Honeycrest Husbandry
What makes Honeycrest different?
Honeycrest dubia have been maintained under consistent, closed husbandry since 2018. The line originates from three independent colonies that were intentionally blended into a single feeder population and allowed to stabilize over many generations.
Over time, this closed population began expressing traits not commonly seen in typical feeder colonies. Adults display a wide range of stable color tones after their final molt, with noticeable variation once fully hardened. Females frequently show distinct patterning rather than uniform coloration.
Behaviorally, the colony has also shifted. Cannibalism is now mild and rare compared to earlier generations, even during high-density periods. Individuals are notably calm during routine handling. Adult males generally remain grounded and only engage flight behavior after repeated disturbance in a short time frame.
These traits are not the result of rapid intervention or cosmetic selection, but of long-term consistency, low-stress husbandry, and generational stability. Honeycrest dubia are managed as a closed line, with observation prioritized over constant disruption.
Housing Philosophy:
Honeycrest dubia are maintained under conditions that differ deliberately from standard feeder-bin practices. Rather than opaque, light-deprived containers, Honeycrest colonies are housed in clear enclosures and acclimated to normal room lighting.
Over time, this approach has produced a colony that remains calm and settled when lights are switched on. Individuals do not exhibit mass startle or flight responses and continue to feed confidently under ambient light conditions.
Colonies are not maintained in overcrowded bins. Instead, Honeycrest dubia are kept in stable, comfortable social groups that allow normal movement and spacing. Enclosures include edible bedding and ample dry egg crate structure to provide both nutrition and vertical shelter.
This housing philosophy prioritizes long-term stability, reduced stress, and predictable behavior over maximum density or rapid turnover.
Feeding Philosophy:
Honeycrest dubia are maintained with continuous access to nutrition. Feed is never withheld as a management tool.
A house-made dry roach chow is used both as a primary food source and as a deep, edible bedding layer. This format allows constant access for all life stages and supports active feeding behavior in newly born and small nymphs without competition or disruption.
A protein source is available at all times to support growth, molting, and reproduction. Hydration is provided through frozen fruit and vegetable mixtures, which offer both moisture and micronutrients while reducing the risks associated with open water resources.
Commercial water crystals are intentionally avoided. Hydration is supplied through frozen fruit and vegetable blends, providing moisture in a form that aligns with natural feeding behavior and removes the need for supplemental hydration products.
This feeding approach prioritizes consistency, accessibility across life stages, and steady nutritional intake rather than cyclical feeding or forced scarcity.
Taken together, housing and feeding practices are designed to create a stable, low-stress environment that supports long-term colony health rather than short-term output.
