# Common pill woodlouse — care routine

Armadillidium vulgare

Read with the complete profile and individual plan.

## Before arrival

- [ ] Use secure ground-level housing with soil, decomposing leaves and several low shelters. Keep a moist refuge and a less damp area. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-housing)
- [ ] Published accounts describe individual lives averaging around a year and a half, sometimes several years. A breeding colony can continue much longer. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-commitment)

## Routine checks

- [ ] Before arrival, provide decaying leaves, damp shelter and room for growth. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-checklists)

## Regular care and records

- [ ] Check moisture, food use and losses regularly. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-checklists)
- [ ] Top up the leaves and other food as the colony grows, and record new additions. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-checklists)
- [ ] Preserve undisturbed habitat for the smallest animals during maintenance. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-checklists)

## When to stop and seek help

- [ ] Do not apply a general claim that all woodlice reproduce without males. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-health)
- [ ] Repeated deaths or persistent decline need a review of moisture, contamination, food and recent additions with an experienced keeper. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-pill-woodlouse/#knowledge-health)