Can You Keep Roly Polies as Pets: A Complete Guide

Are you wondering, Can You Keep Roly Polys As Pets and provide a thriving environment for them? At PETS.EDU.VN, we understand the intrigue of these tiny crustaceans, also known as pillbugs, and we’re here to guide you through creating a happy and healthy habitat for them. Discover expert advice on roly poly care, isopod habitats, and pillbug diets, ensuring your little companions thrive.

1. Understanding Roly Polies: More Than Just Garden Bugs

Roly polies, also known as pillbugs, sowbugs, or woodlice, often evoke childhood memories of discovering these tiny creatures in gardens. However, their appeal extends beyond mere nostalgia. These fascinating invertebrates have become increasingly popular as pets, captivating enthusiasts with their unique behaviors and low-maintenance care requirements. Before bringing these critters into your home, it’s essential to understand what they are and what they need to thrive.

1.1. What Exactly Are Roly Polies?

Despite their insect-like appearance, roly polies aren’t insects. They’re crustaceans, closely related to shrimp and crabs. Scientifically known as isopods, they belong to the suborder Oniscidea within the order Isopoda. This classification highlights their aquatic ancestry and explains their dependence on moisture.

Crustaceans: Roly polies share characteristics with other crustaceans, such as having an exoskeleton and multiple pairs of legs.
Isopods: This group includes a wide variety of species, some aquatic and some terrestrial. Roly polies are among the terrestrial isopods.
Habitat: Preferring damp environments, roly polies thrive in soil, leaf litter, and under rocks, playing a vital role in decomposition.

1.2. The Roly Poly Defense Mechanism

The most distinctive feature of roly polies is their ability to curl into a tight ball when threatened. This behavior, known as conglobation, protects their soft underparts from predators and desiccation. The smooth, armored exterior of the curled-up ball makes it difficult for predators to grasp them.

Protection: Rolling into a ball is a primary defense against predators like spiders, ants, and birds.
Desiccation: The curled position reduces the surface area exposed to the air, minimizing water loss in dry conditions.
Unique Adaptation: Not all isopod species can roll into a ball; this ability is specific to certain species like Armadillidium vulgare.

1.3. Why Keep Roly Polies as Pets?

Keeping roly polies as pets offers several benefits:

Low Maintenance: Roly polies are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal space and attention.
Educational: They provide an excellent opportunity to learn about ecology, decomposition, and invertebrate biology.
Fascinating Behavior: Observing their daily activities, such as foraging, molting, and interacting with each other, can be highly engaging.
Bioactive Terrariums: Roly polies can be valuable additions to bioactive terrariums, helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem for reptiles and amphibians.
Composting buddies: They are great additions to your compost bin.

2. Setting Up the Perfect Roly Poly Habitat

Creating a suitable habitat is crucial for the health and well-being of your roly poly pets. Mimicking their natural environment as closely as possible will ensure they thrive in captivity.

2.1. Choosing the Right Enclosure

The size and type of enclosure will depend on the number of roly polies you plan to keep. A small colony of 20-30 individuals can comfortably live in a 5-10 gallon container.

Plastic Bins: These are affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Ensure the bin has a secure lid with ventilation holes.
Glass Aquariums: Aquariums provide excellent visibility and can be aesthetically pleasing. A screen lid is necessary to prevent escapes while allowing airflow.
Terrariums: Terrariums are designed for maintaining humidity and can create a visually appealing habitat.

2.2. Substrate Selection: The Foundation of Their World

The substrate forms the base of the roly poly habitat and plays a vital role in maintaining moisture levels and providing a food source.

Organic Soil: Use organic potting soil that is free from pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
Coco Coir: Coco coir, made from coconut husks, is an excellent substrate that retains moisture and provides a natural texture.
Leaf Litter: Dried leaves, such as oak or maple, provide food and shelter. Ensure the leaves are free from pesticides and collected from a safe source.
Wood Mulch: Organic wood mulch can help retain moisture and provide a naturalistic environment.

2.3. Adding Shelter and Enrichment

Roly polies need hiding places to feel secure and reduce stress. Adding various items to the enclosure will also enrich their environment and encourage natural behaviors.

