The EASIEST PETS to keep | D colony

Summary

In this episode, the host introduces isopods as low-maintenance pets, perfect for hobbyists. They discuss their experience with different isopod species, showcasing their ease of care and benefits as 'janitors' in ant farms. The video provides a step-by-step guide on setting up an isopod enclosure with the right substrate, humidity levels, and hiding spots. It also covers their diet, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between isopods and other pets, and the joy of handling these creatures.

Takeaways

• 🐜 The video is about showcasing the low-maintenance nature of keeping isopods as pets, alongside the narrator's experience with ant keeping.
• 📦 Isopods can be kept in microwavable containers or specially made enclosures, highlighting their adaptability to various environments.
• 🌱 The narrator has been breeding isopods for years and has recently started keeping them as pets, finding the process relaxing and enjoyable.
• 🔍 Three species of isopods are mentioned: the 'magic potion' pill bug, the 'dairy cow' isopod, and the 'cubery's murina', each with distinct characteristics.
• 👶 Isopods reproduce quickly and can surprise their keepers with the number of offspring they produce, as the narrator discovered after forgetting about them for a month.
• 🍽️ Isopods are voracious eaters and require a continuous supply of dried leaves, with occasional treats of high-protein foods like dried shrimps.
• 🏡 The setup for an isopod enclosure includes a substrate mix of soil and peat moss, calcium sources, and a balance of moist and dry areas for the isopods' comfort.
• 🌿 Hydration is crucial, with the enclosure needing a humid area covered by moss and a dry area that is never watered or misted.
• 🌳 Hides such as cork bark or driftwood are essential for the isopods to feel safe and to molt, and they also serve as a climbing structure.
• 🐛 Springtails are mentioned as beneficial companions in the enclosure, aiding in maintaining a healthy environment, though they are optional.
• 👋 Isopods can be handled and petted, offering an interactive aspect to keeping them as pets, in addition to their role as 'janitors' in cleaning setups.

Q & A

What are isopods, and why are they considered low maintenance pets?

Isopods, also known as pill bugs or woodlice, are small crustaceans that are considered low maintenance pets because they can survive for extended periods without daily care and are easy to keep in an enclosure with minimal requirements.

What is the speaker's experience with keeping isopods as pets?

The speaker has been breeding isopods for years and has started keeping them as pets a few months ago. They have experience with creating enclosures and substrates for the isopods and have found the process relaxing and enjoyable.

What are the three species of isopods mentioned in the script?

The three species of isopods mentioned are the 'magic potion' isopod, the 'dairy cow' isopod, and 'Cubery's murina'. The speaker also mentions a fourth species collected from their backyard.

How did the speaker find the isopods' ability to survive without attention for a month?

The speaker was surprised and pleased to find that the isopods had not only survived without attention for a month but had also produced many offspring during that time.

What is the role of isopods in a bioactive setup?

In a bioactive setup, isopods act as janitors, helping to clean up by consuming waste and dead insects, thus contributing to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.

What are the main components of the isopod enclosure substrate?

The substrate for isopod enclosures is a mixture of 60% soil and 40% peat moss or coco peat, with added calcium powder for the baby isopods' exoskeleton development.

Why is a combination of moist and dry areas important in an isopod enclosure?

A combination of moist and dry areas is important because it provides the isopods with the necessary environmental conditions to thrive, allowing them to choose their preferred habitat within the enclosure.

What are some of the food sources for isopods mentioned in the script?

The food sources mentioned include dried leaves, which are their main diet, as well as fish flakes, dried beans, dried fish, vegetables, feeder insects waste, and dried shrimps as a treat.

How often should the isopod enclosure be checked and maintained?

The enclosure does not need daily checks; a weekly check on food, calcium sources, and moisture levels is suggested, with occasional misting if the enclosure dries up quickly.

What is the purpose of adding springtails to the isopod enclosure?

Springtails are added to the isopod enclosure to help maintain a healthy environment by consuming mold and decaying organic matter, thus contributing to the overall cleanliness and balance of the enclosure.

How can isopods be beneficial to a fire ants vivarium?

Isopods can be beneficial to a fire ants vivarium by consuming the ants' food leftovers and waste, helping to keep the environment clean and providing a symbiotic relationship where both colonies thrive.