Sow Bugs.

Everything Blue Tongues! Have a question? Just got a BTS and want to introduce yourself? This is the place!
Forum rules
In this forum all are welcome to ask blue tongue skink-related questions, share information, ideas, tips, experiences, and pictures with fellow BTS enthusiasts.
If you are wondering if your BTS is acting normally or might be sick, this is where you can get help with that.
This is also where you can have some FUN while sharing the enjoyment you get from your blueys!
Post Reply
Jawsh
Bluey Beginner
Bluey Beginner
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 8:38 am
Country:
Location: San Diego, CA

Sow Bugs.

Postby Jawsh » Wed Apr 10, 2013 4:54 pm

I found an article the other day about using CB Sow bugs, specifically Porcellio Scaber, as alternative feeders for reptiles. The article claimed that adult Sow bugs (P. Scaber) had 41% protein, 12% fat, <15% fiber, and 33% ash with a Ca:P ratio of 12:1. I think these would be an ideal staple for blue-tongues. Has anyone started a Sow bug colony? I'm not sure where to begin.
Top
User avatar
xxmonitorlizardxx
Walks with Squirrels
Walks with Squirrels
Posts: 4050
Joined: Mon Apr 26, 2010 7:06 pm
Your Facebook name: Jeremy Johnson
Country:
Location: NJ, USA

Re: Sow Bugs.

Postby xxmonitorlizardxx » Wed Apr 10, 2013 5:09 pm

They are rather small to be a staple.
Skinks will eat them, but there are better alternatives.
Merauke Blue Tongue Skink Breeder
https://www.facebook.com/JJReptiles/
Top
User avatar
Fatal_S
Take Flight
Take Flight
Posts: 8391
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:40 pm
Your Facebook name: Mel's Exotics
Country: Canada
Location: Manitoba
Contact:
Contact Fatal_S

Re: Sow Bugs.

Postby Fatal_S » Wed Apr 10, 2013 8:36 pm

Sow bugs are used in science to measure the heavy metals in an area; they basically collect heavy metals in alarming amounts. This means that bugs found in the wild are not good food for captive herps. Many people do use pill bugs as feeders, but it requires starting a colony and breeding for several generations (releasing the adults) before you have any that can be used as food. I plan to start my colony this spring. They are also excellent cleaning-crews in naturalistic enclosures.
Top
User avatar
Scotts1au
Great Scott
Great Scott
Posts: 4362
Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 2:19 am
Country:
Location: Central Victoria, Australia

Re: Sow Bugs.

Postby Scotts1au » Wed Apr 10, 2013 9:32 pm

We call them slaters in Aus. I often watch my blueys routing around pushing pieces of wood around in their outdoor enclosure and hoovering them up. They are a natural food source.
If you wait, all that happens is that you get older. M. Andretti
Top
User avatar
Richard.C
Kimberley Klan
Kimberley Klan
Posts: 10474
Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2005 3:37 am
Country:
Location: melbourne australia

Re: Sow Bugs.

Postby Richard.C » Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:09 pm

ahh,yes,its more the water dragons and cunninghams sucking those down in my outside cages,blueys do to,but have to be quick as the other 2 are alot more agile

apparently they are pretty healthy,good for feeders there just rather small and some species dont show alot of interest in them
Top
Post Reply

Return to “General Discussion and FAQ”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 117 guests