Question: Pill Bug Diet

[Blue Spotted]

So, my axolotl isn't very fond of worms. So I tried to feed him pillbugs. They're small, so he can eat them without spitting them out like he did with the worms. The best thing is, they don't drown under water, and they walk around the bottom of the tank, attracting the attention of the axolotl. My Axolotl loves them but I don't know if you guys will. Is it okay to feed my Axolotl pillbugs? (I get them from outside, I don't use pesticides, and you can tell if they're unhealthy by their color)

 

[Alkylhalide]

I wouldnt suggest it. Anything with a hard shell i would say no to.. They have hard shells dont they? I dont know much about pill bugs. However they are not on the list of foods for axoltls so i will need to look more into it for nutritional info.

Check your local pet store and ask them about frozen foods. Even brine shrimp would be great size for them right now. Every pet shop should have a freezer with frozen foods for pets.. Ive never seen one that didnt.

 

[JessKB]

Pill bugs are a great food for axolotls. Their shells are more like shrimp shells than say a mealworm's shell. Salamanders eat them in the wild. I dont know how good they would be as a staple, but as an additional source of food theyre fine.

 

[Alkylhalide]

Okay thank you for the information i really wasnt sure.

 

[Blue Spotted]

Okay, that's a relief that can feed my Axolotl pill bugs, thanks.

 

[emmyk]

Pill bugs....hmm..

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[JoshBA]

Pill bugs and woodlice are crustaceans, so their shell is made of calcium and they won't cause impaction. The calcium would be dissolved almost entirely by the animal's stomach acids.