Tips and info on basic scorpion husbandry

Hey guys,

I got the idea from a post on scorpion planet, and went ahead and wrote a little something about basic scorpion care.


I wanted to share it here, because I still see a lot of new people in the hobby, who bought a scorpion, before the read up or collected all the info.

A lot of the beginner questions I read could be easily learned from good literature and reading it beforehand and not after you buy the animal. A capable and informed seller, and of course our forum on which you can read a LOT of things about keeping and taking care of scorpions. So spread the word and let people get educated first before they start something impulsive, because 100% of the time, the scorpions draws the shortest straw when considerable errors are made.

I have been keeping exotic animals sinds I was a child and have experience with scorpions, tarantula's, lizards, snakes, amphibians etc. for many years.

I decided to write a little something to inform newer people in the hobby and give some basic info about scorpion husbandry from my personal views and experience.

Enclosure:
First of all the enclosure must be safe, the scorpion must be kept responsible. For the sake of the animal, and those around you, like other pet's, children/family members. I believe in a Natural approach, so I try to look for images of the scorpions original habitat. I try and mimic it, to make it more comfortable. The size of the enclosure depends on the species, however I have experienced scorpions do not require enormous amounts of space, but enough to forage and explore, it must be able to display it's Natural behavior.

Feeding: Regular but with intervals, I try and feed irregularly to mimic Natural prey availability.Prey should not exceed the size of 1/3 of the scorpion, or else the hunter might become the prey itself. Do not "power feed" you scorpion by continuously offering it food, it is bad for the health of the scorpion, speeds up it's Natural metabolic rate and shortens it's Lifespan. I feed my adult scorpions crickets/small grasshoppers. Young scorpions should be offered more regular prey items for they need it to grow and keeping it healthy.

Water:

Scorpions from humid areas need their high (air) humidity to survive and thrive and need a water dish and fresh water available to them.

I try to avoid water dishes with my desert species, they are used to getting their moisture from prey and they are very susceptible to mycosis, a dangerous fungus which can "consume" the scorpions tissue and kill it eventually. High moisture should be avoided with desert species at all times. Some species who come from a "mixed"geographical origin, might prefer a tiny bit of moisture when molting, but further reading on that specific scorpion species to be sure is recommended.

Temperature:
All my scorpions are mostly desert sp. which I keep above 20* degrees celsius, but can tolerate and thrive up to 30 degrees, forest species tend to like it a bit more cooler around 25* degrees celsius.

Heating the enclosure can be done by heating bulb or heat pad. If you use the latter be sure to know if your scorpion is a digging species. For example P. Cavimanus digs extensive tunnels and placing a heat mat would not be wise as it must be able to get away from the heat. And for all scorpions goes, whenever you use a heat pad, do not heat the entire floor of the enclosure but approximately 1/3, it must be able to thermoregulate , which means, it being able to choose it's preferred temperature.

And my own little addition I will write about handling scorpions which is a controversial topic I know, but I wanted to give my personal views.

Handling scorpions:
My own personal opinion is that scorpions are "display" pet's, not for touching or holding, but leaving it in peace, studying it's behavior, enjoying the animal for who and what it is. Being respectful.

Of course there are a lot of capable hands who can handle a scorpion when necessary, for educational of medical purposes.
However, there are those who hold scorpions for another reason, for looking "like a boss" or being a tough guy/girl, look at me I am so cool kinda thing.
For me that displays a lack of respect for the animal, failing to understand that like a lot of arachnids, one of it's Natural fears is to fall and die. That's self preservation for you, in an animal that has been around longer than we evolved and came down from the trees. It has remained in this form for millions of years and I think we as Humans, should begin to understand we are sharing this world, and do not own it.

Those are my personal views, others may differ or have other approaches, I found this to work for me.
And I welcome those who want to add, give their own story or approaches so we can inform others together.

I have kept several species of scorpion and am always happy to help or inform others to expand our beautiful hobby.


Take care,

Joey

Bump

This post deserves to be stickyfied. Patcho is on the case!

Very good read.
 

Thanks guys )) that's so nice to read:)


Joey