Housing

Most Cockroaches are easilly contained in large plastic tanks, or storage boxes, many species, including ones that are commonly kept as pets (Gromphadorhina portentosa) can climb though and can escape through the smallest gaps, so precautions must be taken to avoid this.  A thin layer of petroleum jelly across the top of they're container usually contains them, some species can get past this though, Panchlora nivea (Green Banana Cockroach) are winged as adults, tight sealed lids with a section cut out replaced with microscreen is a good idea when keeping these, they also prefer higher humidity.  Cockroaches can be kept in anything from small plastic tubs, to large glass-tanks, most species prefer a certain level of humidity, and would benefit from a light misting daily.  Coco humous is a very good substrate to use, hiding places are also appreciated by many species.  Overcrowding is possible, especially with Blaberus and Eublaberus sp. which will suffer badly bitten wings as adults in overcrowded conditions, generally 6-10 adults, plus many nymphs, per large plastic container (1-2ft x 1-2ft) should cause no problems.

Temperature/Humidity

All cockroaches can be kept at normal room temperature, most species benefit from some additional heating though, especially in the winter, a heatmat, attached to the side of the container is a great way to achieve this, care must be taken not to allow the cockroaches housing to completly dry out though (unless they are a naturally desert living species, like Polyphaga aegyptica, even they need some moisture) most species prefer humid conditions, a light spray daily is all that is needed, they also get moisture from the food that is offered to them.

Feeding

Cockroaches will eat many different foods, lots of fruits and vegetables should be offered, different species each have particular favourites, I feed my cockroaches Lettuce, cucumber, apple, banana, carrots, grapes etc.. They also eat dried dog and fish food.

Some species have very specialised eating habits, Therea petiveriana prefers eating dead leaves, Macropanesthia rhinocerus needs dried eucalyptus leaves in they're diet, but will also eat dried oak leaves, leaves containing any moisture should not be offered.

Breeding

Given ideal conditions most species of cockroach will reproduce under captive conditions, many of the most common species, such as Gromphadorhina portentosa and Blaberus sp. give birth to live young, young roaches should remain in the tank with the adults.

(above) Gromphadorhina oblongonata

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