advice for soon-to-be owner
Hihiii!! I am going to my state’s reptile expo in November and I am doing my research in the meantime. I tried reaching out to a supposedly reputable breeder for questions , as I am interested in an American Giant, and most of my questions were dismissed. Overall whoever emailed me back was quite dismissive and neglected to answer or acknowledge the greater portion of my questions, my original email reads as follows:
Hello! I am reaching out as a soon-to-be first-time millipede owner with some questions on care. I will be researching more thoroughly once I decide on a species. I have been flirting with the idea of getting an American Giant, but I am unsure if this species is suitable for first-timers. I am currently the proud father of a regal jumping spider, so I do have some experience caring for invertebrates, although it is obviously very different.
I suppose my first question is, what are the best species for someone who has recently discovered their love for these little guys?
What are some good, reliable resources for individual species? Also, how long do American Giants typically live? I haven’t been able to find a solid answer anywhere I have looked.
I do know some basics, such as what type of substrates I should use, and that I should be using a depth of substrate that is equal to, if not greater than, the length of the millipede. I have been wondering if it would be beneficial or harmful to house my millipede with isopods. I know this may vary in species, size, etc, but should I be getting a front-opening or top-opening enclosure? Also, should it be glass or acrylic? Do these fellas need any kind of warming or uv light? ( I know they are nocturnal, but I thought it better to ask). What are the best calcium supplements to put in my substrate?
I have many more questions that will likely be answered as I decide on a species and do more research.
Thank you so much!!
— if anyone could give me recommendations for enclosure and substrate (I can’t collect my own as I live in a high pesticide usage area) I would greatly appreciate it!