WOODLICE AS PETS

Although woodlice are not the most exciting of pets to some people (I cannot understand why!), they are easy to keep at home and in schools. They are particularly good for children living in the city, giving them a contact with nature and providing an interesting and inexpensive collection of pets. Wooodlice can be kept in fairly small containers (sandwich boxes) for short periods, but if they are to be kept for any length of time then a larger container would be best. An old fish tank is ideal, or the large plastic storage boxes available in DIY shops are good and can accomodate a large collection of woodlice. The woodlouse cannot climb smooth surfaces - so there is no chance of them escaping!

Put a layer old compost, about 4-6 inches deep in the container, as they do like to dig down quite deep, especially the pill bugs. If you can, it is best to add a layer of woodland leaf litter next, this not only provides food for them, but also the chances are there will be lots of other creatures to add to the collection.

On top you can put pieces of wood, bark, slate and stones. Things like clay flowerpots, cardboard tubes, fir cones and shells can all be included if there is room, all providing the woodlice with places to live.

The woodlice can be fed on all sorts of foods - vegetable peelings and pieces of fruit are all suitable. I have found that the following are particularly appreciated by most woodlice: Carrot, potato, tomato, courgette, pumpkin, parsnip and mushrooms. The culture will need to be kept quite moist (but NOT soaked!), this is easily done by spraying water on with a household plant sprayer.

They are interesting to study, and very good if you have an allergy to the usual fluffy pets. and they can be left for long periods without suffering (ideal over holidays), they don't bark at the neighbours and friends, don't scratch the furniture and don't poo on the carpet - what more could you want....

By Julie Curl

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