{"id":150114,"date":"2021-02-20T08:58:03","date_gmt":"2021-02-20T07:58:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/nicht-kategorisiert\/woodlice-as-pets-the-big-crawl\/"},"modified":"2026-10-17T17:09:55","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T15:09:55","slug":"woodlice-as-pets-the-big-crawl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insektenliebe.com\/en\/magazine\/isopod-magazine\/woodlice-as-pets-the-big-crawl\/","title":{"rendered":"Isopods as Pets: Getting Started, Care, and Responsibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Isopods as pets let you experience nature on a small scale: They hide under leaves, break down wood, and eventually surprise you with tiny offspring. If you enjoy observing them and caring for them regularly, a group of isopods might be a good fit for you. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Children can also learn a lot from this experience. However, an adult must remain responsible for their care and safe housing. Isopods are animals meant to be observed, not constantly taken out of their container. <\/p>\n\n

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(Oniscus asellus)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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(Armadillidium vulgare)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Are Isopods a good fit as pets for your daily life?<\/h2>\n\n

You’ll need a suitable location, a securely closed and well-ventilated box, and time for regular check-ins. The effort involved may be manageable, but it’s not zero. The animals still need the right level of humidity, even when you’re short on time. <\/p>\n\n

Don’t expect every species to be out and about during the day. Some groups are more likely to show themselves in quiet surroundings or at feeding stations. If you want animals that are constantly visible, you should discuss this expectation before making a purchase. A larger or more expensive group of animals is no guarantee of this. <\/p>\n\n

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Which Isopods are good for beginners?<\/h2>\n\n

Zebra isopods or Porcellio laevis \u201cPanda\u201d can be good options for beginners. Be sure to read the relevant care guide first. Panda isopods can reproduce rapidly; be sure to plan for the space they\u2019ll need later on. Cubaris \u201cRubber Ducky\u201d requires different preparation and is not a suitable substitute. <\/p>\n\n

Local isopods are also wonderful to observe outdoors. Carefully lift a piece of wood and then put it back down. If you\u2019re just starting out with a specific group, captive-bred specimens are a practical choice. Do not randomly collect animals or materials from unknown or protected areas. <\/p>\n\n

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(White rotten wood is the ideal condition for finding Isopods)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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Isopod or pill bug?<\/h2>\n\n

Not every animal that curls up into a ball is an Isopod. Pill bugs belong to the millipede family and differ in anatomy and needs. The two comparison photos show examples. Don\u2019t rely solely on whether you can see a head on a closed ball to identify them. <\/p>\n\n

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Saftkugler (no head is visible)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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woodlouse (even when rolled up you can still see the head and eyes)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Keeping Isopods: Preparing Your Home<\/h2>\n\n

A suitable plastic box you already have may be sufficient. It\u2019s important to ensure the container is escape-proof, allows for air circulation, and has enough usable floor space. Smooth walls alone do not make a container safe. Also check the lid and the size of the openings to make sure they\u2019re safe for young animals. <\/p>\n\n

If you don’t want to gather the materials individually, you can start with our complete Isopod kit. The 5-liter box is a good option for small starter groups of compatible species. Choose the version carefully: \u201cwith accessories\u201d does not automatically mean \u201cwith animals.\u201d <\/p>\n\n

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\"Insektenliebe-Isopod-Complete-Set-with-Armadillidium-klugii-3.jpg\"
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Insektenliebe Isopod complete set<\/a><\/h2>\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t13,99 €<\/span><\/bdi><\/span> –<\/span> 33,95 €<\/span><\/bdi><\/span>Price range: 13,99 € through 33,95 €<\/span> incl. VAT, plus shipping<\/small>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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