Exotic Pets: the African Giant Black Millipede

I'm an African Giant Black Millipede, I'm easy to care for, easy to feed.
But millipede's a misnomer! A thousand legs that wiggle?
I only have six hundred, but who's counting, you giggle.

They call me a giant because I can grow to 12 inches,
but I'm the kind that never bites or stings or pinches.
So don't be afraid because I'm creepy-crawley!
I'm quiet and nice, just a big old rolypoly.

In the tropics' moist soil, I burrow and dig
for old dead plants to eat, that's how I get big.
If you keep me please bring me some nice peat moss
some lettuce and cucumber, a salad you'll toss!

My head's kinda little, and my two eyes are weak
but I've got so many noses, I'm kind of a freak.
That's how I take in air, through my soft exterior,
I'm spineless, frankly, in my interior.

My skeleton's exo, but my heart beats inside
I even have antennae, to show me where to slide.
I do have one drawback you should be aware of:
If I get upset I'll leak something you'll be scared of.
My secretion could make you itch, or worse
so wash it right off your hands, or call the nurse!

I lay eggs by the hundreds, and out hatch the babies
They have only six legs and three segments maybe
The next joints they add each have four legs you know
but if you try to count them, it could go slow.

Yes I'm an African Giant Black Millipede
I'm not a snake, as you'd know if you'd read.
I'm quiet and docile, don't make a commotion,
in fact I don't believe in displays of emotion.
I just roll up in a ball, but I never ever fight.
So let the kids hold me, I promise I won't bite.

Sources:
http://factoidz.com/millipedes-are-agreeable-arthropods/
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8657/the_benefits_of_adopting_odd_and_exotic.html?cat=53
http://www.petbugs.com/caresheets/A-gigas.html