giant african train millipede: The Quiet, Quirky, Hypnotic Mini-Beast Kids Obsess Over at Our Events
FREE PARENT GUIDE FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT SCALY SAFARI
THE VIBE CHECK
If you want a pet that’s gentle, quirky, impossibly soothing to watch, and secretly one of the most beloved animals at our events… congratulations.
You’ve just met the Giant African Millipede.
They’re basically the “surprise favourite” cousin in the reptile world — the one nobody expects to love, until they meet them:
Calm ✔
Friendly ✔
Hypnotic to watch ✔
Budget-friendly ✔
Way more fascinating than people think ✔
Put simply:
Giant African Millipedes are the pet equivalent of that quiet kid in class who doesn’t say much, but everyone loves being around because they’re kind, interesting, and weirdly comforting.
Quick honesty moment:
They might gently “taste-test” your fingers now and then (they think you might be food). It doesn’t hurt — more like a soft “hey, what are you?” nibble — but it can surprise younger children.
What They’re Really Like
Let’s keep it real.
Temperament:
Calm, gentle, and beautifully unbothered by life. Think: the ultimate chill creature who just wants to wander peacefully and mind its own business.
Handling:
The invertebrate equivalent of: “Sure, you can hold me… but I’m going to walk slooowly across your hands like a tiny moving train, okay?” (Occasionally they’ll “taste-test” your fingers — it doesn’t hurt, but kids should expect a soft curious nibble.)
Care Level:
Beginner-friendly — super simple setup, easy food, and very forgiving as long as the humidity is right. They’re low-drama little legends.
Activity Level:
Slow and steady explorers. Ideal for kids who enjoy watching movement that’s gentle, soothing, and strangely hypnotic.
Lifespan:
5–10 years on average. A lovely, long-term mini-beast buddy who becomes surprisingly lovable once you get to know them.
Why giant african millipedes + Kids = A Power Duo
✔ THEY’RE INCREDIBLY GENTLE
No claws, no stings, no stress. Just soft little feet doing their soothing “mini massage” walk across your hands.
✔ THEY’RE STRANGELY FASCINATING
Kids become mesmerised by how they move, curl, climb, and explore. They’re like living fidget toys — calming, not chaotic.
✔ THEIR SETUP IS SIMPLE
Moist soil, hides, leaf litter, veggies. Easy. Affordable. Minimal maintenance. (Parents LOVE this.)
✔ THEY’RE GREAT FOR BUILDING CONFIDENCE
They help kids who are nervous around animals — they’re slow, harmless, and completely non-threatening.
✔ THEY’RE SERIOUS EVENT SUPERSTARS
Not joking: at our shows, millipedes often steal the spotlight from the lizards. Kids adore their gentle, wiggly charm.
⚠️ Heads Up: They’re Not a Fit for Every Family
We believe in honesty (and avoiding future tears), so:
❗ They’re not as “exciting” as reptiles
If your child wants fast, jumpy, or dramatic — millipedes are the opposite. They’re calm, slow, and soothing, not action-packed.
❗ They need humidity
Dry enclosure = unhappy millipede. A quick daily spritz keeps them comfy.
❗ They might gently “taste-test” fingers
They sometimes mistake skin for food. It doesn’t hurt at all — more like a soft poke — but it can surprise younger children.
❗ They’re escape artists if the lid isn’t secure
Give them a safe, locked-in home and all is well. Leave a gap… and they’ll go on an adventure.
❗ They’re not ideal for kids who want constant handling
They’re best observed or held calmly for short periods. Low-drama pets = low-stress interaction.
Money Talk (Because Parents Deserve the Truth)
Start-up cost:
£60–£120 — depending on enclosure size, substrate, décor, and whether you want a simple setup or a fancy bioactive masterpiece.
Ongoing cost:
Around £3–£5/week.
Extra stuff to know:
They need a consistently humid environment — so substrate + misting matter more than fancy equipment.
Their food is incredibly cheap (veg scraps, leaf litter, calcium).
A vet fund is always a smart idea, even for hardy invertebrates.
In the world of pets, Giant African Millipedes are considered one of the most budget-friendly, low-maintenance options — perfect for families wanting something gentle, fascinating, and simple to care for.
Care Overview (The Bite-Sized Version)
Heating & Lighting
Warm room temperature is fine
Slightly warmer spot appreciated
High humidity (very important)
Daily misting
Moist. Comfy. Consistent.
Handling
Slow. Gentle. Two hands.
Expect a tickly “walking” sensation from their tiny feet.
Kids learn calm, confident handling really quickly.
Short, peaceful sessions are best.
