sam
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 302
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Post by sam on Jun 11, 2006 9:28:05 GMT
Can anyone tell me how to keep Millipedes?? I was at a show yesterday and they had some. I thought they were lovely! any pictures of setups anyone??
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Post by ceiron on Jun 11, 2006 13:16:43 GMT
very similar to snails.lol
peat or ocir, kept damp, moss, shallow water dish if you want, hides coz thye like to hide, feed fruti and veg, cuttlefish.
simple
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Post by sezzy5889 on Jun 11, 2006 17:19:28 GMT
there is a thread somewhere that Val i think posted asking the same, Val if it was you can you find it!?
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Val
Archachatina dimidiata
Posts: 2,498
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Post by Val on Jun 11, 2006 17:47:17 GMT
If it was me then it was on BUG NATION not here Val
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Post by sezzy5889 on Jun 11, 2006 18:04:42 GMT
oh right, lol
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Post by sezzy5889 on Jun 11, 2006 18:08:29 GMT
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Val
Archachatina dimidiata
Posts: 2,498
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Post by Val on Jun 11, 2006 18:24:59 GMT
And after all that - I changed my mind!! Val
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sam
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 302
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Post by sam on Jun 11, 2006 20:51:33 GMT
thanks all Ill go and have a look!! thanks Ceiron..pleased to hear they are kept the same! i definatly want one now!!
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Post by sezzy5889 on Jun 11, 2006 21:04:51 GMT
And after all that - I changed my mind!! Val Lol, Val what put you off?
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Val
Archachatina dimidiata
Posts: 2,498
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Post by Val on Jun 11, 2006 21:18:39 GMT
And after all that - I changed my mind!! Val Lol, Val what put you off? Just can't get fond of an insect Val
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sam
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 302
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Post by sam on Jun 11, 2006 21:20:58 GMT
the thing that is putting me off is the poisonous bit!!
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Post by eric2 on Jun 11, 2006 21:22:13 GMT
i never knew they were poisonus that has just put me off them lol
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Post by ceiron on Jun 11, 2006 21:30:11 GMT
their posionous, since when ?
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Post by sezzy5889 on Jun 11, 2006 21:34:01 GMT
they aren't posionous so to speak, they let of a secretion that can irritate the skin of some people, and some species are more toxic than others, but if the milli's are cb there is less chance of them secretign it too, they only do this as defense and since you aren't meant to handle them anyway then theres no problem :-) As long as you wash your hands after handling and don't go sucking millipedes you'll be fine, the worst they do is poo on you and that is worse, it stinks (another defense) their normal poos don't smell so don't worry
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sam
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 302
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Post by sam on Jun 11, 2006 21:50:37 GMT
thats what i meant sarah but in that artilce it sonded worse!! lol When a millipede feels threatened, it exudes a poisonous secretion which varies in its effects and intensity between species. Most of the most common species that occur in the hobby are, however, relatively harmless, but there are exceptions. Avoid getting secretion in the eyes and in the mouth, where they can do most damage. These secretions may cause an allergic reaction, and repeat exposure has been linked to cancer. In order to avoid being squirted, allow a millipede to climb onto your hand. do not pick it up, as it will feel threatened. i was over exaggeratng!!!! lol but why arent you supposed to handle them? ?
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sam
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 302
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Post by sam on Jun 11, 2006 21:52:00 GMT
is it beause simply they dont like it?? oh and should they be kept in pairs???
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Post by sezzy5889 on Jun 11, 2006 22:09:33 GMT
They shouldn't be handled because it caused a lot of stress,
They will live quite happily on their own, but having a pair is just as nice :-)
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sam
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 302
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Post by sam on Jun 11, 2006 22:11:21 GMT
okat thanks sarahxxx just sad i wouldnt be able to handle them as maybe I wont feel so connected to them!
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Post by ceiron on Jun 11, 2006 22:28:29 GMT
erm im pisisng myslef laughing here
not handle millipedes, ok then
tell that to all mine that love it
yes if you scare them by throwing them around the room or crushign them they can produce a secretion, its not poisinosu otr humans and can be slughtly irritating, and iahve sensitive skin and have never had a reaction, althugh only been secreted twice and they were wc specimens who were being over handled at a show and i was trying t oexplain somethign to someone.lol
and they can be kept singly or in pairs or in huge groups
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Post by copigeon on Jun 11, 2006 22:40:58 GMT
It is worth being aware, that any insect which secretes a defensive toxin, can be a possible risk to health in one way or another. There are people who are allergic or can have bad reactions to these chemicals. Perhaps best to always advise caution? It may not kill, but not everyone fancies a nasty rash.
Peruvian fern stick insects secretions will not cause death, but the chemicals are carciogenic, and as a result are best not handled. Similar caution should be taken with any insects carrying defensive measures. Err on the side of caution?
Perhaps investment in a pair of thin "rubber gloves" like those used in the medical industry? If youre at all concerned about any reaction you may have.
With regards to handling insects, it generaly seems based on preference. Personally I feel the majority of phasmids and similar are better left as display peices, not so much due to stress as unforced contact and gentle handling seems to leave them unaffected. However, the delicate body/shell/frame of the majority of inverts leaves the question, is it really worth damaging your pet for the sake of a few minutes of being crawled over? Its what guineapigs were made for.
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Post by ceiron on Jun 11, 2006 23:02:08 GMT
persoanlly i disagree though
yes potentiall yall aniamls ahve defensive mechanisms, tarantuals cn bite or throw utricating hair, yet i handle a lot and am fine
its all about knowing the naiaml and knowing how to handle
if doen properly almost any aniaml can be handled
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Post by copigeon on Jun 12, 2006 7:17:29 GMT
Yes and no. I think part of the problem is the increased number of people forming alergies. I think with a spider people expect problems, where as they may not expect issues from something that essentially looks like a giant woodlouse? I'd say a new keeper to any insect or animal should always err on the side of caution until they are more confident or better prepared for worst case? If youre worried about it, then the best thing you can do is invest in a pair of rubber gloves Clearly youve had alot of experience with them Ceiron, but for someone new to the hobby, thats not the case. And lack of experience may cause "non confident rough handling" = use things to lower risk and increase comfort until youre happy that the animal is suitable for handling?
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sam
Achatina immaculata
Posts: 302
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Post by sam on Jun 12, 2006 7:34:37 GMT
thats great info, thanks. Ceiron, can I see pics of your set ups for them if you have time?? and your millis as well?? that sgreat advice Copigeon as I am very new to insects and have never owned any.
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