Rocks: Flat rocks provide shelter and a surface for roly polies to explore.
Wood Pieces: Driftwood or bark pieces offer hiding places and can add to the aesthetic appeal of the enclosure.
Cardboard: Corrugated cardboard provides shelter and a food source as it breaks down.
Moss: Sphagnum moss or other types of moss help retain moisture and create a humid microclimate.

2.4. Maintaining Humidity and Ventilation

Roly polies breathe through gills and require a humid environment to survive. However, excessive moisture can lead to mold growth and other problems.

Misting: Mist the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water to maintain humidity levels.
Ventilation: Ensure the enclosure has adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant air and mold growth.
Substrate Moisture: Keep the substrate consistently damp but not waterlogged.

2.5. Temperature and Lighting

Roly polies are adaptable to a wide range of temperatures but thrive best at room temperature (65-75°F or 18-24°C).

Temperature: Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and keep the enclosure away from direct sunlight and drafts.
Lighting: Roly polies don’t require special lighting. Indirect natural light is sufficient.

2.6. Important Considerations

Avoid overcrowding to prevent stress and maintain a healthy environment.
Regularly remove uneaten food and debris to prevent mold growth.
Monitor humidity levels and adjust misting as needed.
Provide a varied diet to ensure optimal health and nutrition.
At PETS.EDU.VN, we can help you create an optimal environment to make your roly poly feel right at home.

3. Roly Poly Diet: What Do These Tiny Crustaceans Eat?

Providing a balanced and varied diet is essential for the health and longevity of your roly poly pets. These decomposers are not picky eaters, but offering a range of food sources will ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

3.1. Natural Food Sources

In their natural environment, roly polies primarily feed on decaying organic matter. Replicating this diet in captivity is key to their well-being.

Leaf Litter: Dried leaves are a staple food source for roly polies. They break down the leaves, contributing to decomposition.
Decaying Wood: Rotted wood provides cellulose, which roly polies can digest with the help of symbiotic bacteria in their gut.
Compost: A small amount of compost can be added to the enclosure, providing a rich source of organic matter.

3.2. Supplementing Their Diet

While decaying organic matter should form the basis of their diet, supplementing with fresh fruits and vegetables will provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Fruits: Offer small amounts of fruits such as apples, bananas, and berries. Remove any uneaten fruit after a day to prevent mold growth.
Vegetables: Provide vegetables like carrots, squash, and zucchini. Ensure the vegetables are organic and free from pesticides.
Mushrooms: Edible mushrooms are a good source of nutrients for roly polies.

3.3. Protein Sources

Roly polies also require protein for growth and reproduction.

Dried Fish Food: Flake fish food provides a convenient source of protein.
Bonemeal: A small amount of bonemeal can provide calcium and other minerals.
Dead Insects: Offer dead insects such as crickets or mealworms as an occasional treat.

3.4. Calcium Intake

Calcium is crucial for the development and maintenance of the roly poly exoskeleton.

Cuttlebone: A piece of cuttlebone, typically used for birds, provides a readily available source of calcium.
Eggshells: Crushed eggshells can be added to the enclosure as a calcium supplement.

3.5. Feeding Schedule and Portion Sizes

Roly polies don’t need to be fed every day. Offering food two to three times a week is usually sufficient.

Portion Size: Provide only as much food as the roly polies can consume in a day or two.
Observation: Monitor the enclosure for uneaten food and adjust portion sizes accordingly.
Variety: Rotate the types of food offered to ensure a balanced diet.

3.6. Important Considerations

Avoid feeding roly polies citrus fruits, as they can be harmful.
Ensure all food is organic and free from pesticides and herbicides.
Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent mold growth.
Provide a constant supply of leaf litter and decaying wood.
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4. Roly Poly Behavior and Social Life

Understanding the behavior and social interactions of roly polies can enhance your enjoyment of keeping them as pets and help you provide a more enriching environment.

4.1. Diurnal vs. Nocturnal

Roly polies are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. During the day, they tend to hide under rocks, leaves, and other shelters to avoid predators and desiccation.

Nighttime Activity: Most of their foraging and mating activities occur at night.
Daytime Behavior: They spend the day in dark, humid places to conserve moisture.

4.2. Molting

Like other crustaceans, roly polies must shed their exoskeleton to grow. This process, called molting, occurs in stages.

Two-Part Molt: Roly polies molt in two parts, first shedding the back half of their exoskeleton and then the front half a few days later.
Vulnerability: During molting, they are particularly vulnerable to predators and desiccation.
Calcium: They often consume their shed exoskeleton to recycle calcium.

