Help with Orthoporus ornatus

[grimmjowls]

My partner recently picked up a millipede from a pet store going out of business. They've had her for about a week now. The first few days she was checking everything out, ate the food given to her, doing absolutely fine. The past few days she's been curled up, or half curled up for the most part. She's still alive, my partner's said that they can see her move every so often, and she does change positions/areas she's hanging out, and wiggling her antennae. She doesn't seem lethargic.

My partner checked on her today and said she was not curled up in a tight ball, but still somewhat curled up. She's moving around, but not a lot. She hasn't eaten, either. Last confirmed time she ate was Monday, but she's been given fresh food twice since then.

We don't know her age, but the pet store employee said all the millipedes are young.

Please, any help or insight would be appreciated.

Photos of her.

 

[grimmjowls]

Checking Cavedweller's basic guide, I see that she should have a bigger enclosure. I'll be passing that on. I hope that's the only problem.

 

[arizonablue]

Definitely a bigger enclosure. I'd also recommend a hide of some sort and something to climb. How moist are you keeping it? O. ornatus generally like it drier than other millipedes.

 

[mickiem]

She's beautiful! She would probably also like a little more depth. The substrate looks like straight coir - you might want to add some organic matter.

 

[Chris52]

Sounds like what happened to my first O. ornatus. My number one guess from what's been said would be excessive moisture. This species typically needs a lot less than other millipedes. At this point, if it's just half-curled and barely moving, there is almost no chance of recovery. Sorry

 

[RTTB]

Let us know how things turn out.