HodgePodge Pods

10/30/2022

Give us a message if your interested, they have went fast, one culture left.

09/30/2022

In light of how blessed we have been during this storm (Hurricane Ian) we want to do what we can to help. We realize many others including people close to us have not been as fortunate. We will be running a sale and majority of proceeds will be going to help those in need from anything from gas for generators, debris cleanup, delivery of necessities, housing of animals, and much more. We will be posting a list tomorrow any folks who place a order will also be logged with extra rewards points on our site that can go towards money off future orders. So keep a eye out for the list in groups and our page, thank you for your support.

09/18/2022

Nice size brood!!

08/17/2022

Good afternoon, Arthropod people. I know it's been a long time of absent social media. We have been focusing on upgrading enclosures. And implementing some new techniques and expanding space. We are not even close to done, but I am going to make a conscious effort to get on more and get to finishing up the site. As always don't hesitate to message with any questions or help you may need , we are still here for everyone. We may not get back as quickly as usual but we still want to help if needed. Thanks for all the support, even with the absence. You all rock. With that said post up any new projects or anything exciting you all have been getting into.

03/22/2022

Check out our first Species Spotlight "Learn and Earn". Featuring Armadillidium gestroi

We will have a new spotlighted species every month. You can learn with us and then take off a discount for that species.

The site is not fully functional yet. So the discount is on hold untill site is all the way live.

Let us know if there are things you would like added to our next one. If you will be looking forward to more species spotlights and any candidates for the next one. !

Be sure to heart the blog post and comment your thoughts!



https://www.hodgepodge-pods.com/post/species-spotlight-armadillidium-gestroi

Care- Beginner ✓ Bioactive - All Animals ✓ Temperate Climate ✓ Fan Favorite ✓ Armadillidium gestroi is a native to Europe. Although they originated in the hobby from the shores of France, consisting of limestone, granite, and sandstone. Armadillidium is the genus these isopods are classed to...

03/22/2022

Indulge Your Brain: SPECIES SPOTLIGHT - Armadillidium gestroi!
Roll in and check it out now!

Care- Beginner ✓ Bioactive - All Animals ✓ Temperate Climate ✓ Fan Favorite ✓ Armadillidium gestroi is a native to Europe. Although they originated in the hobby from the shores of France, consisting of limestone, granite, and sandstone. Armadillidium is the genus these isopods are classed to...

03/21/2022

If you follow our page, come check out the group HodgePodge ArthroPods (All Bug Keepers Welcome) .

You will surely find your place there with whatever Arthropods you keep. Check it out.



Beetles, mantis, isopods, worms, slugs,snails, millipedes, springtails, moths, grasshoppers, roaches, crabs, spiders, scorpions,aquatic insects and many more.

03/17/2022

The only food dishes in a array of sizes to fit your needs !!

03/13/2022

Oh she plump!

03/13/2022

Our chow is formulated with over 10 ingredients. The video only shows a few. Isopods, millipedes, roaches, all springtails and even beetles dig this. We offer extra meaty, extra veggie or even extra calcium mixes as well. Variety is key in any diet.

03/12/2022

Environmental awareness is an important factor that sometimes becomes overlooked when keeping exotic arthropods. It is our (HodgePodge Pods) and (Any and all Vendors)duty as USDA APHIS PPQ526 to notify you of proper containment, avoidance of release, safe disposal, and distribution practices. Permits are issued by the Biological Supply Company and are necessary because these organisms could have an impact on agriculture or the environment if misused. All too often we see posts, videos, forum comments, or posts in groups that claim that an arthropod has escaped, or was found across the house. This is a very dangerous topic to get into and believe it or not we are being monitored. This is how new regulations come into play and how they are able to pass with ease. By merely showing online interactions in the community they can show that we are being irresponsible as keepers. It is your utmost responsibility to contain any regulated or nonregulated organisms in proper enclosures. The reasoning for regulations is very important and necessary as we identify by just seeing all these posts. Keeping these amazing animals is not just about keeping them we must focus on all aspects of proper practices.

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Some arthropods that are commonly for purchase are classed as regulated organisms and can not be released into the environment for any reason. These organisms may be able to establish themselves in your area making them a threat to native wildlife, jeopardizing crops, and disrupting ecosystem functions. It is our due diligence to be responsible for keeping these organisms. Upon receiving any regulated organism you must take every precaution to avoid escape or release. You must contain them in escape-proof cages at all times within your home or facility. Cages that are accessible to anyone but you must be securely locked and sealed at all times when not being serviced. Your premise must be locked when not occupied by the permittee or their designee.

