhere to hide.
Lettuce from yesterday almost gone.
gave them a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus, and 2 small pieces of carrot.

Measurements

Measured all larger males, and random 2 smaller nymphs, since they generally came in 2 different size, I made sure i took 2 visually different sizes.

12g 62.5mm Big Al

	12g 58.3mm	9g 57mm
7g 57.1mm	3g 41mm Odd B	9g 55mm 2g 40mm 1.5g 31.74mm

Substrate dry up far too fast

Substrate dry too far, and the dried leaves layer making even spray very difficult. Localized heavy and frequent spray create some very wet patches and moisture doesn’t have time to reach dry patches of sand. A way to slow down dry up is needed. Either a new tub, or something to plug most of the ventilation holes. Need to check up on the roaches for dehydration before a solution is found.

I found 5 of 6 larger ones came out and stay on unburied after work. Seems resting together, but if I offer water, they seem interested, not thirsty type, but will drink. Seems humidity alone may not be enough, remember they eaten all water crystal that I used back in the thicker substrate and that substrate was 3” deep and kept damped at all times, so more water crystal could be the answer.

Still 1 small piece of Apple leftover, I had removed it since it has been there for 2 days.
Threw them 3 small pieces of lettuces

More litter on substrate

Added more Eucalyptus robusta and Liquidambar formosana as substrate.
Liquidambar formosana seems the best material for food since they’re very crisp, crush very easily when they’re bone dry, and they don’t seem to contain as much tannin as other leaves such as Eucalyptus robusta, they’re very light colour already the first time they dry up. Leaves from Eucalyptus robusta need many wet/dry cycles, and still leak tannin on boil/steam and still appear deep brown.

Went out to collect Liquidambar formosana, found a few big trees alongside Tai Po Road (Tai Po section near Tai Po Au Park).
Add more lightly crushed Liquidambar formosana, should start making Liquidambar formosana as their main cover, and Eucalyptus globulus as their main food.
Didn’t show a lot of interests in Apple lately, still small pieces left from yesterday.

Thinning substrate a bit more

Thinning out substrate more to prevent localized thick substrate, larger ones tend to dig trenches around the edge, pushing sand inwards.
Substrate dry out very quickly, should start spray heavily at least once a day, or preferably twice a day.
Only very little sign of feeding, probably done by larger ones and odd B.
Placed 2 small pieces of Apple on each side.
Added a few pieces of crushed Eucalyptus torelliana, AIF leaves & Liquidambar formosana，handful of cypress mulch, a few pinch of AIF mulch & Eucalyptus globulus to provide them more cover and as top substrate.

18 alive, thinning substrate to reduce it from 3" to 1/2"

Good news is that 18 still alive, that means 3” of substrate works perfectly, collapsing tunnels don’t seem to do them any harm, and they’re definitely getting something to eat.

Redo the substrate to from 3” to 1/2” as recommended by ppl in allpets, for avoiding molting issues. There are people suggested that if a tunnel collapse during molt, it will result in deformity, or worse, death.

No sign of eating from yesterday before substrate rearrangement.

Added a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus, cypress mulch and AIF mulch to enrich the floor.

Added Liquidambar formosana and Eucalyptus robusta

Not much going on, some evident of nibbles on various things, including AIF leaf being most obvious, possibly taken some Eucalyptus globulus but not much and 1 out of 3 small pieces of carrot eaten.

Offered them 5 pieces of Liquidambar formosana crushed and a piece of Eucalyptus robusta slightly crushed

Not much activities, food barely eaten

Not much activities, food barely eaten except finished 1/4 piece of lettuce
Most Eucalyptus globulus got damped, removed some, also added some Eucalyptus globulus, AIF leaves, and cypress mulch
signed of Eucalyptus robusta got dragged half way into a burrow but no obvious sign of consumption
Observed a AIF nymph came out in the morning, and actually still there at lunch time.
Offered 1/2 small piece of carrot, odd B immediately nibbled a little of it

Little sign of foraging, but some entrances are opened

Little sign of foraging, but some entrances are opened, or collapsed with bark/leaves stuck there, so definitely some activities. All food have some leftover, no obvious sign of interest in Ficus virens var. sublanceolata. Found little piece of Eucalyptus torelliana， means they really don't like it much since take them 10 days still can't finish 1 leaf.
Observed no one apart from odd B
Offered them 1/2 piece of lettuce

