Buzz
Millipedes, unlike centipedes, possess a calm and harmless demeanor, despite their eerie appearance with segmented bodies and numerous legs. Contrary to common belief, millipedes belong to a distinct category and are not classified as insects. With proper attention to their diet, habitat, and well-being, you can anticipate caring for a millipede for over three years!
Steps
Setting Up a Habitat for Your Millipede
Choose a 5 US gal (19 L) aquarium without holes and equipped with a secure lid for your millipede's enclosure. Ensuring proper ventilation is crucial! Cover the tank's top to prevent your millipede from escaping, or ensure that the lid is at least three times taller than the length of your millipede or spacious enough for its comfort. Millipedes can easily stretch and climb various surfaces, so it's best to keep the top securely closed.
- If you plan to house multiple millipedes, opt for a larger tank. Aim for a tank size three times the combined length of your millipedes.
Prepare the Enclosure with Mulch: Add a layer of damp mulch, such as moss or bark, to the bottom of the enclosure. Ensure it is about 5 inches thick to provide the necessary moisture for your millipede's well-being.
Provide Hiding Spots: Offer hiding spots for your millipede to feel secure. Utilize items like old vases or plastic domes with holes for shelter. Natural elements like deadwood or artificial decorations can serve as both hiding places and decorative features.
Maintain Optimal Temperature: Keep the enclosure temperature between 65–75 °F (18–24 °C) using a heating lamp or mat. Ensure one half of the enclosure has gentle warmth, replicating the millipede's natural habitat.
Use Red Light for Illumination: Illuminate the enclosure with a red light to prevent startling your millipede. Bright lights may cause stress, so opt for a red light, which emits a wavelength suitable for creatures accustomed to dark environments.
Manage Millipede Co-Habitation: Keep millipedes of the same species together but separate different species to avoid conflicts. If housing different species, divide the enclosure into sections or use separate enclosures to ensure their well-being and prevent territorial disputes.
Ensuring a Balanced Diet for Your Millipede
Offer a Variety of Foods: Provide vegetables, fruits, leaves, and wood to cater to your millipede's dietary needs. Observe its eating habits and adjust the food offerings accordingly to ensure optimal nutrition.
Provide Clean Water: Place purified or chlorine-free water in a shallow bowl filled with rocks to prevent drowning. Regularly replace the water to maintain cleanliness and prevent health issues.
Monitor Food and Water: Discard uneaten food promptly and replace water daily to maintain freshness. Removing rotting food and changing water helps prevent contamination and fungal growth in the enclosure.
Ensuring Your Millipede's Well-Being
Keep the Enclosure Clean: Use a 3% bleach solution to clean the enclosure and replace the mulch weekly. Ensure thorough rinsing to remove any traces of bleach, as even small amounts can harm your millipede.
Monitor Your Millipede's Activity: Regularly check if your millipede is eating normally and moving around its cage. Ensure it receives the appropriate diet and replace its water daily to maintain its health and activity levels.
Prevent Fungal Growth: Check the enclosure for fungal growth during cleaning. Use a 3% bleach solution to clean affected areas and consider changing the mulch type. Regularly clean the water bowl and monitor for mold throughout the week.
Limit Handling: Avoid removing your millipede from its habitat for extended periods. Minimize daytime handling and exposure to bright lights, as millipedes are nocturnal and sensitive to light. Handle with care and avoid pinching motions to prevent injury.
Useful Tips
- When handling millipedes, ensure to wash your hands thoroughly before and after to prevent introducing new bacteria to their habitat.
- Despite their appearance, millipedes are intriguing creatures to observe, especially during breeding when they intertwine and remain connected until mating is complete.
Important Warnings
- After cleaning with bleach, ensure complete removal of any residue from the enclosure.
- If a millipede becomes frightened, it may curl up and emit a scent. Return it to its habitat and wash your hands promptly if this occurs during handling.
Essential Supplies
- Aquarium
- Heat mat or lamp
- Thermometer
- Mulch
- Artificial or natural wood
- Hiding spots
- Fruits, vegetables, wood, and plants
- 3% bleach solution
- Water bowl
