FEEDING
Giant Congo millipedes eat slices of orange and cucumber. Put the food in a MILLIPEDE DISH. Extra protein is needed so provide BUG FOOD PELLETS. (Keep these dry.) Millipedes drink a lot so need a dish of fresh water, changed daily. Millipedes also like dead brown leaves (from oak, beech and sycamore trees).
HOUSING
Millipedes like to climb but cannot get a grip on a smooth surface such as glass or plastic. They should be kept in the BUG-CAGE which has metal mesh sides suitable for climbing. The VENTILATION CONTROL PANELS should be attached to reduce air-flow. The cage liner needs to be soft to cushion the landing of a millipede should it fall. Put the MILLIPEDE DISHES on the floor of the cage.
HANDLING
Millipedes respond well to handling but should be handled sensibly and with care. Always wash hands after handling millipedes.
TEMPERATURE
Millipedes do not need heated cages. They do well in a room that is comfortably warm in the day and cooler at night. Avoid putting the cage on a windowsill as the millipedes may overheat in the summer and get too cold in the winter. Never put a lightbulb (or heating pad) in the cage as this can burn the millipede's flesh and also make the surroundings too hot.
BREEDING
Millipedes bury their eggs so fill the remaining MILLIPEDE DISH with potting compost (sterilise this first by baking in the oven). Females are fatter and more docile than the males. Newly hatched millipedes are cream in colour.
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