We think of slugs as slimy gross things but actually they make wonderful pets. Slugs are easy to care for and they are good for older kids. Younger kids might accidentally squash the slug wanting to hold it, or they might forget to care for the slug.
Step 1
Keep your slugs in a aquarium or in a large critter keeper with a lot of floor space.
Step 2
Add substrate. For substrate you can use dirt (2 inches deep) from the backyard or Bed a Beast, Eco Earth etc., from your local pet store.
Step 3
Add leaves, sticks and rocks to make your slug feel at home.
Step 4
Use a spray bottle with spring or de-chlorinated water, misting the tank once or twice a day. Slugs like the tank moist, not soaking wet, so don't overdo the misting.
Step 5
Feed your slug green lettuce,dogfood, kale, cucumber slices and other veggies. Slugs also like sweet things so occasionally, let them eat cake. The piece must be really tiny! Too much, and your slug will die of a sugar surge.(if you give them dogfood make sure you give only 1-3 pieces)
Step 6
Replace the soil monthly and remove old food pieces weekly. A water dish is not needed! do not get a water dish. a water dish will drown your slug!
Tips
- If you can't find slugs at your pet store, go slug-hunting after it rains. You might find some slugs if it rains hard. Look under rocks, leaves, pieces of wood or even on your window and also your door step.If even that does not work leave an emty bag of dogfood(leave some crumbs in it!) in your garage,yard,windowsill,ect.and check it before the crack of dawn.
- Having more than one slug is fine , but not absolutly needed.If you have wood in your back yard or a old tarp that has been sitting out for a while check under them they often house slugs.
Warnings
- Be gentle when you handle your slug and don't keep your slug with amphibians unless your slug is too big for the amphibian to eat.
- NEVER, NEVER keep your slug in direct sunlight. also never cover the holes by the head of the slug.( those are its breathing holes)
- I would discourage families with young or intermediate-age children from keeping slugs without strict supervision. This is because of the dangers of the children becoming infected with theAngiostrongylus infections in humans. Please go to:
- http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/angiostrongylus/factsht_angiostrongylus.htm. Ron Hines DVM PhD
Things You'll Need
- A aquarium or a LARGE critter keeper with a lot of floorspace, veggies, spray bottle, spring or tap water de-chlorinated, soil.