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It is highly encouraged to keep any regulated or nonregulated organisms in gasket-style enclosures or bins. To supply proper ventilation you can use our No-In No-Out Escape Proof Vents. These vents are installed with a fine mesh that not even the smallest gnat can get through. They are rustproof, chew-proof, and latch onto the bins in a locking fashion without any glues. There are other sellers who offer different style vents that may be suitable as well.

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Another important factor is where we are obtaining these creatures from. Getting any regulated organism from overseas without the proper paperwork is referred to as "brown boxing" and should not be gloated about in any posts or groups. This is a quick way to cause many problems for the community and anyone who interacts with these posts. Or shows interest in doing so. All specimens received from us will be captive bred in the continental USA F1 generation or later.

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If you must depart from your facility, home, or no longer wish to keep the regulated organisms you must destroy all live organisms and all materials exposed to them in a proper fashion. You may also transfer ownership over to another permitted keeper and notify the USDA of doing so.

Follow these steps for proper disposal:

1. Collect all living specimens and any related substrates, moss, woods, leaves inside of enclosures
2. Place them into appropriate sized plastic bags and seal
3. Place them in the freezer and freeze for 3 days (72 hours)
4. Dispose of them in your regular trash

Thank you for being responsible keepers and practicing proper environmental awareness. We will have in-depth articles coming soon on the effects of invasive species(being in Florida we know all to well) and why these practices are so important. If we keep the highest standards we will be able to enjoy these amazing arthropods for years to come.

Do it for the Pods the Arthropods,

HodgePodge Pods

Anyone is welcome to message us. For further explanation or help in any areas of keeping.

03/11/2022

Nice new bin, for a bin switch.

03/10/2022

New cards still have to get logos on and such! These are life savers especially at shows. We will have physical cards as well with QR codes. Some folks rather have a physical card and to throw in boxes. We get asked when we are out alot especially at pet stores dropping off and these come In handy!!

Don't ask why my phone is so slow 😒
And you know why my fingernails are so dirty 😅

03/10/2022

For detritivorous arthropods cork bark is a unneeded space waster. It is sterile does not break down therefore is not a active food source. Old oak barks and other barks are much more suited. Cork bark is great for reptiles , tarantulas and other none detritivorous arthropods. Millipedes and isopods do not benefit from this. We are here to crush out some of those bad practices that have been spread.

03/09/2022

Jackpot!! This is what your millipedes want, white rot. The wood is spongy to the touch. Isopods as well. Hard crumble wood is still to far gone for what millipedes prefer.

03/09/2022

All mixed up. Only took a year for some of the components to be ready. Thankfully we have a supply that let's us up keep enough to do this. And continue to make more product. The pockets that a substrate with good aeration make , are a fantastic place for mancae to hang out and get all that humidity they need . Also for the bacteria to colonize. We find plenty of adults in the pockets throughout , of all species ! We use this for our reptile enclosures as well.

03/09/2022

Products you should be using In your detritivorous organisms enclosures are already decaying , preferably none sterile products. NO BAKE SOAK! IF YOU ARE WORRIED ,TO HELP RETAIN BENEFICIAL BACTERIA.Some misconceptions on the right way to make a beneficial substrate are spreading fast. We want all keepers to succeed but most of all for the kept to thrive.
Making a substrate with the thumbs up ingredients will get you off to a good start. These are the basics we use, we add some other additives as well. Any one is more then welcome to ask.

When purchasing pre made substrates do your research. Ask questions. Beware.

03/08/2022

This is all naturally degraded magnolia pods. (About 1 year) This is a fantastic stand-alone (add calcium and a few little tweaks) for springtails, it is a soil now, or additive In a substrate. We use it both ways. This bag didn't get monitored to well . It will get resealed and left in the heat for a bit and soaked if need be, before use. When making your substrates these are the kinds of things that will benefit you, broken down materials. BBQ pellets although safe are just a extra cost and add no benefit as a food source . They must first be fermented for some time. Water is just turning them into sawdust not breaking them down. We do this with leaves and wood also. If you have some extra space and time give it go.

03/08/2022

Not so happy for a tank cleaning. Even In a Bioactive tank there is no hope, you must clean weekly or bi-weekly because they just love to p**p on the dang walls! Mini steamer is your friend when you have a tank full of plants and decor and have to get to the walls.
AuROARa the Leachie.

