How to Make a Millipede Habitat

Millipedes do not have complicated needs. If you are keeping them as pets or breeding them as a small business, you simply need to provide a damp habitat with plenty of hiding places. Some tropical species may need a heater. With the right habitat and their inexpensive diet of fresh and decaying plant material, millipedes can live for up to 10 years. For this reason, it is probably best not to acquire exotic giant millipedes as pets for a child. Native species, which can be released when you wish, are fine.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Fertilizer-free potting compost
  • Reptile heat mat
  • Logs, dead leaves and bark
  • Plant mister
  • Food and water dishes
  • Fresh produce
  • Calcium supplement
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Instructions

    • 1

      Acquire a fish tank at least twice as long as the full adult length of your species of millipede. Tanks that have leaks, and so are unsuitable for fish, are available cheaply second-hand. The tank does need a well-fitting cover that the millipedes can't push off. Millipedes are surprisingly strong and rather good at escaping. Use a heat mat under the tank if you are keeping tropical millipedes.

    • 2

      Add 4 or 5 inches of chemical-free potting compost to the tank.

    • 3

      Add a thick layer of bark chippings and/or dead leaves.

    • 4

      Place a few large pieces of bark and short lengths of log in the tank to provide hiding and climbing places.

    • 5

      Spray everything with a plant mister until slightly damp. Millipedes need moisture.

    • 6

      Place a shallow dish of water in the tank. Use a roughly textured dish that the millipedes can get a good grip on.

    • 7

      Introduce the millipedes. Feed the millipedes on fresh produce and fresh produce scraps, such as apple cores and potato peelings. Dust the food with a calcium supplement occasionally as per the instructions. The millipedes will also eat some of the dead leaves and bark.