Guiding Your Woodlouse Companion

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Content

Creating the Ideal Habitat

Nourishment and Care

Whether they're known as woodlice, roly-polies, or doodlebugs, these little critters are simple to care for. To create a cozy home, prepare a container with soil, leaves, and twigs. Introduce your woodlice and provide fresh produce for them to snack on. Maintain a moist environment and observe their behavior before setting them free.

Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the Ideal Habitat

Choosing a Suitable Container for Your Woodlice Opt for a sturdy jar or empty shoebox to house your woodlice. A small jar works well for a few, while a larger container like a plastic terrarium is suitable for more. Keep in mind that cardboard containers may degrade quickly due to moisture.

Consider that cardboard boxes may not last long due to their susceptibility to moisture, making them suitable for short-term use only.

Prepare the Container and Introduce the Woodlice Fill the container with 2 inches (5.1 cm) of soil and gently place the woodlice inside. Ensure the soil is compact enough to support their movement without any harm. Exercise caution while digging to avoid injuring any woodlice in the soil.

When digging, be careful not to harm any woodlice present in the soil.

Pro Tip: To find woodlice, explore damp, shaded areas like leaf piles, branches, or beneath rocks.

Provide Exploration Materials for the Woodlice Scatter leaves, sticks, and bark across the soil in the container, creating an environment for the woodlice to roam and feed. Avoid using rocks as they can pose a hazard to the woodlice if they fall over.

Avoid including rocks in the container to prevent potential harm to the woodlice.

Ensure Proper Ventilation for the Container Cover the container and create air holes on the lid to allow adequate airflow. If using a jar, cover it with waxed paper or plastic wrap, then puncture holes using a skewer. Exercise caution to prevent the woodlice from escaping through the holes.

Exercise caution or seek assistance when creating holes in the lid.
Ensure the holes are small enough to prevent the woodlice from escaping.

Position the Woodlice Container Safely Indoors Place the container in a shaded area indoors to prevent overheating. As woodlice thrive in cooler environments, there's no need for additional heating. Keep the container away from pets or small children to avoid disturbance.

If there are pets or children around, position the woodlice container out of their reach.

Nourishment and Care

Maintain Moisture in the Habitat

Woodlice rely on humidity for hydration and sustenance. Use a spray bottle filled with water to moisten the leaves and soil regularly. Check the soil's moisture daily and spray as needed to prevent it from drying out.

Pro Tip: Avoid creating puddles or standing water in the habitat to prevent accidental drowning of the woodlice.

Offer Nutritious Foods to the Woodlice In addition to leaves, provide slices of raw potatoes, carrots, apples, or pears for the woodlice to feed on. Replace the produce every few days to prevent mold growth.

Regularly replace the produce to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Maintain Habitat Cleanliness for Long-Term Care If you plan to keep the woodlice for more than a week, ensure the habitat remains clean. Remove any moldy leaves and refresh the soil periodically. For terrariums or aquariums, wipe down any dirt or smudges on the glass surface.

While it's possible to keep woodlice for extended periods, consider releasing them into their natural habitat for breeding purposes.

Handle Woodlice with Care When handling woodlice, do so gently by picking them up between your thumb and forefinger. Allow them to unroll in your palm or observe them on a flat surface. Use light pressure to avoid inadvertently harming them.

Exercise caution to prevent accidentally injuring the woodlice.

References

Helpful Tips

Since woodlice have a lifespan of up to 5 years, enjoy their company for a few days before releasing them into their natural habitat.
If you choose to include wood chips or mulch in their habitat, ensure it's non-toxic for the woodlice's well-being.

The advice shared here reflects the real-life experiences of fellow Mytour readers. If you have a valuable tip to contribute, please share it with us below.

When releasing woodlice, consider doing so during mating season. This way, you may have the chance to care for their offspring.
Respect the natural habitat of woodlice and only collect them if they are in danger elsewhere.
Using compost in the container bottom provides a conducive environment for woodlice, promoting digging activity.
Create a Lego maze as enrichment for your woodlouse, offering it mental stimulation for short periods each day.
Woodlice enjoy strawberries and leaves as treats, especially if you have a strawberry plant available.
Ensure ample digging space for woodlice as they are fond of burrowing.

Essentials

Container with a secure lid
Quality soil
Assorted leaves and sticks
Spray bottle for maintaining moisture

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