Is my Millipede alright?

[irvine1]

Hi

Im usually on the gecko forums but i have brought my girlfriend a millipede and have got most of my care sheets off the internet and i think i have done everything right but the millipede never comes out of his hide only to eat.

Could anyone give me any advice please

Ive been told to keep temp at around 75f and humidity between 60 & 70% but my humidity is at 75% at the moment, how do i bring it down?

Should i have a heat mat? people say diffrent things.

What are the basics in the tank ? at the moment i have hides, food & water and i have been told to get a cuttle fish?

Any help would be great

Thanks

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

While I don't keep Milli's, I'm going to do my best to help you out. Here some things I would suggest.

I'm really not familiar with their desired temps, so I would suggest you look at as many sources as you can and go with the most recurring information. Knowing what environments they come from, 75f sounds maybe a bit low. I would think closer to or just a bit above 80f, but please check around first. Again, I don't have any experience keeping these.

The only way to get the humidity down would be to not humidify the enclosure long enough for some of the moisture to evaporate. Just keep a close eye on the hygrometer, because Millipedes do need humidity.

If you need a heat source really depends on if the temps are adequate without it or not. You'll know the answer to that question when you make a determination what the temps should be.

In the cage, the minimum you'll need are: a substrate that holds humidity well (I'd suggest either peat moss or coco-fiber), a water dish, a food source, and hiding spots. I've never heard of the cuttle fish! Do you have any reasoning why this would be necessary?

The most logical reason I can think of for your Milipede to be hiding is either that it's getting ready to shed, or it's gravid and will soon give birth. Your best bet is to just let it hide when it wants, and keep stress to a minimum.

A great source for invert information is The Venom List. I'd suggest registering and checking for information there. There are a great number of very experienced keepers on those boards, and I have no doubt that someone over there will be able to help you out. Good Luck!

 

[irvine1]

Hi

Thanks for your help. Much appriciated

I have been out today and brought a small heat mat to bring the temp up abit and some extra hides, the tank looks well now.

I also come away with another Millipede!! lol the pet shop give it me for free.

I have been told that a cuttle fish priovides them will calcium? anyway it cant do any harm so i have put a small piece in.

Thanks again.

 

[laughing dog]

wheres your store, thats giving away free critters?

 

[oddprawn]

room temps are fine, my room temp varies from 75-80f

humidity is fine at 75 infact you may see them more often

as far as calcuim, dusting their vedge is more effective than cuttle fish, mines dont touch it its too hard.