Substrate for isopods- wood pellets?

[Myrlina]

I've been researching what to keep my isopods on, and I've come across a formula (I think it originated on here) of organic compost, leaf litter and soaked wood pellets. The pellets used in the example are hardwood fuel pellets but I'm wondering if horse bedding pellets would work. They will contain softwood but apparently a lot of isopods prefer softwood and it is safe as long as it is not fresh and sappy. Or even wood cat litter pellets. Any thoughts?

 

[Lucky123]

I've been researching what to keep my isopods on, and I've come across a formula (I think it originated on here) of organic compost, leaf litter and soaked wood pellets. The pellets used in the example are hardwood fuel pellets but I'm wondering if horse bedding pellets would work. They will contain softwood but apparently a lot of isopods prefer softwood and it is safe as long as it is not fresh and sappy. Or even wood cat litter pellets. Any thoughts?

As long as you know whats in the specific ones you will buy, i dont know everything that is toxic to isopods but i wouldnt recomend anything containing cypress bark which releases toxins as it decays.

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

I think cat litter pellets are typically mostly pine, which has insecticidal properties. If it's really super rotten the dangerous components will decay and be rendered harmless, but I wouldn't trust cat litter pellets not to contain treated wood anyway.

 

[Matts inverts]

Fir or cypress are different from other softwoods so they are safe but not there favorite. If you are looking to save money, go buy some aspen from a horse place or go down to the local forest and collect freshly fallen or semi rotten hardwood branches or logs. Either chop them up and mix or lay on top of some soil for them to eat