Split a colony before crowding turns into unstable moisture, rapidly disappearing food, or a sudden crash. The goal is not to chase a specific head count. It is to notice when the enclosure can no longer provide reliable space and resources between normal maintenance visits.
Signs the colony is ready
- Large groups cover food within minutes.
- Leaf litter disappears much faster than before.
- Adults and juveniles crowd every hide.
- Waste-rich substrate looks compacted and holds water unevenly.
- You need a sale, display, or backup colony without draining the original.
Prepare the destination first
Build and stabilize the new enclosure before opening the old one. Match the established moisture pattern, provide deep edible substrate, and add more leaves than you think the transferred group needs.
Move the colony in layers
Transfer occupied bark, then hand-select visible animals from several areas. Scoop small portions of established substrate from beneath favorite hides so some mancae and microbes move too. Do not move all old substrate; the original colony still needs its functioning habitat.
Balance age classes
Each half should contain adults, juveniles, and—when visible—mancaе. Avoid placing every large breeding female in one bin. Observe both halves for several weeks before making additional major changes.
Quick checklist
- New enclosure fully prepared
- Both halves receive multiple age classes
- Old wet food is not transferred
- Moisture checked after 24 hours
Prepare the second habitat with supplies from Care & Nutrition.
