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CARE GUIDE

Size: Adults can reach 7-10cm

Origin: Madagascar

Lifespan: 2 to 3 years (up to 5 years with excellent care)

Natural Habitat: The Barata Gigante de Madagáscar inhabits the rainforests of Madagascar, living among leaf litter and decaying wood on the forest floor.

The Barata Gigante de Madagáscar is a fascinating invertebrate, popular as an exotic pet thanks to its impressive size, interesting behaviour and the characteristic hissing sound it makes. They are docile, easy to care for and wingless, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced keepers.

Although this is an easy species to keep, you should pay attention to a few aspects and ensure certain conditions, which you will find in the following paragraphs.

Terrarium

Size: A minimum terrarium of 30x30x30cm is recommended for up to 5-10 individuals

Material: Glass or plastic (with a secure lid)

- Heating and Lighting

The Barata Gigante de Madagáscar should be kept at 24 to 29ºC. In most cases room temperature is enough, but you can maintain these temperatures with a Heat Mat, ideally controlled by a thermostat. At night the temperature can drop slightly, but should not go below 21ºC.

The Barata Gigante de Madagáscar does not need UVB. They are nocturnal and crepuscular animals that prefer dark environments.

- Humidity

Coming from rainforests, the Barata Gigante de Madagáscar benefits from a relative humidity between 60% and 70%. This humidity is essential for moulting and to prevent dehydration. It can be maintained with a water dish and occasional misting of the substrate (avoiding excess, which can cause mould).

- Decor

For decor, recreate a forest habitat with several hides where they can shelter from the light. Use a moisture-retaining substrate such as coco fibre, peat or sphagnum moss. You can decorate the terrarium with cork bark, logs, dry leaves and branches to climb. It is important to provide several dark spots so they feel safe during the day.

Diet and Supplementation

Feeding habits: Herbivorous/Detritivorous

Diet: The Barata Gigante de Madagáscar eats a wide variety of plant foods. You can permanently provide quality dry dog or cat food as the staple diet. Supplement 2-3 times a week with fresh vegetables (carrot, pumpkin, courgette, Chinese cabbage), leafy greens (romaine lettuce, watercress) and occasionally fruit (apple, banana — in small amounts, removing leftovers after a few hours).

- Foods

Staple: Quality dog food (high in protein)

Vegetables: Carrot, Pumpkin, Courgette, Chinese cabbage, Potato

Leaves: Romaine lettuce, Watercress, Dandelion, Bramble branches

Fruit (occasionally): Apple, Banana, Melon

- Supplementation

When fed a varied, quality diet, the Barata Gigante de Madagáscar does not need additional supplementation.

Under Portuguese Law No. 95/2017 of 23 August, the sale and/or advertising of wild/exotic animals through websites or online platforms is not permitted. To find out which animals we currently have available and their conditions of sale, please get in touch with us.