How to Feed Pet Millipedes

Millipedes can make rewarding pets. They are easy to care for, thrive in captivity, and can live to be 10 to 15 years old. Some species, such as the African Giant Black Millipede, can grow to be almost a foot long and as thick around as a human thumb. These slow-moving, herbivorous creatures can be purchased at pet stores across the United States, as well as through online dealers. Their nutritional requirements can be met simply and cheaply, making them an excellent pet arthropod for beginner enthusiasts.

Things You'll Need

  • Substrate
  • Decaying hardwood leaves
  • Water
  • Decaying hardwood
  • Chopped ripe fruits and vegetables
  • Calcium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line the bottom of their tank with 3 to 5 inches of substrate. This can be anything from chemical-free potting soil to peat moss, sterilized compost, or even coconut fiber. Try combining two or more substrate types to get a mixture that retains moisture but is not susceptible to mold. Substrate is especially important in a millipede's habitat because, as they burrow and create tunnels, they will eat it.

    • 2

      Add a layer of decaying hardwood leaves on top of the substrate. These are a staple in the millipede's diet, but don't layer them too deep, or the millipedes won't be visible. If you are worried about being able to see your millipede, shred the leaves and mix them into the substrate instead.

    • 3

      Provide a source of water for your millipedes. While the tank environment should always be humid and the substrate damp, millipedes also need to have drinking water. Try filling an upside-down lid with very shallow water and placing it in their tank. If the water is too deep, the millipedes, who breathe through small holes called spiracles on the sides of their bodies, run the risk of drowning. To alleviate this risk, add pebbles or cotton batting to the water so the millipedes can still access the water without being able to sink into it. You can also choose to pour a small amount of water in one corner of the tank 2 to 3 times a week. Most will be absorbed by the leaf litter and substrate, but the millipedes will be able to drink the rest.

    • 4

      Provide a constant source of other foods for your millipedes. In their natural habitat, millipedes eat decaying plants and other organic matter. In captivity, place a piece of decomposing hardwood in their tank for them to nibble on. You can also feed them chopped pieces of ripe fruit or vegetables. Popular choices include apples, bananas, lettuce, tomatoes and zucchinis. Soft foods are best, but feel free to experiment with a wide range of food, including leftovers from your dinner table. Some millipedes have even been known to eat dog food that has been slightly moistened.

    • 5

      Add a steady supply of calcium to your millipede's diet. Try sprinkling a store-bought powdered calcium supplement or scraping a cuttlefish skeleton over their food. Calcium is an important part of a millipede's diet because they need it for moulting as they grow.