Starting any new pet keeping journey is both exciting, and a little nerve racking. Do you have everything ready? Are you doing the right things? Will they be safe, or are you going to get it wrong?
So here is a little list of things to work down to see if you’re on the right track.
Enclosure
Is the enclosure safe and secure?
There are so many things that can be used as an enclosure for isopods, but there are some things to double check.
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Have any chemicals been used that might be harmful to your new isopods. Some woods might have been treated, or you might have cleaned it down with something toxic. If it is a ready made vivarium, or it’s make of glass or plastic it should be safe. Just give it a wipe out with a damp cloth, or even use some vinegar to make sure it’s clean and ready to go.
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Is it secure? We will be sending out a variety of ages, and sizes of isopods, and once they start breeding there will be tiny little creatures running around inside the enclosure. Are the air vents secure, do the doors or lid close all the way?
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Have you put it in the right position? Is there a draft, or is it in the full sun, both of these can cause large temperature fluctuations. Is it in a high traffic area where it might get knocked? Also is it in a place that’s easy to access, and for you to enjoy watching them if you’re setting it up so you can see them inside the enclosure.
Substrate
Substrate is one of the most important things to get right. This is their home, food source, the way to maintain the correct humidity, and if you choose the wrong one may even harm your isopods.
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Are all the components safe, soil may have insecticides and pesticides present.
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Does it hold enough water that you can maintain the correct humidity for the species you want to keep.
Food
What isopods eat depends on the species you are keeping, but leaf litter is a huge part of most isopods diet.
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Have you researched the species you intend to keep.
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Have you got a good source of safe leaf litter.
Heating
Many species will thrive in an unheated enclosure, assuming that your house is warm enough, but some may need supplemental heat, especially of a night, or during cooler months of the year.
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Do you know the temperature requirements of the species you plan on keeping?
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Do you know the minimum and maximum temperatures of the space you intend to keep the enclosure in?
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Can you provide heating if the room is cooler than needed for the individual species.
Lighting
Lighting is a varied subject, isopods don’t need lighting, but if you are planning to keep plants in the enclosure they will need light. There is some evidence that most animals will benefit from some form of UV, but there is little evidence showing if isopods utilise UVB lighting.
Choosing the right isopods
There are hundreds of species of isopods available for you to choose from, but here are some ideas for you to start with.
Armadillidium Granulatum White Pearl
So I’ve chosen these because of how easy they are to care for, but they’re one of those species that is sometimes overlooked. Their colouration is subtler than other morphs of this species. A pearl like shimmer that makes them that bit special. Adaptable to a range of habitats, and not fussy in terms of food or what else is in the enclosure with them, they are the ultimate low stress pet.
Yellow Zebra Isopods
If a subtle pearl isn’t to your taste then a bright black body with vibrant yellow stripes should be. Adaptable, easy to breed, and a great start for a breeding project. There is always a little variation in the stripes, so you can carefully select the colours to get the perfect breeding lines.
White Gestroi 'Zinger' Isopods
Something that bit special these are perfect for the slightly drier set up, although they do need some wetter areas. Unfussy in terms of diet, they are originally from the warmers areas of France, meaning they will thrive in a warm home without needing to add extra heat.