Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've done it with crested geckos but was curious if anyone has tried keeping millipede with tree boas as a "cleaning crew". My first concern is since amazons seem to be highly movement sensitive they might strike and eventually kill the little buggers but I also thought in the wild they must cohabitate with other large insects and probably overlook them as they are not warm blooded. any thoughts would be appreciated.

>>I've done it with crested geckos but was curious if anyone has tried keeping millipede with tree boas as a "cleaning crew". My first concern is since amazons seem to be highly movement sensitive they might strike and eventually kill the little buggers but I also thought in the wild they must cohabitate with other large insects and probably overlook them as they are not warm blooded. any thoughts would be appreciated.

They would generally overlook the millipedes however I wouldn't expect the milli's to do much as far as "cleaning up" after the Amazons. The waste output for a snake is way to much for even a decent number of millipedes to handle. Furthermore, most of the giant African variety of millipedes naturally contain cyanide as protective checmical and if your snakes ingest one (however unlikely) you are looking at a dead snake.

Good luck
Danny
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Urban Jungles.com

I have my doubts about the dangers of the cyanide contained in millis. Im not sure of the type of cyanide they produce but there are a few types some much less harmful then people think. apple seed contain cyanide as do almonds tapioka and lima beans. many things do its the type that is important. from what ive read millis secreations are only harmful to humans who are allergic to the secreations and the cyanide plays little to no roll. that being said i do have my hesitations. hmmm have to research more i guess

Well..

They could eat your boas crap... Then make their own crap..

I also think the smell would be awful, cause the inverts would take a while to eat everything (maybe?).

well the millis waste is actually good for the soil and the plants that would be there and wouldnt even be noticable. the goal is a mini ecosystem with minimal upkeep much like nature itself. like i said i have a similar setup with my crested geckos

Why giant millipedes? I understand keeping detritivores for a bioactive substrate system, but why not just regular millipedes? With a healthy colony of those, springtails, and some good old earthworms, all you'd have to do is scoop out fecal matter and stir once a week, and I think you would be set.

I honestly doubt you would have trouble with the giants, especially since they'll probably spend most of their time borrowing, but I see little reason to force what might be an awkward situation.

well for no other reason then thats what i am familiar with since i already have some... but ur suggestion is one i may look further into.

Millipedes are poisonous if consumed and even though tree frogs are 'cold-blooded' it may eat it and cause problems.

i never kept millipedes with them but i kept a rose hair with mine . never had any problems