No one wants to see cockroaches scatter when they turn on a light, so it may be surprising that anyone would want to keep a giant cockroach as a pet. However, Madagascar Giant Hissing Cockroaches make surprisingly good pets. In fact, they might just be the ideal low maintenance pet!
Cockroaches in general are extremely tough and hardy creatures, and the same is true for Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. They like their environment warm and humid but are quite tolerant of fluctuations. They do not need a special diet. They have no wings, aren't the best climbers, and don't ned a lot of space, so they are easy to house. Most importantly, they are sturdy and docile, making them easy to handle.
They get their name because they make a quite loud hissing noise by forcing air through specialized spiracles (breathing tubes). They make this hissing sound when threatened, but also for other reasons. Sometimes a whole colony will hiss in unison.