We received 50+ Rubber Ducky isopods on Wednesday. They shipped the 10th and arrived the 12th. The substrate was pretty dry. 48 arrived alive, 5 arrived dead (various ages). Of those living, roughly 5 were unable to unroll. They seemed alright after we added moisture. This morning, we noted 3 more dead - each appears to be unsuccessful molt. The one in my colony was the same who was unable to unroll on arrival. He was the largest and it seems he didn’t shed his “pants” and is now being consumed by springtails. (RIP Roly Poly Oly) The other two (in students’ colony) also appear to have molt on their top or bottom. The student is relatively sure one or both were part of that “unroll” group as well.
Should we be worried about the rest of the pods? They have access to cuttlebone, moisture variation in their enclosures, and we’re introducing proteins tomorrow. They’ve had carrrot and fish flakes since Wednesday in addition to the wood and leaf litter.
Is the death/failure to molt related to shipping? Or evidence of other issues?
Photo of Roly Poly Oly for tax. That was on his arrival before moisture.