03/06/2022

Porcellio morroco

03/04/2022

Yummy Time !

03/03/2022

Some food for thought, PLEASE READ!

With the isopod hobby growing everyday,and so many new communtiy members joining we really MUST start putting out the right information and care. (We will be having articles about reinventing bio activity very soon, I encourage you all to stay tuned for that and subscribe when you can.) Many things that have become staples in this community are in fact just wrong. The main reason for this post is cleaning up the naming process. The naming process for new morphs in isopods has become a problem. Naming morphs complete different things without their original names attached. I understand it probably helps move your new cool morph faster giving it a snazzy name. In fact, some folks think it is a new species and not just a morph. Here is where the problem starts. For instance, we have Cubaris sp Rubber Ducky, this has morphs that we refer to as Cubaris sp Blonde Ducky or Cubaris sp Pink Ducky. We also have Cubaris sp White Duck ,which is not a morph of Cubaris sp Rubber Duck. This can cause confusion to new people and also confusion later on when we do start identifying these species more clearly. For instance, when they get scientific names down the road. Instead of knowing all the derivatives that came from each one it will again be a guessing game. Instead it should be labeled as such ,Cubaris sp Rubber Ducky "Blonde" or Cubaris sp Rubber Ducky "Pink" . Again can be said for the white and purple morph of Cubaris sp Silver Ghost. That is now labeled Cubaris sp Yeti and Cubaris sp Purple Ghost. These should read as Cubaris sp Silver Ghost "Yeti" and Cubaris sp Silver Ghost "Purple". You can still name it your fancy name if you would like but it should accompany and follow its original given name. So we can decipher morphs against different locals or species. Naming things this way will also help people point out what are the same morphs that people just have labeled differently . For example Armadillidium maculatum Zebra "White" or Armadillidium Maculatum Zebra "Snow" .Having the morph name labeled behind the original name helps people to know okay both of those are from original zebras just White and not actaully a differnt type of Armadillidium maculatum like they may think if it was labeled Armadillidium maculatum Snow. This process is done when we do know the scientific name. If you look at all the Armadillidium vulgare morphs they are all labeled Armadillidium vulgare Magic Potion or Armadillidium vulgare Sunset. We need to follow suit with this. Even when we are just making placeholder names. Of course if you have just discovered a new species or what is thought to be a new species, the majority of the time you take the power in naming that species. Intill more research is done on its scientific class. But, anything that derives from that specific isopod should be labeled with its original given name. Everyday isopods are being reclassed. This is because most newly found isopods are just blanketed into the few main species we know of. When In reality they may very well be different. If we all try to follow this we can help from disrupting the hobby with misnamed or misidentified isopods. I also see vendors naming things completely different names then others. My theory is this makes them sound cuter to promote them, especially to new comers. This should be discourged!!. This hobby is not just about making your next b..u..c..k.. and some of us want to learn and identify these awesome crustaceans down the road. Polluting the community with cute gimmick names is not helping us. It is hurting us in the long run. Please everyone think about this, it will take all of us to help clean it up, but it is possible. Our site will have all morphs named as such and we hope we can make this a standing thing in the community. Let us know your thoughts ! Do you feel this is a problem. Has there ever been a instance that you thought one of these isopods was in fact a new species and not a morph? We would like to know.

03/03/2022

Cubaris sp Pak Chong

03/02/2022

Getting big.

03/02/2022

Looks like we might be getting a little flaky around here.

03/02/2022

If you haven't stopped In our Discord server you should come give it a peek lots of fun ways to win some new additions. Here are two that are live now.

https://discord.gg/b4WrdrGKAb

02/28/2022

Rhinocricus parcus

Chunky dudes.

02/28/2022

I want to express how grateful we are to all of you folks who support us !! We have gotten to over 1,000 likes on our page and it keeps growing everyday. We are beyond appreciative. Soon we will be having species spotlights , where you guys can learn about a species and than take a discount for that species. We will be hosting a 1500 page like giveaway!! We will be putting out many articles on care, diet, reinventing bio-activity , safe plant and trees list , and much much more. So for all that have followed stay tuned and for those who haven't don't miss out. 😉

Remember to always enjoy what you do. Don't let day to day life make everything feel like a chore. Keep the things you are most passionate about close to your heart.