Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've owned millis before; I did a behavioral study on them for a science class in high school, but this is the first time that I've kept some just as pets.

Their tank is filled with shredded bark and sphagnum moss, and I've put a branch in there, though so far they don't seem inclined to climb in. Their dinner at the moment is some lettuce and tomato pieces, and they seem to be enjoying it.

I have two questions, however. One; what will happen if their defensive secretion gets into the eyes or mouth? I know its warned against, but I can't find anywhere that states why, exactly. Does it burn/blind/etc? One of my millis is quite adamant about letting me know when she doesn't want to be handled, and when I picked her up today I ended up with yellowish-orange all over my hands. : I washed my hands, of course, but I'm just wondering what it does, exactly.

Second question: the same millipede seems to be "splitting" at one of her middle segments. (This may be why she doesn't like being picked up ^_^) It doesn't look terribly bad, but the segment is longer than others and it doesn't take much effort to see the whitish insides. Is there anything I can do about this? (I'm guessing calcium couldn't hurt, and I understand blackboard chalk is a source of this? Are there any other foods that are particularly high in calcium that might help?)

Thanks for any help, and sorry for rambling.

The secretion should do you any harm on your skin, just stain it apparently. Not sure what it would do in your eyes and mouth but I'd avoid it! If you do get it in your eyes I'd guess the usual stuff about rincing it and seeking medical advice applies. I've got a decent millipede book at home so I'll have a look later and see if it says anything useful.

Cuttlefish bones can be added to the tank as a source of calcium.

I find it really odd that you can not find a female, especially at LLL. No offense, but are you sure you are checking right? WC millis sometimes are missing a lot of legs. IME, in breeding or finding millis the ratio is usually 2:1 to 4:1 females to males. Finding a male should be problem.

oops. Meant to reply to the message above this one.