First Millipedes

[bryverine]

I've been looking at letting my 9 year old get some millipedes as they seem the safer alternate to Scolopendra.

I'm thinking either Chicobolus spinigerus or Narceus americanus.

They will probably be housed in a modified medium KK (hot glue in excess holes) or hobby lobby model box like I use for my tarantulas.
We don't really have access to hard wood that I trust to be free of "yuckies" so I'll be getting some hardwood substrate to add.

We're looking at getting 2 millipedes.
1. Will one of each be happy?
2. Are they (milipedes) both hardy enough that I can check in once a week and leave the rest to him?
3. Can a dubia hang out in there with the millipedes or will it eat them? (He like the way some of my females look)

Thanks!

 

[Wesley Smith]

I’ve never heared of keeping Dubia with millipedes, I would suggest against that. I would also discourage you from using those containers, sterilite bins work great, for just two of either of those the “shoe box” size would be just fine; though I recommend the kind with a locking lid.

 

[bryverine]

I’ve never heared of keeping Dubia with millipedes, I would suggest against that.

Huh, i was hoping to sneak in another 'pet'. But if it's going to eat the millipedes, I'd rather not.

I would also discourage you from using those containers, sterilite bins work great, for just two of either of those the “shoe box” size would be just fine; though I recommend the kind with a locking lid.

Thanks for the reply!

What's wrong with the hobby lobby boxes? Is there some major difference I can't think of besides clarity compared to sterilite?

 

[Wesley Smith]

Not sure what the hobby lobby boxes are that you’re referring to, I really referring to the KK when saying I discourage the housing plans.

 

[bryverine]

Not sure what the hobby lobby boxes are that you’re referring to, I really referring to the KK when saying I discourage the housing plans.

I embedded a link in my first reply to you.


Anyone have answers to my first two questions?

 

[mickiem]

I think the Hobby Lobby boxes would be fine. Millipedes are very social and I think they would be happier with their own kind. Chicobolus are much more active and stay up top more. Gordanus are fossorial and rarely come up. Good luck!

PS - I love those Hobby Lobby boxes!

 

[bryverine]

@mickiem
Is something like this ok? I previously used it for my dubia, but it holds humidity better than I wanted for the 100 or so that were in there. The mesh spacing is about 1.5mm.

Also, that sub is just some shredded forest moss and coco fiber for under the hardwood sub (it'll come in with the 2 Chicobolus).

 

[mickiem]

You may need to cover some of the venting. I can't tell from the photo how much of the top is meshed. I use

similar​

tubs, with a little less ventilation. Most people don't keep water dishes in with their millipedes; they get enough moisture from their food. Its always a bad idea to have something heavy above where they could have a molting/ brooding cell. I notice they 'lick' droplets of water from the side when I spray, so they may appreciate a bowl, but I still keep it out for the above mentioned reasons.

I'm glad you decided on the two Ivories; they make much better pets.

 

[bryverine]

You may need to cover some of the venting. I can't tell from the photo how much of the top is meshed. I use

similar​

tubs, with a little less ventilation. Most people don't keep water dishes in with their millipedes; they get enough moisture from their food. Its always a bad idea to have something heavy above where they could have a molting/ brooding cell. I notice they 'lick' droplets of water from the side when I spray, so they may appreciate a bowl, but I still keep it out for the above mentioned reasons.

I'm glad you decided on the two Ivories; they make much better pets.

Less than 8% of the lid and even then, the mesh is pretty dense.
Worst case I'll cover up part of the vents. What should I be looking for to find the optimal ventilation?

E.g. Sub takes 2 days to dry on surface

 

[mickiem]

If you mist 2-3 X a week, the surface shouldn’t dry out? I’m taking a guess here, I’ve never really measured this way. Make certain water isn’t collecting in the bottom. Just keep watching it; you’ll figure it out.