Pillbugs as feeders?

[JeffreH]

I read that their shells are made of calcium instead of chitin (sp?)

The exoskeleton of insects is composed primarily of chitin and various proteins; while the exoskeleton of crustaceans contains BOTH chitin and calcium. So while they may contain more calcium, they still contain chitin. This combination with the complex carbohydrate is what generally gives crustaceans a much harder and more rigid exoskeleton for protection. = )

Being a crustacean, isopods will offer a little variety to the diet. They can bring to table certain micronutrients that is typically not present in insects. That being said, they aren't exactly the most meaty little suckers and they do have a lot of shell, so no they are not better than crickets. Feed them sparingly and focus on some good quality staple feeder insects. Furthermore, be wary about feeding anything from outside unless you are 110% positive that there is no fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, etc that the feeder may have come into contact with.

[Bolisnide]

The exoskeleton of insects is composed primarily of chitin and various proteins; while the exoskeleton of crustaceans contains BOTH chitin and calcium. So while they may contain more calcium, they still contain chitin. This combination with the complex carbohydrate is what generally gives crustaceans a much harder and more rigid exoskeleton for protection. = )

Being a crustacean, isopods will offer a little variety to the diet. They can bring to table certain micronutrients that is typically not present in insects. That being said, they aren't exactly the most meaty little suckers and they do have a lot of shell, so no they are not better than crickets. Feed them sparingly and focus on some good quality staple feeder insects. Furthermore, be wary about feeding anything from outside unless you are 110% positive that there is no fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, etc that the feeder may have come into contact with.

This is very interesting! Thanks