The Giant African Millipedes live in the wild or in a zoo.Bug exhibits at zoos are popular because they are large and interesting to look at.It's possible to raise your own Giant African Millipedes.Before you bring them home, make sure you know how to care for them.
Step 1: Purchase your millipedes.
You need to purchase them in order to care for them.Most traditional pet stores don't carry this species.It is a good idea to look for an online retailer.You can run an internet search for "Giant African Millipedes".Do your background research when you find companies that sell them.There are reviews of current customers.A company that has a satisfied customer base is a good choice.It is important that the company has experience with shipping Giant African Millipedes.It's important that yours arrive safely.Legal in the U.S. are giant African Millipedes.It's a good idea to ask permission before buying if you live with your parents.
Step 2: Purchase a cage.
If you want to buy a good home for your millipedes, head to your local pet supply store.Clear plastic or glass tanks can be used to house small pets and reptiles.It should have a lid that has multiple air holes.You will need either a 5 or 10 gallon tank.They need space to stretch out and move around, but they can live comfortably in groups.The larger the cage, the longer it should be.If you have a 12 inch millipede, your cage should be at least 24 inches long.Babies can live in a small plastic container.Make sure there are air holes in the lid.
Step 3: Pick the right environment.
You should look around your home to find the best location once you have the right cage.When the temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees, millets do well.You can keep them warm in a small room in your house.Make sure they don't get too cold.They won't thrive in cold weather.You can buy a heating pad to place under the cage.An employee at the store can give you a recommendation.Don't put the cage in a garage, or in an outdoor garden shed.
Step 4: The cage should be kept clean.
They don't need toys or decorations for the cage, but they do need a clean environment.It is a good idea to clean the cage once a week.To make room for a temporary home, remove your millipedes.It's best if you have a backup tank.The food should be removed from the cage.To clean the floor of the tank, use a paper towel or cloth.Use a mild soap to wash the tank.Dry with paper towels or a clean cloth.If you have multiple animals in the same cage, you should clean more frequently.
Step 5: Feed your animals.
You will need to feed your pet a healthy diet.They feed off of decaying live matter in their environment.In the wild, this means trees, moss, and other plants.You can provide your animals with a wide variety of produce.Cucumbers, lettuce, and zucchini are good options.African Millipedes eat grapes, yams, and apples.The produce in the cage will be eaten by the millipedes over the course of the day.When they are running low, add more food.
Step 6: The environment should be moist.
The atmosphere in the cage needs to meet the needs of the millipedes.They thrive in damp soil.They should put some soil and moss in their cage.This can be purchased at gardening stores.Purchase organic soil with no added chemicals.Unless the cage is in a very dry area, you don't need to provide water.You can place cotton wool under the soil or moss by soaking it in water.Water can be misted into the cage with a spray bottle.This is done every couple of days.
Step 7: Handle them with care.
Don't be aggressive, just be gentle.Pick them up using two hands.You want to support their entire body because they can be long.They do not sting or bite.They will not hurt you.You can teach your children to gently hold the millipedes.This will be a great experience.When scared, millets can curl into a ball.Place them back in their home if this happens.
Step 8: Monitor their health.
During the day, millets are usually sedentary.They like to move around their cage at night.If you notice that your millipede isn't moving much, it could be a sign that it's not healthy.Remaining tightly curled is a warning sign.When they are frightened or threatened, they curl up.It may not feel well if it doesn't relax.If you want to know how to treat an ill millipede, contact a zoo.Many local vets won't have experience handling them because they are not native to the U.S.
Step 9: Do your homework.
It's important to learn about the species before you bring a pet into your home.Make sure you are prepared to care for your animals.Add housing and supplies to your budget if you know how much you will spend.The lifespan of giant African Millipedes is between 4-7 years.When purchasing some, take this into account.They are long-term pets.You should be aware that giant african milpedes will breed.Don't count on preventing breeding because it is hard to tell if you have a male or female.If breeding occurs, be prepared to buy more cages.
Step 10: Ask questions
Talk to an expert if you want to raise giant african limpedes.Ask your local doctor if he knows anything about the species.The local zoo can be a resource.Ask the nearest zoo if they can provide you with information on Giant African Millipedes.You can visit the bug exhibit at the zoo on a field trip.There are additional tips for housing and feeding.
Step 11: Speak to others about millipedes.
You can find ways to share your knowledge if you find that you have a passion for raising Giant African Millipedes.If you want to show your class your pets, ask your science teacher.They are fascinating to watch.You can join a message board.You can discuss your ideas with other owners.