How to Feed and Care for Baby Leopard Slugs

How to Care for Leopard Slugs

“I found a leopard slug about 2 weeks ago, and it had 30 eggs. The slug babies are not fully formed yet. It just happened last night. I sprayed the plastic container and put out fresh leaves and decaying matter. Do slugs eat store-bought chicken? I´m asking this, because I cannot find any info on how to take care of baby slugs. The mom/dad is doing fine and is very protective. Is there anything I need to do for her? What else should I feed her, how should I spray her environment, and how else should I care for her? Any information you can provide would be great. – Kemi”

Caring for New Slugs

Have your new slugs hatched yet? If she just laid the eggs last night, it will take about a month for them to hatch, but if you found them already formed it is going to be hard to tell when they will become active. When the slugs do hatch, they will be fully formed and ready to eat the same food you are giving the mother.

Leopard slugs are omnivores and will eat meat and rotting vegetables. The mother and the babies could certainly eat store-bought chicken, but not fresh, as it is going to be too hard to swallow when it is just thawed. I would recommend that you keep a can of moist cat food on hand so that you can put it down when the baby slugs hatch. It is going to be sort of “pre-digested” and a lot easier to swallow. It is not going to stink up your house like a piece of rotting chicken and will still be easy for the little ones to digest.

Their mother does not need any special care. You do need to feed her anything but old vegetables and anything else from your refrigerator. When you spray the aquarium, you are also allowing some algae growth, so she is eating that, too, as will the hatchlings, even if you do not see it.

Spraying the Slugs’ Environment

As far as how often to spray the environment, that will depend. You can use any water spray bottle. If she is in a glass aquarium or a plastic storage box with a screen top, once a day is fine, as the leaves and compost you have already added will absorb the moisture and keep it comfortable for her and her babies. If you are using a cardboard or wooden box, it will dry out a little quicker. So if you put your hand in and the bedding is drying out, you will need to spread it more often, maybe twice a day.

These are interesting little pets, but kind of like fish in that they are fun to watch but do not need to be handled. Best of luck with the new babies!

This article is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from your veterinarian. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2024 Mark dos Anjos, DVM