4.3. Reproduction

Roly polies reproduce sexually. The female carries fertilized eggs in a pouch on her underside called a marsupium.

Marsupium: The marsupium provides a humid environment for the eggs to develop.
Development: The eggs hatch into miniature versions of the adults, which then undergo several molts as they grow.
Population Control: If the population grows too large, you can remove some individuals to maintain a healthy balance in the enclosure.

4.4. Social Interactions

Roly polies are generally social creatures and can coexist peacefully in large groups.

Aggregation: They often gather in groups, which helps them maintain moisture levels and find food more efficiently.
Communication: While they don’t communicate through sound, they use chemical signals to communicate with each other.
Territoriality: They are not territorial and rarely display aggressive behavior.

4.5. Environmental Enrichment

Providing a varied and stimulating environment can enhance their natural behaviors and improve their overall well-being.

Hiding Places: Offer a variety of hiding places, such as rocks, wood, and leaf litter.
Exploration: Add branches, twigs, and other natural items for them to explore.
Substrate Variation: Create different substrate depths and textures to mimic their natural habitat.

4.6. Observation and Interaction

Observing your roly polies regularly can provide insights into their behavior and help you identify any potential problems.

Daily Checks: Check the enclosure daily for signs of illness or distress.
Gentle Handling: While they don’t require handling, you can gently pick them up to observe them closely.
Educational Opportunities: Use their behavior as an opportunity to teach children about ecology and invertebrate biology.

4.7. Important Considerations

Avoid disturbing them during molting.
Provide a stable and consistent environment.
Monitor their behavior for signs of stress or illness.
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5. Common Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

While roly polies are generally hardy creatures, they can be susceptible to certain health issues, especially if their environment is not properly maintained. Understanding these potential problems and how to prevent them is essential for ensuring their well-being.

5.1. Desiccation

Desiccation, or drying out, is one of the most common health issues affecting roly polies. Because they breathe through gills, they require a humid environment to survive.

Symptoms: Signs of desiccation include lethargy, shriveled appearance, and inability to move.
Prevention: Maintain high humidity levels by misting the enclosure daily and providing a damp substrate.
Treatment: If you notice signs of desiccation, immediately increase humidity by misting the enclosure and providing a shallow dish of water.

5.2. Mold and Fungal Growth

Excessive moisture can lead to mold and fungal growth in the enclosure, which can be harmful to roly polies.

Symptoms: Visible mold or fungus, foul odor, and lethargy.
Prevention: Ensure adequate ventilation, remove uneaten food promptly, and avoid overwatering the substrate.
Treatment: Remove any visible mold or fungus, improve ventilation, and reduce humidity levels. In severe cases, it may be necessary to replace the substrate entirely.

5.3. Parasites

Although rare, roly polies can be affected by parasites, such as mites or nematodes.

Symptoms: Visible parasites, lethargy, and reduced appetite.
Prevention: Obtain roly polies from reputable sources to minimize the risk of introducing parasites.
Treatment: Isolate affected individuals and consult with a veterinarian or experienced isopod keeper for treatment options.

5.4. Nutritional Deficiencies

A lack of essential nutrients can lead to various health problems in roly polies.

Symptoms: Slow growth, weak exoskeleton, and reduced reproduction.
Prevention: Provide a varied and balanced diet that includes leaf litter, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein sources.
Treatment: Adjust the diet to include a wider range of nutrients and consider adding supplements such as calcium and vitamins.

5.5. Overcrowding

Overcrowding can lead to stress, increased disease transmission, and competition for resources.

Symptoms: Increased mortality, reduced growth rates, and aggressive behavior.
Prevention: Provide adequate space for the number of roly polies you are keeping and remove excess individuals as needed.
Treatment: Reduce the population density by removing some individuals to a separate enclosure.

5.6. Exposure to Toxins

Roly polies are sensitive to toxins, such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals.

Symptoms: Lethargy, convulsions, and sudden death.
Prevention: Use only organic substrates and food sources, and avoid exposing the enclosure to harmful chemicals.
Treatment: If you suspect exposure to toxins, immediately remove the roly polies from the contaminated environment and provide fresh, clean substrate and food.

