If you are an isopod enthusiast, like us at PostPods, you’ve probably heard of Cubaris, a group of unique and fascinating isopods known for their vibrant colours and playful personalities. Keeping Cubaris is a rewarding hobby, but to keep them happy and healthy, you need to feed them the right food. Fortunately, feeding Cubaris isopods with bat guano provides numerous benefits, making it an excellent natural solution to keep your isopods thriving. Bat guano, also known as bat poop or bat dung, is a natural product and organic fertilizer valued for its nutrient content and slow release nature.
What is Cubaris?
Before discussing the benefits of feeding Cubaris with bat guano, let’s first take a closer look at these creatures. Cubaris is a genus of land-dwelling isopods that belong to the family Trichoniscidae. These isopods come in various sizes and colours, and they are known for their vibrant hues, ranging from metallic blue and green to bold orange and yellow. By keeping them in a terrarium or vivarium, they create an interesting and peaceful ecosystem in your home.
Benefits of Feeding Cubaris Isopods with Bat Guano
Bat guano is an excellent food source for your Cubaris isopods because it is loaded with nutrients and also contains beneficial microbes. These benefits include:
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High in protein: One of the primary benefits of feeding Cubaris isopods with bat guano is its high protein content. Since isopods are scavengers, they require a protein-rich diet to maintain healthy growth.
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Natural probiotic: Bat guano contains a high concentration of beneficial microbes, which help to break down organic matter.
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Nutrient-rich: Bat guano contains several essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which stimulate plant growth and support the overall health of your isopods.
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Soil conditioner and decomposition support: Bat guano acts as a soil conditioner and supports the decomposition process in the terrarium, improving soil texture and plant health.
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Gradual nutrient release: The plant nutrients in bat guano, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, are gradually made available to plant roots, promoting root growth and healthy established plants.
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Slow release fertilizer: Bat guano makes an excellent slow release fertilizer, providing nutrients over time and supporting active growth for both isopods and terrarium plants.
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Disease prevention and natural fungicide: Using bat guano or bat manure in the terrarium can help prevent soil diseases and act as a natural fungicide, protecting against fungal infections.
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Safety precautions: When handling dried guano, guano powder, or bat manure, always use safety precautions such as gloves and masks, especially for those with compromised immune systems, to avoid health risks from dust or spores.
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Monitor for nutrient burn: It’s important to monitor for nutrient burn when using bat guano, as over-application can harm plants. Bat guano is often compared to other organic fertilizers like chicken manure and bird guano, each with unique nutrient profiles and NPK ratios.
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Forms and application: Bat guano is available in various forms, including guano powder, powder form, dried guano, and liquid fertilizer. It can be used directly in the soil, as a top dressing, or made into guano tea or bat guano tea by mixing guano powder with warm water. This guano tea can be applied as a foliar spray to support plant health and prevent fungal infections.
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Source and sustainability: Different bat species and bat colonies contribute to the nutrient profile of guano, and sustainable harvesting practices are important for protecting large colonies and the environment. You can find bat guano from reputable sources and use bat guano according to best practices for planting, soil prior to planting, and during active growth phases.
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Historical significance: Guano led agriculture has a rich history, with Peruvian guano from large seabird and bat colonies being highly valued for its quality and role in organic farming.
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Plants love bat guano: Plants love the essential plant nutrients in bat guano, and using bat guano supports both isopod and plant health in a natural, sustainable way. The NPK ratio of bat guano is often balanced and compares favorably to other organic fertilizers.
There are different types of Cubaris isopods, and these are:
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Cubaris murina: This species is characterised by a bold blue-green metallic colour and a very active personality.
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Cubaris sp. “red panda“: This brilliant orange species has a lovely, fuzzy texture that makes it popular among collectors.
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white outCubaris sp. “”: This milky white species has a striking appearance, and its calm demeanour makes it a favourite isopod among Cubaris collectors.
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rubber duckyCubaris sp. “”: This species is a small and cute isopod that has a distinct rubber ducky appearance due to its yellow colour and ‘facial expression’ when the isopod turns into a ball.
PostPods have a wide variety of Cubaris species in our collection and will release groups of isopods from time to time. Check out our available Cubaris isopods for more information.
Introduction to Natural Fertilizers
Natural fertilizers have long been prized by gardeners and farmers for their ability to boost soil fertility and encourage healthy plant growth without the use of synthetic chemicals. Among the most effective natural fertilizers are bat guano and seabird guano, both of which are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for plant development, supporting everything from strong root systems to lush foliage and vibrant blooms. Bat guano, in particular, stands out in organic gardening for its balanced nutrient profile and its ability to improve soil structure and microbial life. By choosing guano as a soil amendment, gardeners can provide their plants with a steady supply of nutrients, enhance soil health, and promote sustainable, organic gardening practices that benefit both plants and the environment.
History of Guano Use
The use of guano as a natural fertilizer has deep roots in agricultural history, especially in South America. Ancient civilizations recognized the remarkable ability of guano to enrich soil and support healthy plant growth. In the 19th century, the Peruvian government became a major player in the global guano trade, managing the harvesting of vast guano deposits along the coast. This period saw a boom in guano use, as farmers around the world sought to improve soil fertility and increase crop yields. The impact of guano on agriculture was profound, leading to healthier soils and more productive farms. Today, bat guano and seabird guano remain popular choices for gardeners and farmers who value natural, effective ways to nourish their soil and plants.
Types of Guano
Not all guano is created equal—different types offer unique benefits depending on their source. Bat guano is especially valued for its high nitrogen content, making it ideal for promoting vigorous leaf growth and supporting plants during their vegetative phase. Seabird guano, on the other hand, typically contains more phosphorus, which is essential for flower development and fruit production. The diet of bats also influences the nutrient profile of their guano: fruit-eating bats produce guano rich in phosphorus, while insect-eating bats generate guano with higher nitrogen levels. Understanding these differences allows gardeners to select the right type of guano to meet the specific needs of their plants, ensuring optimal growth and nutrient balance.
Application and Dosage
Using bat guano as a fertilizer is straightforward, but it’s important to apply it correctly to maximize benefits and avoid over-fertilization. Bat guano can be sprinkled directly onto the soil in powder form or dissolved in water to create a liquid fertilizer or bat guano tea. This slow release nature ensures that nutrients are gradually made available to plant roots, supporting steady, healthy growth. When using bat guano, start with a small amount and increase gradually based on your plants’ needs and the specific recommendations for the guano product you choose. Guano tea is a popular option for providing a gentle, sustained nutrient boost, making it ideal for both established plants and those in active growth. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure your plants receive the right balance of nutrients.
Safety Precautions
While bat guano is a powerful organic fertilizer, it’s important to handle it with care. Bat guano can contain fungi and bacteria, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, which may pose health risks if inhaled or ingested. To protect yourself, always wear gloves and a mask when handling bat guano, and work in a well-ventilated area. It’s also wise to purchase guano from reputable suppliers who sterilize their products to minimize the risk of disease transmission. By following these safety precautions, you can safely enjoy the many benefits of using bat guano in your garden, ensuring both your health and the health of your plants.