Diet
Fresh veggies
Leaf litter
Rotting wood
Occasional calcium supplement
They’re nature’s little recyclers — simple eaters with simple needs.
Enclosure Essentials
Deep, damp substrate
Hides & tunnels
Leaf litter
Bark, moss & places to burrow
Secure lid (they’re surprisingly good climbers)
A mini rainforest floor they can explore and vanish into.
🧠 Mistakes First-Time millipede Parents EASILY Make
And how you can avoid them like a pro:
❌ LETTING THE HUMIDITY DROP
Dry enclosure = dry millipede.
They need moisture to stay healthy, hydrated, and happy.
❌ USING SHALLOW SUBSTRATE
Millipedes love to burrow.
A thin layer of soil is basically: “Where am I supposed to dig??”
❌ FEEDING ONLY VEGGIES
They also need leaf litter and decaying wood — it’s their natural diet!
Veggies alone = missing nutrients.
❌ OVER-HANDLING ON DAY ONE
They’re gentle creatures but still need time to settle.
Let them chill, explore, and get used to your scent first.
❌ USING A LOOSE OR UNSAFE LID
These little noodles are stronger and sneakier than they look.
A secure lid = no midnight millipede adventures.
❌ IGNORING MOLD OR PESTS
Millipede setups are humid, which can attract fruit flies.
Regular checks keep everything clean and comfy.
Is a giant african millipede the PERFECT Match for Your Child?
Perfect if your child is:
Gentle
Patient
Fascinated by creepy-crawlies (or wants to be!)
Calm and happy to watch slow, soothing movement
Interested in simple daily care like misting and feeding
Curious about mini-beasts, nature, and how things live underground
Not perfect if they want:
A fast, bouncy, or active pet
Something they can hold constantly
A creature with a “big personality” you can see from across the room
Zero bugs, ever (millipedes live with leaf litter… and sometimes harmless micro-bugs)
A reptile-like pet — millipedes are wonderful, but they’re not lizards
YOUR NEXT STEPS
YOU DID IT! WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MANY, MANY, MANY LEGS.
You now understand moisture levels, substrate depth, and why millipedes are basically chill compost noodles with a surprisingly big fanbase. Respect.
Your future millipede is already gently wiggling with approval.
READY TO LEVEL UP?
📎 DOWNLOAD Free Quick-Reference PDF
A family-friendly ‘get started’ guide.
Includes at-a-glance info, and a handy shopping list with exactly what you’ll need to buy
💬 ScalySidekick VIRTUAL Consultation
Personalised, professional reassurance.
Includes a live video call, custom advice for your home + child, and you can ask all your questions
Giant African Train Millipedes are one of the easiest pets for beginners — and with a solid setup, a sprinkle of common sense, and a dash of Scaly Safari magic, you’re about to absolutely smash this.
You’re more prepared than most humans ever will be — your future millipede is proud.
SCALYSIDEKICK
Personal Reptile GUIDANCE (Because Google Doesn’t Know Your Child)
Welcome to the one-to-one service that saves parents from guesswork, panic-buying the wrong vivarium, and accidentally turning their living room into a reptile sauna.
If you want an expert to hold your hand without holding your hand (we respect personal space), ScalySidekick is here to make your reptile journey smoother than a freshly shed snakeskin.
We’ll…
Decode exactly which reptile suits your family
Break down the real day-to-day care (minus the sugar-coating)
Help you avoid the classic (and occasionally hilarious) beginner mistakes
Build your customised shopping list so you don’t waste money
Review setups, answer questions, reassure fears
Basically: we stop you from going full “Help, I’ve accidentally bought the wrong UVB bulb again.”
It’s like having a reptile expert in your pocket — except less weird.
MEET YOUR SIDEKICKS
THE DREAM TEAM YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED.
ALLEN — The Reptile ENGINEER
Calm. Unflappable. Probably fixing something right now. If there’s a way to make your setup better, safer, warmer, brighter, or less likely to collapse at 2am — Allen will find it. Also the designated “parent reassurance provider” when husbandry feels overwhelming.
CERRIES — The Reptile Oracle
Makes big decisions feel like no big deal.Cuts through your reptile confusion with the precision of a ninja wielding a UVB bulb. She’ll help you decide which reptile actually fits your family and your sanity level — no sugar-coating, no fluff…just honest guidance.
XANDER — The Blue-Tongued Hood Hobbit
Does he help? Emotionally. Is he qualified? Debatable. Is he adorable? Absolutely. Xander often attends calls by sitting in Allen’s hood (where he pays zero rent), offering silent judgment and the occasional supportive tongue-flick.
(Truthfully, he’s here for vibes only. Do not take husbandry advice from the skink.)