Rolly pollies, also known as pill bugs, are fascinating creatures often found in gardens and damp places. Their unique ability to roll into a ball when threatened makes them intriguing to observe, especially for children and nature enthusiasts. But can these tiny crustaceans actually be kept as pets? The answer is yes! Rolly pollies, or pill bugs, are relatively easy to care for, making them excellent starter pets and educational companions.
Understanding Rolly Pollies: More Than Just Bugs
Despite being commonly called “bugs,” roly-polies are not insects at all. They belong to the order Isopoda and are terrestrial crustaceans, more closely related to shrimp and crabs than to insects. Other common names for these creatures include sow bugs and woodlice. The most common species kept as pets is Armadillidium vulgare, known for its hard exoskeleton and distinctive rolling behavior.
Rolly pollies are social animals and thrive in groups, mirroring their natural behavior of living in colonies. This social nature means you can happily house multiple roly-polies together, creating a miniature ecosystem in a small enclosure. With a balanced male and female population, you might even witness the fascinating process of breeding within your roly-poly colony.
Creating the Perfect Habitat for Your Pill Bugs
Unlike their giant marine isopod cousins, which can grow up to a foot long, roly-polies remain quite small, typically under an inch in length. This small size means they don’t require extensive housing. A 5 to 10-gallon aquarium, plastic container, or storage box provides ample space for a thriving colony.
The key to a happy roly-poly habitat lies in mimicking their natural environment. Here’s how to set up their home:
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Substrate: Cover the bottom of the enclosure with a layer of hardwood mulch, organic topsoil (ensure it’s free of pesticides and fertilizers), or even newspaper. Avoid cedar or pine mulch, as these can be harmful to invertebrates.
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Shelter and Enrichment: Rolly pollies love to explore and hide. Provide plenty of hiding places using pieces of bark, flat stones, cardboard, or crumpled paper. These items not only offer shelter but also increase the surface area for them to roam.
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Humidity is Key: Rolly pollies breathe through gills, which need moisture to function. Maintaining humidity is crucial. Mist the enclosure and substrate with water several times a week to keep it damp, but not waterlogged. The substrate should feel consistently moist to the touch.
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Ventilation and Lid: While humidity is important, good ventilation is also necessary to prevent mold growth. A secure lid is essential to keep your roly-polies contained and to prevent unwanted pests or curious pets from getting in. You can cover about half of the ventilation holes to help retain moisture while still allowing for air exchange.
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Lighting: Supplemental lighting is not necessary for roly-polies. They are comfortable in low-light conditions. A translucent container placed in a room with indirect natural light is sufficient. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the enclosure.
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Maintenance: Regularly check the enclosure for mold and replace the bedding periodically to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your pill bugs.
Feeding Your Rolly Pollies: A Simple Diet
Rolly pollies are detritivores, meaning their primary diet in the wild consists of decaying organic matter. Fortunately, they are not picky eaters and will readily consume a variety of plant-based foods, making feeding them easy.
Good food options for your pet roly-polies include:
- Decaying leaves and wood: These mimic their natural food source and can be collected from pesticide-free areas.
- Vegetable scraps: Carrot tops, apple peels, celery stalks, sweet potatoes, squash, collard greens, zucchini, and grapes are all suitable. Ensure to wash them thoroughly to remove any pesticide residue.
- Cardboard and paper: Unprinted cardboard and paper can also be offered as part of their diet and provide enrichment.
Provide a small amount of food, about 1 to 2 ounces, two to three times a week. Offer a variety of food items at each feeding and rotate through different options over time to ensure a balanced diet and prevent nutritional deficiencies. You don’t need to chop the food into tiny pieces, as roly-polies will nibble on it as they eat.
Water dishes are generally unnecessary as roly-polies obtain moisture from their food and the humid environment of their enclosure.
Handling, Health, and Lifespan of Pill Bugs
Rolly pollies are delicate creatures and should be handled with care. While their exoskeletons provide some protection, they can be injured if dropped or handled roughly.
- Gentle Handling: The best way to interact with your roly-polies is to allow them to crawl onto your outstretched hand. Keep your hand low over a table or surface to prevent falls if they happen to move quickly. Avoid squeezing or grasping them tightly.
- Safety: Keep insecticides and harmful chemicals away from your roly-poly enclosure. Direct sunlight should also be avoided as it can cause overheating.
With proper care, roly-polies can live for up to 3 years, providing a relatively long-term pet ownership experience compared to some other small invertebrates.
Are Rolly Pollies the Right Pet for You?
Rolly pollies make fascinating and low-maintenance pets, particularly suitable for beginners, children, and anyone interested in observing nature up close. Their ease of care, coupled with their interesting behaviors and educational value, makes them a great addition to any home. If you’re looking for a pet that’s quiet, clean, and captivating to watch, consider the humble roly-poly. They might just roll their way into your heart!
