how to set up a dubia colony

i have a leo, 2 cresties, rats who love having live food, and my crocodile skinks. i would love to start a roach colony and i have been told that dubias would be good though if anyone has another suggestion that would be great. just know that i refuse to keep roaches that fly and i would prefer something thats not an escape artist.

so what size enclosure would i need for a small colony? how fast do they breed? whats the best way to heat them and what temps do they need?

I use a big Rubbermaid type tub. Egg crates are on one side and a bowl for water gel on the other side. I cut out a big section of the top and glued a screen there to give it some air. Then I have a heat lamp draped over the side (I think it is a 40 watt - one of the low heat ceramic ones). I tape a cloth under several layers of foil where the heat lamp sits, so that the plastic on the tub does not get hot.

The heat element over the water gel gives off enough humidity to keep the roaches happy. I grind up cheap cat food, apples, oranges, bananas, etc for food. They multiply like crazy and I've always got extras.

If you google "dubia roach colony setup" and look at images, you will see several setups. The things you need are hides (egg crates), heat (element or heating pad), air flow (screen top), food and water source (garden water crystals). They are really easy to maintain.

Dubias are awesome. I was spending a small fortune before getting them. I paid $40 a few months ago and haven't even put that much time in it. I feed them cat food, which I already have because of our cats, and fruits and veggies that are on the verge of going bad because we forgot they were in the fridge, lol. I don't actually buy anything for them and I haven't spent a dime on feeding my lizards since getting the dubias. No smell, no noise, easy to care for and breed like crazy...... They are the perfect food source.

would cheap dog food work too or is cat food better?

I don't see the difference. Cat food is usually higher in protein and sometimes fat than adult dog food...... It's similar to most puppy food though. I sometimes use dog food, rat food or whatever else is closer, lol. Usually the cat food is smaller and softer, which makes it easier for me to crush it up.

ok so its fne if i use the same gutload as i use for my mealworm colony?