Most if not all Eucalyptus globulus, and Eucalyptus torelliana gone

Most if not all Eucalyptus globulus, and Eucalyptus torelliana gone. Cypress mulch only big wood pieces left. 
Leftover oat from yesterday didn't even touch, probably because of undetectable mold.
Offered a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus and AIF wood mulch
Offered 1 piece of cleaned and crushed Ficus virens var. sublanceolata
observed no one apart from odd B

Too much oat offered yesterday

Too much oat offered yesterday, those not finished starting to mold, removed excessive moldy food.
Observed no nymphs apart from odd B

Many burrow entrances reopened.

Many burrow entrances reopened.
A few small nymphs came out for awhile, as usual they run around the edge looking for exit, then they just disappeared again into the sand when they sensed I am around.

Finished 1 piece of 2 pieces of soften forest turtle food, still Eucalyptus torelliana left

Finished 1 piece of 2 pieces of soften forest turtle food, still Eucalyptus torelliana left, finished 1.5 to 2 pieces of apple. Other plant litters seems demolished from last night. Most mulch except really big pieces are gone. Eucalyptus globulus leaves and oat all gone. Some very old AIF leaves left, probably not good for feeding anymore. Small patches of lettuces left, removed from cage.
Cleaned out old wet leaves, apple, and lettuce. Left a small piece of Eucalyptus torelliana and bark in there
Offered a few pinches of Eucalyptus globulus, oat, AIF leaves, cypress mulch and hay grass mix.
Odd B not so active, but still munching. Big Al non-stop munching on new stuff i throw at him

seems they didn't come out the whole day

most of the burrow entrances collapsed, seems they didn't come out the whole day.
Seems finished most if not all Eucalyptus globulus. Still Eucalyptus torelliana left, I don't see any Eucalyptus robusta left.
Little amount of oat, lettuce and grass left.
Offered them a piece of apple broken in 4 and 2 pieces of soften up forest turtle food. Larger one nibbled on both immediately, but didn't show continuous interest, maybe too full.
Big Al and Odd B are very active.

some Eucalyptus torelliana and Eucalyptus robusta left after 4 days

Early morning:
Still have some Eucalyptus torelliana and Eucalyptus robusta left after 4 days.
Eucalyptus globulus finished, though only very small amount was offered as testing.
Possible that they prefer Eucalyptus globulus over another gum leaves。 Maybe aromatic plays a roll?
At night:
Oat also finished
Offered small pinches of mixed Eucalyptus globulus, AIF mulch, rolled oat, dried hay grass and cypress mulch
Immediately shown great interests in hay grass, and munch a bit on cypress mulch
Gave them a few pieces of lettuce, a medium size male nymph immediately drag the whole 1/4" pieces back into the burrow, bigger male also start eating another piece right away.

little odd one eating Eucalyptus robusta

Carrots all gone
Observed the little odd B eating Eucalyptus robusta，need to observe him more
Leaves are running low, throw in some more rolled oat
Received DD's dried gum leaves, hesitate to offer them to my roaches right away though since they looked green dried, and is strong aromatic, will start mixing them in gradually
Just received an email, DD claimed that those are Eucalyptus globulus), so I offered my roaches a small pinch. Smaller ones seems more interested in AIF mulch, but the biggest brown one shown great interests in the new leaf litter, and was actively seeking them after first taste. Will observe him in the next few days.
Collected some Dimocarpus longan，Ficus virens var. sublanceolata，and Acacia auriculiformis， need to be processed before offering.

DD’s dried leaves

Still not great interests in Eucalyptus torelliana

Still not great interests in Eucalyptus torelliana, but have evidence that some have nibbled on them.
Some interests in Eucalyptus robusta (大葉桉)，not finished, but quite a bit of them nibbled off, and whole leaf got dragged into an entrance of a burrow
Carrot 3/4 finished, 4 little pieces from yesterday
Observed a large and a small nymph sharing the same burrow, saw them in the entrance, while the big one trying to pull in a leaf, I offered them a few pieces of rolled oat, the larger one grab it and small one try to snack it from the larger one, I then gave another piece to the smaller one, and the smaller one accepted it.
Picked up the odd little one, and offer him a piece of oat while on my hand. He accepted it, and ate 1/2 of it before moving on.