Business idea · E-commerce
Roly-Poly Breeding Business
Roly-Poly Breeding Business is a unique side hustle where individuals breed roly-poly bugs and sell them to niche markets such as reptile owners or as cleaning crews for terrariums. It was pitched on The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper, in the episode "766: We Found Reddit’s Weirdest Side Hustles" (aired October 22, 2026).
At a glance
| Podcast | The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Nick Loper |
| Episode | 766: We Found Reddit’s Weirdest Side Hustles |
| Aired | October 22, 2026 |
| Category | E-commerce |
| Real companies on the episode | Rebel School, Cats About Town Tours, Gusto, Shopify, Mobile Billboard Advertising, 1-800-GOT-JUNK |
The problem it solves
This business addresses the need for affordable food sources for reptiles and helps maintain the cleanliness of pet enclosures.
How it makes money
One-time purchase, with the potential for subscription services for consistent supply.
Skills you need
Basic knowledge of breeding insects, organizational skills, and marketing skills to reach target customers.
The market, and why this works now
Etsy's recent policy adjustments allow sellers to target niche buyers more effectively, making it an ideal platform for selling roly-poly bugs to reptile owners and terrarium enthusiasts. A first revenue move could involve listing breeding kits and live insects directly on Etsy, appealing to hobbyists seeking sustainable food sources for their pets. Founders may face initial challenges in managing breeding populations, as maintaining optimal conditions for growth can be labor-intensive and require consistent monitoring.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Rebel School
An educational platform offering free courses on business and finance.
- Cats About Town Tours
A walking tour service in New York City specifically tailored for cat lovers, showcasing local cats and their stories.
- Gusto
An online payroll and benefits software designed for small businesses.
- Shopify
An e-commerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create their own online stores.
- Mobile Billboard Advertising
Individuals wrap their cars in advertising and get paid for displaying ads while driving.
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK
A junk removal service that helps people clear out unwanted items from their homes or businesses.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: The Side Hustle Show, hosted by Nick Loper
Episode: 766: We Found Reddit’s Weirdest Side Hustles
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.