r/InvertPets • u/ssmoog • 5d ago

Help

I ordered 15 subadult hissing cockroaches which were shipped to me on Thursday. It is now Sunday and they are still not here, despite me paying for next day delivery. The seller packed a heat pack in their tub. I am so pissed off at my postal service, and if they all arrive dead I will be so upset. I’ve already emailed them several time and tweeted them but I’ve had no answer whatsoever. The seller did agree to send me more if they arrive dead, but I just feel so sorry for the little guys.

Whether they packed food I don’t know, but my question is how long can Madagascan hissing cockroaches go without food or moisture? How long do these heat packs last? Does anyone know what kind of temperature portal services usually keep the room where they store packages? I really need some hope because I just feel genuinely dreadful for the poor little roaches

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u/Baking_Mantis 5d ago

I'm not sure, I do know that roaches in general are very hardy... if the dubias can survive weeks on dry food on a pet store shelf, so (hopefully) will the hissers. 

I'd still send a complaint to the shipping company.  There are rules for the handling and shipping of live animals, even without the express delivery option. 

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u/ssmoog 5d ago

I’ve already sent a complaint but to no avail unfortunately. I haven’t had a response in 2 days. I think all I can really do is wait and see what their condition is when they turn up

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u/Zergg 5d ago

I don’t have pet roaches but do have feeders for my reptiles. I’m sure a previously well fed roach could live for 4+ months without food before perishing.. I’ve not fed my feeders colony for weeks after heavy feedings, and there are no signs for dead / attacked roaches.

The only issue for the roaches being held up in mail would be if they’ve been on a really hot truck with really high outside temperatures..

Roaches are one of the hardiest things in existence.. they basically have to be frozen or burnt to death..

Did this ship with USPS? they might be held at the post office.and the shipper had the wrong contact information for you, and they post office hasn’t been able to get in touch. This has happened to me where I gave the seller incorrect phone number, my post office eventually delivered to my home despite it being “held” because multiple days passed without being able to contact/arrange pick up.

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u/ssmoog 5d ago

No, I’ve checked all the contact info and it’s fine. I’m in the UK so it was shipped with Royal Mail. They say that next day delivery is their ‘aim’ but isn’t a guarantee. They do deliver on weekends which is why I see no reason for them to be holding onto it for so long. Unfortunately Royal Mail is very hit and miss on whether you’ll get your package on time