Is My Millipede Dead

Twentytwenty

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jul 9, 2014
Messages
81
One of my ivories is just laying on the top of the substrate in her tank. She isn't moving and when I tapped her, picked her up and placed her back down she didn't react in any way. She isn't curled up in a ball like they do before molting. Did she die or is she molting above ground. Please answer. I'm going to move her to a critter keeper with some moist paper towels so if she is dead she doesn't contaminate the enclosure.
 

mukmewx

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jan 19, 2014
Messages
86
All of my millipedes (but one) have been burrowed for a long time now. One of this is on the top and doesn't move much at all, I just notice it kind of changes position and sometimes moves maybe an inch or so. It also doesn't react when I pick it up, hope it's just a millipede thing, but i'm not sure either, I'm also kind of worried. At least you're not alone lol. Hope someone else can offer more expert advice.
 

xirxes

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
May 17, 2004
Messages
105
If you see discoloration, extension of body beyond normal, rigidity, and if legs are up off of ground then prognosis is not good.

I have never had a non-responsive stiff millipede sitting on substrate survive.

Check your husbandry, make sure food and water and temperature/ventilation needs are met.
 

Twentytwenty

Arachnosquire
Joined
Jul 9, 2014
Messages
81
If you see discoloration, extension of body beyond normal, rigidity, and if legs are up off of ground then prognosis is not good.

I have never had a non-responsive stiff millipede sitting on substrate survive.

Check your husbandry, make sure food and water and temperature/ventilation needs are met.
Today he was white, smelled horrible and was undeniably dead. So sadly, I had to say goodbye to one of my millipedes.
 

Aquarimax

Arachnoprince
Old Timer
Joined
Mar 1, 2014
Messages
1,086
Sorry to hear you lost the ivory. How are the others doing?
 

SDCPs

Arachnolord
Joined
Feb 8, 2012
Messages
659
They just die of unknown reasons sometimes. I wouldn't be concerned if the others are doing well. And if worst comes to worst, ivories are inexpensive and easy to replace...not something you may want to hear but it's the truth relative to exotic millipedes...so just do your best and don't feel bad or be hard on yourself :) Sometimes we do our best but just didn't get things right...or something unexpected happens--oh, well. And now you know what a dead millipede looks like. It's good to be able to witness that.

Enjoy the rest of them!
 

Smokehound714

Arachnoking
Joined
Mar 23, 2013
Messages
3,091
Sorry for your loss..

Do you provide your millipedes with calcium? In many cases, mortality can often be caused by inadequate calcium in their diet.

cuttle-bone (available at all pet stores, and even walmart) is a good thing to place in the enclosure. Calcium powder added to their food is good, also.
 

Smokehound714

Arachnoking
Joined
Mar 23, 2013
Messages
3,091
Elytra's the myriapoda expert, if he says it isn't true, im taking his word as fact. I really do need to stop stepping outside of my boundaries, I have an acute case of know-it-allism.
 

SDCPs

Arachnolord
Joined
Feb 8, 2012
Messages
659
Elytra's the myriapoda expert, if he says it isn't true, im taking his word as fact. I really do need to stop stepping outside of my boundaries, I have an acute case of know-it-allism.
There are some millipede "experts" who talk about calcium, Sura Siglig for instance,...I used to add it to enclosures but on Orin's suggestion now I don't and I haven't noticed a difference except a fatter pocketbook and less work ;) (Thanks Orin!)

You weren't making this up out of thin air though.
 
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