5.7. Injury

Although they have a protective exoskeleton, roly polies can be injured by rough handling or sharp objects in the enclosure.

Symptoms: Visible injuries, such as broken legs or damaged exoskeleton, and difficulty moving.
Prevention: Handle roly polies gently and remove any sharp objects from the enclosure.
Treatment: Isolate injured individuals in a separate container with soft substrate and provide easy access to food and water.

5.8. Important Considerations

Regularly inspect your roly polies for signs of illness or injury.
Maintain a clean and well-maintained enclosure.
Provide a balanced diet and appropriate environmental conditions.
Consult with a veterinarian or experienced isopod keeper if you have any concerns about your roly polies’ health.
PETS.EDU.VN has additional resources for recognizing and treating roly poly health issues.

6. Breeding Roly Polies: Expanding Your Colony

Breeding roly polies can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to expand your colony and observe their fascinating reproductive behaviors. With the right conditions and care, roly polies will readily reproduce in captivity.

6.1. Creating Optimal Breeding Conditions

To encourage breeding, it’s essential to provide the right environmental conditions and a balanced diet.

Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels in the enclosure by misting regularly.
Temperature: Keep the temperature within the ideal range of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Diet: Provide a varied diet that includes leaf litter, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein sources.
Calcium: Ensure a readily available source of calcium, such as cuttlebone or crushed eggshells.

6.2. Identifying Mature Roly Polies

Mature roly polies are more likely to breed. Look for the following characteristics:

Size: Mature individuals are larger and more robust than juveniles.
Color: Their color may be more vibrant and distinct.
Activity: They may exhibit increased activity and mating behaviors.

6.3. Mating Behavior

Roly polies engage in a courtship ritual before mating.

Courtship: The male will typically follow the female and tap her with his antennae.
Mating: The male deposits sperm into the female’s genital opening.

6.4. Gestation and Development

After mating, the female carries the fertilized eggs in a pouch on her underside called a marsupium.

Marsupium: The marsupium provides a humid environment for the eggs to develop.
Incubation: The eggs typically hatch within a few weeks, depending on temperature and humidity.
Juveniles: The newly hatched roly polies, called mancae, are miniature versions of the adults but lack the last pair of legs.

6.5. Caring for Juveniles

Juvenile roly polies require the same care as adults but are more sensitive to environmental conditions.

Humidity: Maintain high humidity levels to prevent desiccation.
Food: Provide a constant supply of leaf litter and other food sources.
Shelter: Ensure plenty of hiding places to reduce stress.

6.6. Population Management

Roly poly populations can grow rapidly, so it’s essential to manage the population to prevent overcrowding.

Removal: Remove excess individuals to a separate enclosure or rehome them to other keepers.
Predation: Introduce a natural predator, such as a small lizard or spider, to control the population (use caution, and research).

6.7. Important Considerations

Avoid disturbing breeding roly polies.
Provide a stable and consistent environment.
Monitor the population and manage it as needed.
Consult PETS.EDU.VN for more tips on managing your roly poly population.

7. Where to Buy Roly Polies: Finding Reputable Sources

When acquiring roly polies as pets, it’s essential to obtain them from reputable sources to ensure they are healthy and free from parasites or diseases.

7.1. Reputable Breeders and Suppliers

Look for breeders and suppliers who specialize in isopods and have a good reputation within the community.

Online Forums: Check online forums and communities for recommendations and reviews.
Local Pet Stores: Some local pet stores may carry roly polies or be able to order them for you.
Reptile Shows: Reptile shows and expos often have vendors selling various invertebrates, including roly polies.

7.2. Signs of Healthy Roly Polies

When selecting roly polies, look for the following signs of good health:

Activity: They should be active and responsive to stimuli.
Appearance: Their exoskeleton should be smooth and intact, without any signs of damage or discoloration.
Color: Their color should be vibrant and consistent with the species.
Size: They should be appropriately sized for their age.

7.3. Questions to Ask the Seller

Before purchasing roly polies, ask the seller the following questions:

Origin: Where did the roly polies come from?
Care: How have they been cared for?
Health: Have they been treated for any parasites or diseases?
Diet: What have they been fed?

7.4. Quarantine Procedures

Before introducing new roly polies to an existing colony, it’s essential to quarantine them to prevent the spread of diseases or parasites.

