What's harmful to giant African millipedes?

[Chocobo]

I want to get a black train millipede very soon since they require a similar setup to hermit crabs. Does anyone know what consumables/items can hurt them?

[Jamison]

You can't put the millipede with the hermits

[JoeHermits]

I don’t know much about millipedes, however anything on the HCA Unsafe List should probably be avoided (not that you’re likely to use those, anyways).


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[PinchersAndShells]

Most millipede species eat their substrate and rotting wood, for my millipedes I use a mix of coconut fiber, worm castings, sphagnum moss, powdered rotting wood, crushed cuttlebone, leaf litter, orchid bark, and a small amount of sand. They can be fed various fruits and veggies but their primary food source is the substrate, so you'll want to make sure you give them a nice deep layer and keep in mind their needs when choosing your substrate mix.

[AwesomeHermit]

You can't put the millipede with the hermits

I’m almost sure that they meant that they wanted to own black train millipedes because they need similar requirements to hermit crabs. This would make them easier to keep because the OP’er has background information.

[AwesomeHermit]

You can't put the millipede with the hermits

I’m almost sure that they meant that they wanted to own black train millipedes because they need similar requirements to hermit crabs. This would make them easier to keep because the OP’er has background information.

[Jamison]

I’m almost sure that they meant that they wanted to own black train millipedes because they need similar requirements to hermit crabs. This would make them easier to keep because the OP’er has background information.

Oh. Sorry for the misunderstanding

[Chocobo]

Lol

[Chocobo]

It turns out I wasn't able to get one anyway. Apparently it's illegal to ship them to the US because a lot of Americans are idiots and will just kick pets out because [insert invalid reason here], and then they make too many babies. I mean, the amount of animals that are illegal in the US really goes to show just how many big stupids there can be here. No offense because I'm also American and not just someone bashing a certain country, but i really do see and hear about too many pets get kicked out by stupid people where I live. I've seen in person lots of dogs and cats, a cockatiel I took in that didn't live long, and I even saw a pet lizard outside of a Dollar General not too long ago.

[PinchersAndShells]

Actually giant African millipedes are legal in the United States, as long as they’re already being kept as pets here. It’s only illegal to import them due to the mites that naturally live on them, as the mites are a threat to crops. You’re legally allowed to own one that is the offspring of a millipede that was imported before the ban, but they run about $300 through $500 each.

[Chocobo]

I ended up getting small desert millipedes that get 8 inches long, and also an ivory millipede that is tame now and doesn't make itself smell weird when it's picked up. I still really want a giant african and wish there was a website that ships them to the US. I don't care if it's illegal. It's not like I would do anything wrong with the millipede.

[curlysister]

Please do not get an illegal pet of any kind. It is NOT responsible to own a pet of any kind that has been deemed illegal, no matter what your intentions are.

[JoeHermits]

Please do not get an illegal pet of any kind. It is NOT responsible to own a pet of any kind that has been deemed illegal, no matter what your intentions are.

Not to mention the confiscation of your animal and the possibility of fines. There are simply too many ways illegal importation can go wrong.

If you really want one, verify your state’s laws for legality and find a domestic breeder.


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[CrabbyLover77]

I agree with curlysister. Just enjoy caring for the critters you do have. There's no need to unnecssarily stress an animal by illegally importing it from another country.

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[wodesorel]

They aren't illegal to own in the US, just illegal to import new ones. Like PinchersAndShells said, they cost a fortune to purchase now. I remember when they were $15 at the pet shop! There are so few breeders now that when they do come up for sale they are hundreds of dollars each. I've been wanting to get a couple breeding pairs for years now (have wanted to own one for about 30, ever since I saw one as a kid at a library event) but haven't been able to track down any with confirmed sexes to buy, and at those prices am worried about getting screwed over and being sold only males.