If you’re seeking a unique beginner exotic pet that’s easy to keep and care for, look no further than the African giant millipede. … In general, giant millipedes are easy pets to care for, and they always get a great reaction from visitors!
Do giant millipedes like being handled?
Millipedes are generally fairly docile, and if handled carefully and with respect, are safe to pick up and look at. However, the pores of a millipede’s body can secrete a chemical substance that is irritating to the skin, and can be dangerous if it comes into contact with the eyes or mouth.
How do you keep a giant millipede as a pet?
Chose your cage – a small aquarium or large sweet jar is ideal, and ensure that the cage is escape proof (millipedes are able to push and lever hard so make sure that the lid is not easily removed). Humidity should be kept high, and the soil in the cage should be kept damp.
Can millipedes be kept as pets?
If you’ve never cared for an arthropod pet before, a millipede is a good first choice. … They’re fairly low maintenance pets and can be handled even by young children, with supervision, of course. Many pet stores sell African giant millipedes, which grow to 10 inches or more in length.
Do giant millipedes bite?
A millipede has weak jaws and cannot deliver a good bite, so instead it will coil into a ball and secrete a foul fluid from its body’s pores. Since centipedes are venomous, they are usually brightly colored as a warning to predators. Millipedes are typically not as colorful.
What do you feed pet millipedes?
In captivity, they can be fed a variety of vegetables and fruits, cut into small pieces. Softer vegetables and fruits are best, try leaf lettuce, cucumber (reported to be a favorite food of millipedes), tomatoes, melon, peaches, and bananas.
How long do giant millipedes live?
Life expectancy:
In the wild, giant African millipedes can live between 5 and 7 years.
Can millipedes live alone?
They can live alone, but they also can live with others. They will be fine either way. Do two males get along in the same cage? Yes, millipedes can live together if there’s enough room with no problem regardless of sex.
What is the lifespan of a centipede?
Provided that they are able to escape from predators and that their surroundings are conducive to survival, centipedes can live as long as six years. Among arthropods, this lifespan is considered longer than many.
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Are giant African millipedes illegal?
A docile species, A. gigas is commonly seen in the pet trade, however, imports of A. gigas, as well as a number of other millipedes, into the USA are banned due to agricultural damage caused by the mites they carry.
What do baby millipedes eat?
They eat damp or decaying wood particles. They also eat decaying leaves and other plant material. If their habitat starts to dry out, millipedes will attack living plants.
How long do millipedes live in captivity?
In captivity a millipede can live to be ten years old, but most specimens are wild-collected so it is impossible to predict how long one will live.
Can millipedes make you sick?
Nausea and vomiting may occur if you come into contact with a large number of millipedes and their toxins.
Do millipedes eat poop?
Millipedes are decomposers. They eat plant remains and feces.
Are millipedes bad in house?
Millipedes are NOT harmful to humans. They do not feed on buildings, structures, or furnishings. They also cannot bite or sting. In fact, they can be beneficial in your compost pile as they help to break down the contents.