Bat Guano 25g

Bat guano is a natural substrate supplement that provides essential nutrients for isopod colonies. Composted over hundreds of years, this odourless powder is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—key elements that support isopod health, growth, and reproduction. For cave-dwelling species like Cubaris, bat guano is particularly relevant as it mimics an integral part of their natural environment.

Product Details

• Contents: 25g bat guano powder
• Form: Fine powder, odourless
• Source: 100% organic, naturally composted bat faeces
• Key nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium

Why Bat Guano for Isopods?

In the wild, cave-dwelling isopods—particularly Cubaris species from Thai limestone caves—naturally encounter and consume bat guano as part of their diet. Bat colonies deposit significant quantities of guano in caves, creating nutrient-rich environments where invertebrates, including isopods, thrive. Adding bat guano to captive enclosures helps replicate these natural conditions.

Nutritional benefits:

• Nitrogen: Supports growth and overall colony health
• Phosphorus: Essential for energy metabolism and exoskeleton development
• Potassium: Supports various biological processes
• Beneficial microorganisms: When isopods consume guano, they ingest microorganisms that help with digestion
• Natural chelates: Provides trace minerals in forms that are readily absorbed

Keepers who add bat guano to their isopod enclosures report improvements in overall colony health and reproductive capacity. It's particularly beneficial for Cubaris species, which naturally evolved alongside bat colonies in cave ecosystems.

How to Use

Bat guano is high in nitrogen, so it should be used sparingly to prevent harmful buildup in enclosures.

Recommended application:

• Substrate mixing: Add approximately 1 teaspoon per 5 litres of substrate when preparing your enclosure
• Surface application: Apply a very light sprinkle over the top of existing substrate
• Frequency: Reapply sparingly as needed—this is a supplement, not a primary food source

Important notes:

• Less is more—guano is potent and a little goes a long way
• Mix thoroughly into substrate when preparing new enclosures
• The time-release action means nutrients become available gradually over weeks
• Can be used alongside other calcium and protein supplements

Best Used With

Bat guano complements other isopod care products but doesn't replace them:

• Calcium sources: Continue providing limestone, cuttlebone, or crusite—guano doesn't replace calcium supplementation
• Protein: Still offer dried shrimp, fish flakes, or other protein sources regularly
• Leaf litter: Remains the primary food source—guano is supplementary
• Decaying wood: Essential for all isopod species

Suitable Species

While all isopod species can benefit from the nutrients in bat guano, it's particularly relevant for:

• Cubaris species: Rubber Ducky, Panda King, Pak Chong, Cappuccino, and other Thai cave-dwelling Cubaris naturally encounter guano in their native habitat
• Other cave-dwelling isopods: Any species originating from cave environments
• General use: Porcellio, Armadillidium, and other genera can benefit from the nutritional boost, though it's less ecologically relevant to their natural diet

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place
• Keep sealed when not in use
• Shelf-stable for extended periods

At £1.50 for 25g, bat guano is an affordable supplement that lasts a long time given the small quantities needed per application. For keepers maintaining Cubaris colonies or anyone wanting to provide a more naturalistic nutritional profile for their isopods, it's a worthwhile addition to your supplies.