How to Look After a Pet Woodlouse A Comprehensive Guide

Woodlice, also known as pill bugs or roly-polies, are fascinating creatures that can make excellent pets. These small crustaceans are easy to care for and can provide hours of entertainment with their peculiar behaviors. However, like any pet, woodlice require proper care and attention to thrive. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how to look after a pet woodlouse.

What is a Woodlouse?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of caring for woodlice, let’s first take a closer look at these fascinating creatures. Woodlice are crustaceans that belong to the Armadillidiidae family. They are related to crabs, lobsters, and shrimp, but unlike their aquatic cousins, woodlice live on land.

Woodlice have a hard exoskeleton that protects their body and allows them to roll up into a ball when they feel threatened. They have 14 legs and can move surprisingly quickly for their size. Woodlice are omnivores and feed on decaying organic matter such as leaves and wood chips.

Setting Up a Home for Your Pet Woodlouse

The first step in looking after a pet woodlouse is to provide them with a suitable habitat. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Container

Woodlice are small creatures that don’t require a lot of space, so you can keep them in a relatively small container. A plastic or glass container with a lid is ideal. You can also use a terrarium or aquarium, but make sure it has a secure lid to prevent your pets from escaping.

Step 2: Add Substrate

The next step is to add substrate to the container. Woodlice like to burrow and hide, so provide them with plenty of substrate to do so. You can use any of the following substrates:

• Coconut coir
• Peat moss
• Soil

Make sure the substrate is damp but not soaking wet.

Step 3: Add Hiding Places

Woodlice need plenty of hiding places to feel secure. You can add cork bark, pieces of wood, or other natural materials to provide hiding spots for your pets.

Step 4: Provide Food and Water

Woodlice are omnivores and feed on decaying organic matter such as leaves and wood chips. You can provide them with a variety of foods, including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Leaf litter
• Wood chips

Make sure to remove any uneaten food after a few days to prevent mold growth.

As for water, you can mist the substrate with a spray bottle or provide a shallow dish of water.

Feeding Your Pet Woodlouse

Feeding your pet woodlouse is easy. As we mentioned earlier, they are omnivores and feed on decaying organic matter. Here are some tips to ensure your woodlice get the nutrition they need:

• Provide a varied diet that includes fruits, vegetables, leaf litter, and wood chips.
• Remove any uneaten food after a few days to prevent mold growth.
• Don’t overfeed your woodlice. They have a slow metabolism and don’t require a lot of food.

Maintaining the Habitat

Maintaining the habitat is an important part of looking after a pet woodlouse. Here are some tips to keep their home clean and comfortable:

• Spot-clean the substrate regularly to remove any feces or uneaten food.
• Replace the substrate every few months or when it becomes too dirty.
• Keep the habitat at a temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and humidity between 60-80%.

Common Health Issues in Pet Woodlice

Woodlice are hardy creatures that don’t often suffer from health issues. However, there are a few things to watch out for:

• Dehydration: Make sure your woodlice have access to water at all times.
• Mold: Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent mold growth.
• Stress: Don’t handle your woodlice too often as it can stress them out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can you keep multiple woodlice together?

Yes, you can keep multiple woodlice together as they are social creatures. However, make sure the container is large enough to accommodate all of them comfortably.

Q2. How long do woodlice live?

Woodlice can live for up to two years in captivity with proper care.

Q3. Do woodlice need UV light?

No, woodlice don’t require UV light as they are nocturnal creatures.

Q4. Can you handle pet woodlice?

While woodlice don’t bite or sting, they are delicate creatures and can be easily injured if handled roughly. It’s best to avoid handling them unless necessary.

Q5. How often should you clean apet woodlouse’s habitat?

You should spot-clean the substrate regularly to remove any feces or uneaten food. Replace the substrate every few months or when it becomes too dirty.

Conclusion

Looking after a pet woodlouse is easy and requires minimal effort. With the right habitat, diet, and care, your woodlice can thrive and provide you with hours of entertainment. Remember to keep their habitat clean, provide them with plenty of hiding places, and feed them a varied diet. If you encounter any health issues, address them promptly to ensure your pets remain healthy and happy.