AGB Tank (pic)

[Wade]

My bins aren't totally dry. I have about 3-4" of substrate (mostly sphagnum moss and dead hardwood leaves) which I moisten periodically. Ideally, I like it when the surface layer looks and feels dry to the touch, but if I dig down an inch or two I can fee moisture. All my containers have well-ventilated tops, i.e. screen. This allows for a lot of ventilation, and sometimes if I'm not careful they will get pretty dry, but I've yet to loose any when this happens (again, I think babies are probably more delicate). On the other hand, when I first started keeping millis, I was keeping them in poorly-ventilated, overly moist containers and I was loosing them left and right. Now, deaths are rare and the millis seem to thrive even if I've neglected them.

When I moisten, I pour water into the substrate, much quicker than a mister! Of course, it's easier to overdo it this way as well, which is where the screen helps. It's hard to describe exactly how moist is too moist, but if you can squeeze water out of a handful of substrate, then you're definately too moist. Peat has the advantage of changing color when it's moist. If you look at your container from the side and see light brown (dryish) peat on top and dark brown (moist) peat below, you're probably doing pretty good. If it's too dry for the babies (or adults for that matter) on the top, they can always go below.

It's possible to keep them in limited ventilation containers as well, but I've never mastered the art of balancing the right amount of moisture in those. Possibly, nearly bone dry peat may be in order in that senario. I've just found it easier to wet it and then let dry. It's a system that is working for me, but doutless others have alternatives.

Honestly, I'm not sure weather the millis lay eggs on the surface or not. Since the eggs are encased in fecal pellets, you can't (or at least I can't) tell eggs from regular poop. I would assume that the eggs are laid in the lower regions rather than on the surface. The fecal pellet may also provide a certain amout of protection from dessication.

Wade

 

[Frank]

Oh thanks, I'm thinking of puting a screen on the top, to be sure that everything is well ventilated (and with your babies' story..)






Thanks, Frank

 

[Bob]

Wade,
Any suggestions on what to feed the GABs? I had them a few years ago and they loves yellow squash. I am picking up a few tonight. I kept mine far to wet in the past and got a bad case of mites.
I will try again with what you are doing.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Wade]

Bob-

Squash is good, but it's also a good idea to get some variety. Among the things I feed mine are:

Overripe or wilted produce from the fridge (originally purchased for human consumption) such as salad greens, carrots, apples, bananas, pears, potatoes etc.

Frozen mixed veggies. I find myself using this more and more frequently of late. Very cheap from the grocery store, and the millis seem to love it. Exactly what veggies are in there probably varies according to brand, but usually there's corn, green beans, lima beans, peas, and diced carrots. since it's frozen, you only need to thaw out the amount you need without worringing about the rest going bad. Very convientent.

Many keepers also use sliced cucumbers and sweet potatos. You may or may not want to add some high protien foods like fish food or dry dog food nuggets. They will eat this, but it is not clear weather they really need it or not. I do think the use of this type of food can lead to cage problems such as mites and flies. If used sparingly, it's probably OK.

Wade

 

[Bob]

Thanks Wade,
I found a real nice 8 inch female at Petco. No Males. I will check the other Petcos this weekend. They seam to be harder to find here in Portland. Maybe wrong time of year...........


Bob