Feeding Isopods Cuttlebone

Isopods, also known as pillbugs or roly-polies, are fascinating creatures that are easy to care for and make great pets for beginners. However, feeding them can be a little tricky, as isopods have a specific diet that needs to be kept in mind. One of the most important aspects of their diet is the use of cuttlebone, a common item that many people might already have in their homes.

 

What is Cuttlebone?

 

Before diving into the details of how to feed cuttlebone to isopods, it's best to understand what cuttlebone is first. Cuttlebone is an internal structure of a cuttlefish, which is a type of cephalopod mollusk. It's a thin and chalky bone-like structure that is rich in calcium, which is the primary reason why it's so beneficial for isopods.

 

Cuttlebone has been used in the reptile and pet bird industry for many years as a calcium supplement. Most pet stores carry cuttlebone, and it's readily available online as well.

 

Benefits of Feeding Cuttlebone to Isopods

 

Isopods have a hard exoskeleton, and they need calcium to maintain and grow it properly. Without enough calcium, their exoskeleton becomes thin and brittle, making them prone to injuries and diseases.

 

Feeding your isopods cuttlebone not only provides them with the essential calcium they need to keep their exoskeleton healthy, but it also offers other benefits. Cuttlebone contains other crucial minerals such as iron, zinc, and magnesium, which are all essential for proper growth and development.

 

Preparing Cuttlebone for Isopods

 

Feeding cuttlebone to isopods is easy. It requires minimal preparation and can be added directly to their enclosure. Here's how:

 

1. Purchase cuttlebone: You can purchase cuttlebone online or at your local pet store.

 

2. Clean the cuttlebone: Rinse the cuttlebone under running water to remove any debris or impurities.

 

3. Bake the cuttlebone: This step is optional but recommended. Place the cuttlebone in an oven-safe dish and bake it for 20-30 minutes at 200°F. Baking the cuttlebone helps to sterilize it, and also makes it easier to break into smaller pieces.

 

4. Break into small pieces: Once the cuttlebone has cooled down, it's time to break it into small pieces. You can use a pair of pliers or break it with your hands, whatever works best for you.

 

Incorporating Cuttlebone into Isopod Diet

 

Now that the cuttlebone is prepared, it's time to incorporate it into your isopod's diet. One of the easiest ways to do this is to add the cuttlebone directly to their enclosure. You can place the cuttlebone in a corner or bury it slightly in the substrate. The isopods will naturally graze on the cuttlebone as they move around their enclosure.

 

Another way to incorporate cuttlebone into their diet is by grinding it into a fine powder and mixing it into their food. You can sprinkle the cuttlebone powder onto their food or mix it with water to create a paste-like consistency that can be added to their enclosure.

 

It's important to monitor your isopod's diet and ensure that they are getting the proper amount of cuttlebone. Overfeeding cuttlebone can lead to an imbalance in their diet, which can be harmful in the long run.

 

Feeding isopods cuttlebone is an easy and effective way to provide them with the essential calcium and minerals they need to maintain a healthy exoskeleton. Cuttlebone is readily available, easy to prepare, and can be added directly to their enclosure or mixed into their food. By incorporating cuttlebone into your isopod's diet, you'll be ensuring their long-term health and well-being.