# Common rough woodlouse — care routine

Porcellio scaber

Read with the complete profile and individual plan.

## Before arrival

- [ ] Use secure ventilation, low cover and soil with decomposing leaves. Provide a damp shelter alongside less damp ground and enlarge usable floor space as the colony grows. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-rough-woodlouse/#knowledge-housing)
- [ ] Plan for a continuing colony with overlapping generations. The reviewed evidence does not establish a reliable pet lifespan. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-rough-woodlouse/#knowledge-commitment)

## Routine checks

- [ ] Prepare a labelled culture with leaf food and damp shelter before arrival. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-rough-woodlouse/#knowledge-checklists)

## Regular care and records

- [ ] Check consumption and unusual losses, remove spoiled supplements and inspect escape gaps. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-rough-woodlouse/#knowledge-checklists)
- [ ] Keep simple records so problems can be traced to recent changes. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-rough-woodlouse/#knowledge-checklists)

## When to stop and seek help

- [ ] Repeated deaths, failed moults or sustained population decline need a review of moisture, food, contamination and additions with an experienced keeper. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-rough-woodlouse/#knowledge-health)
- [ ] Do not respond with indiscriminate chemicals. [Full advice](https://wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/common-rough-woodlouse/#knowledge-health)