Separate Enclosure: Keep the new roly polies in a separate enclosure for at least 30 days.
Monitoring: Monitor them closely for any signs of illness or parasites.
Hygiene: Practice strict hygiene protocols, such as washing your hands thoroughly after handling them.

7.5. Important Considerations

Avoid purchasing roly polies from unknown or unreliable sources.
Inspect them carefully for signs of illness or parasites before purchasing.
Quarantine new roly polies before introducing them to an existing colony.
PETS.EDU.VN has a network of trusted roly poly breeders for safe adoption.

8. Roly Polies in Bioactive Setups: A Symbiotic Relationship

Roly polies are valuable additions to bioactive terrariums and vivariums, playing a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem for reptiles, amphibians, and other invertebrates.

8.1. What is a Bioactive Setup?

A bioactive setup is a self-sustaining ecosystem that mimics a natural environment. It includes live plants, a substrate layer, and beneficial invertebrates, such as roly polies and springtails.

Naturalistic Environment: Bioactive setups provide a more natural and enriching environment for reptiles and amphibians.
Waste Decomposition: Roly polies and springtails break down waste and decaying organic matter, reducing the need for manual cleaning.
Nutrient Cycling: They also contribute to nutrient cycling, making nutrients available to the plants.

8.2. Benefits of Roly Polies in Bioactive Setups

Roly polies offer several benefits in bioactive setups:

Waste Removal: They consume feces, shed skin, and uneaten food, keeping the enclosure clean.
Soil Aeration: Their burrowing activity helps aerate the soil, improving drainage and promoting plant growth.
Nutrient Cycling: They break down organic matter, releasing nutrients that plants can use.
Pest Control: They may help control populations of other invertebrates, such as mites.

8.3. Setting Up a Bioactive Terrarium with Roly Polies

To create a bioactive terrarium with roly polies, follow these steps:

Drainage Layer: Add a layer of gravel or hydroballs to the bottom of the enclosure to improve drainage.
Substrate Layer: Add a layer of bioactive substrate, such as a mixture of organic soil, coco coir, and sphagnum moss.
Plants: Add live plants that are appropriate for the terrarium’s environment and the needs of the reptiles or amphibians.
Invertebrates: Introduce roly polies and springtails to the enclosure.
Leaf Litter: Add a layer of leaf litter to provide food and shelter for the invertebrates.

8.4. Maintaining a Bioactive Setup

Maintaining a bioactive setup requires ongoing care and attention.

Watering: Water the plants regularly, but avoid overwatering the substrate.
Feeding: Provide additional food for the roly polies and springtails as needed.
Pruning: Prune the plants as needed to maintain their shape and prevent them from overgrowing the enclosure.
Monitoring: Monitor the enclosure for any signs of problems, such as mold growth or pest infestations.

8.5. Important Considerations

Choose plant and invertebrate species that are compatible with the reptiles or amphibians in the terrarium.
Ensure the terrarium is properly ventilated to prevent excessive humidity.
Monitor the population of roly polies and springtails and adjust as needed.
PETS.EDU.VN has expert insights on creating and maintaining a healthy bioactive setup.

9. Roly Polies as Feeders: A Nutritious Snack for Reptiles

In addition to being fascinating pets, roly polies can also serve as a nutritious food source for certain reptiles and amphibians.

9.1. Nutritional Value of Roly Polies

Roly polies are a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients.

Protein: They contain a high percentage of protein, which is essential for growth and development.
Calcium: Their exoskeleton is rich in calcium, which is important for bone health.
Other Nutrients: They also contain other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and vitamin B12.

9.2. Which Reptiles Can Eat Roly Polies?

Roly polies are suitable as feeders for small to medium-sized reptiles and amphibians, such as:

Leopard Geckos: These popular reptiles enjoy eating roly polies as part of a varied diet.
Crested Geckos: These arboreal geckos also benefit from the nutrients in roly polies.
Frogs: Small frogs, such as dart frogs, can consume roly polies as a supplement to their diet.

9.3. How to Feed Roly Polies to Reptiles

There are several ways to feed roly polies to reptiles:

Direct Feeding: Simply place a few roly polies in the reptile’s enclosure and allow them to hunt them.
Tongs: Use tongs to offer roly polies directly to the reptile.
Feeding Dish: Place roly polies in a shallow feeding dish.

