Millipedes: Low-Maintenance Pets That Bring Joy and Fascination

If you’re looking for an exotic pet that’s fascinating, low-maintenance, and perfect for small spaces, a millipede might be the ideal choice. These gentle invertebrates are easy to care for and provide a unique experience for pet enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll explore why millipedes make excellent pets and how to care for them properly.

Why Choose a Pet Millipedes?

Millipedes are captivating creatures that bring a touch of nature into your home. Here’s why they make such wonderful companions:

In particular, the Giant Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) is a popular choice among pet owners due to its impressive size and docile temperament.opular choice among pet owners due to its impressive size and docile temperament.

Firstly, millipedes boast a gentle nature. They are non-aggressive and safe to handle with care.

Moreover, they have low-maintenance requirements. They’re easy to care for and need minimal upkeep.

In addition to their docile temperament, millipedes offer fascinating behavior. Watching a millipede explore its habitat is a calming and intriguing experience.

Furthermore, they are a space-saving pet. Their compact habitat fits comfortably in any room.

Setting Up a Habitat for Your Millipedes

Creating a comfortable environment is essential for your millipede’s well-being. Follow these steps to design the perfect habitat:

1. Choosing the Right Enclosure

A 10-gallon terrarium is suitable for one or two millipedes.
Ensure the enclosure has a secure lid to maintain humidity and prevent escape.

2. Substrate

Use a mix of coconut fiber, peat moss, and organic soil as the substrate.
The substrate should be 2-4 inches deep to allow your millipede to burrow.

3. Temperature and Humidity

Maintain a temperature between 70-78°F using a heating pad if needed.
Keep humidity levels at 75-85% by misting the enclosure regularly and monitoring with a hygrometer.

4. Decor and Hiding Spots

Add pieces of bark, leaf litter, and cork rounds for hiding and exploring.
Avoid sharp or rough materials that could harm your millipede.

5. Lighting

Millipedes do not require special lighting; ambient room light is sufficient.

What do millipedes eat ?

Millipedes are detritivores, meaning they feed on decaying organic matter. Provide a balanced diet with:

Leaf Litter: Make up the bulk of their diet with untreated, pesticide-free leaves.
Fresh Vegetables: Offer small pieces of cucumber, zucchini, or carrots.
Calcium Supplement: Add a cuttlebone or calcium powder to support a healthy exoskeleton.
Remove uneaten food to prevent mold and keep the habitat clean.

Handling Your Millipedes

Millipedes are safe to handle and can be a delightful experience. Keep these tips in mind:

Handle gently to avoid stressing the millipede.
Wash your hands before and after handling to prevent transferring harmful substances.
Be patient; let the millipede crawl onto your hand rather than picking it up.

Common Health Issues in Millipedes

Millipedes are hardy creatures but can face health problems if their environment isn’t properly maintained. Look out for:

Dehydration: Ensure consistent humidity levels.
Fungal Infections: Keep the enclosure clean and remove mold promptly.
Molting Issues: Provide a stress-free habitat during the molting process, as they are vulnerable at this time.

Fun Facts About Millipedes

Millipedes have been around for over 400 million years, making them one of Earth’s oldest land animals.
Despite their name, millipedes don’t have 1,000 legs—most species have between 30 and 400 legs.
Giant Millipedes can grow up to 12 inches long, making them one of the largest millipede species.

Is a Millipede the Right Pet for You?

Millipedes are an excellent choice for anyone interested in a unique and low-maintenance pet. Not only are they calm and intriguing creatures, but their fascinating behavior and minimal space requirements also make them ideal for both beginners and seasoned exotic pet enthusiasts. Moreover, their simplicity in care allows you to focus on enjoying their distinctive qualities without much hassle. If you’re curious to learn more about caring for millipedes and what makes them such captivating companions, check out this comprehensive guide on keeping millipedes as pets. With the right setup, a pet millipede could be the perfect addition to your home.