9.4. Gut Loading

To maximize the nutritional value of roly polies as feeders, you can gut load them before feeding them to your reptiles.

Gut Loading: Gut loading involves feeding the roly polies a nutritious diet for a few days before offering them to your reptiles.
Nutrient-Rich Diet: Feed them a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein.
Benefits: Gut loading increases the nutritional value of the roly polies, providing your reptiles with a more balanced diet.

9.5. Important Considerations

Ensure the roly polies are from a clean and reliable source.
Avoid feeding wild-caught roly polies to your reptiles, as they may contain parasites or toxins.
Gut load the roly polies before feeding them to your reptiles.
Offer roly polies as part of a varied diet, not as the sole food source.
Visit PETS.EDU.VN for additional resources on proper reptile nutrition.

10. Fun Facts About Roly Polies

Beyond their practical uses, roly polies are simply fascinating creatures with unique adaptations and behaviors. Here are some fun facts about these tiny crustaceans:

They are not insects: As mentioned earlier, roly polies are crustaceans, more closely related to shrimp and crabs than insects.
They breathe through gills: Like their aquatic relatives, roly polies breathe through gills and require a humid environment to survive.
They drink through their anus: Roly polies have specialized structures in their anus that allow them to absorb water from their environment.
They eat their own poop: This behavior, called coprophagy, helps them extract additional nutrients from their food.
They can roll into a ball: This defensive behavior, called conglobation, protects them from predators and desiccation.
They have blue blood: Roly polies have copper-based blood, which turns blue when exposed to oxygen.
They can detect gravity: Roly polies have specialized organs that allow them to sense gravity and orient themselves in their environment.
They are decomposers: Roly polies play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.
They can live for several years: With proper care, roly polies can live for up to three years.
They are popular pets: Roly polies are becoming increasingly popular as pets due to their low maintenance requirements and fascinating behaviors.

Conclusion

Keeping roly polies as pets can be a rewarding and educational experience. By providing them with the right environment, diet, and care, you can create a thriving colony of these fascinating crustaceans. Whether you’re interested in their unique behaviors, their role in bioactive setups, or their nutritional value as feeders, roly polies offer something for everyone.

Remember to source your roly polies from reputable breeders, maintain a clean and well-maintained enclosure, and provide a balanced diet. With a little effort, you can enjoy the company of these tiny creatures for years to come.

For more information on roly poly care and other fascinating pet-related topics, visit PETS.EDU.VN. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge and resources you need to be a successful and responsible pet owner.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roly Polies as Pets

Are roly polies safe to handle?

Yes, roly polies are generally safe to handle. However, it’s essential to handle them gently to avoid injuring them. Wash your hands before and after handling them to prevent the spread of germs.
Can roly polies bite?

No, roly polies do not bite. They are harmless to humans and other animals.
What do I do if my roly polies escape?

Roly polies require a humid environment to survive, so they are unlikely to wander far if they escape. Simply collect them and return them to their enclosure.
How often should I clean the roly poly enclosure?

The roly poly enclosure should be cleaned regularly to prevent mold growth and maintain a healthy environment. Remove uneaten food and debris as needed, and replace the substrate every few months.
Can I keep different species of roly polies together?

It’s generally not recommended to keep different species of roly polies together, as they may compete for resources or interbreed.
What are the signs of a healthy roly poly?

A healthy roly poly is active, has a smooth and intact exoskeleton, and exhibits a vibrant color.
What are the signs of a sick roly poly?

Signs of a sick roly poly include lethargy, shriveled appearance, discoloration, and difficulty moving.
Can I release my roly polies into the wild?

It’s not recommended to release roly polies into the wild, as they may disrupt the local ecosystem.
How long do roly polies live?

With proper care, roly polies can live for up to three years.
Are roly polies good pets for children?

Yes, roly polies can be good pets for children, as they are low maintenance and easy to care for. However, it’s important to supervise children when handling them and teach them how to care for them properly.

PETS.EDU.VN is your ultimate guide to roly poly care, offering in-depth articles, expert advice, and a supportive community of pet enthusiasts. Explore our site for a wealth of resources, from detailed care sheets to troubleshooting tips, and unlock the secrets to creating a thriving habitat for these captivating creatures. Whether you’re a seasoned isopod keeper or just starting out, pets.edu.vn provides the tools and knowledge you need to ensure the health and happiness of your roly poly pets.