Mr. Enkil <3

Subject: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 9:20 am

High guys! My name is Michelle and I just joined this forum. I knew I needed a bit of help from other experienced members with the new add. to the fam. Now, I just recently got my first Emperor Scorpion as a gift on Valentines day from one of my best friends. Sadly, I wasn't given a hint to when I would be receiving him, so I wasn't prepared. Thing is, I'm like an over baring mother, with all my pets. Scales, fur, shells, don't matter. Love em all. So, I want to make sure I am making him the most happiest scorpion EVA! So here is a picture of his current set up (-the gold tiger. I think he needed more leg room).

His name is Enkil, after the first Vampire king in the Anne Rice novels (ftw). I believe he is an adult or damn close to one, which kinda pisses me off since he'll be dying sooner... in an odd sense. You know what I mean. His telson is a redish brown color. I think his body is about 3-4 inches long.
Mr. Enkil <3 5-4

I need to get a mister to keep the tank moist and I'm missing a lid. I also think I need to add an inch or so of bedding. Gah!!!!

I also have a few questions in my noodle but I can only come up with two right now.
1. How often should I spray the tank? Just enough so it's nice and moist?
2. How much light do I give him daily? I kinda cut him off for an hour or so to give him a break and cool down? I'm sorry if that's like screwing him up. I'm just overly concerned. :<

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 10:24 am

Soak your cocofibre substrate. Really get it soaked, that will help with the humidity.

Scorpions do not need light at all.

You said you need a lid, good cuz you will need a lid as it will help to keep the humidity in the tank

Welcome to the forum

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 10:33 am

I'm sorry I mean heat from the heat lamp. x3 I was told to take him out side during a nice day in the shade for a little.

Thank you for the help <3

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 10:38 am

Get some damp plantation soil and you'll have a Happy Emp Smile

i just have my scorps next to a window and they have whatever light cycle the sun gives em Laughing

they don't seem to mind

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 10:48 am

There is no need in a scorpions care to take them out of the tank and to put them in shade outside. You provide the right enviroment in the tank with no need to remove them. This will also cause stress to the scorpion.

Heat lamps do really dry out the substrate so you will be better off with a heat pad strapped the the side of the tank (not underneath)
A nice wet substrate and a lid on your tank. Nice wet substate, nice humid enviroment for the scorpion = a happy scorpion

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:11 pm

Looks like Connie and Nymph have got you covered. Cool

I'd add that lid is good, not necessarily for humidity but for preventing escapes. Emps are known for having a surprising reach when they balance on the tip of the tail with pinchers extended.

Supplemental heating isn't necessary if you're keeping the room warm; I see you live in Florida so that shouldn't be a problem.

By the way, are you SURE it's a male? If you post a clear shot of the underside we can confirm or refute this. If it is a male, don't be surprised if he stops eating for no apparent reason for months on end.

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:40 pm

Yes they have thanks guys Very Happy

I actually have a picture of him doing that little tail stand move. I thought it was very peculiar but adorable.

Mr. Enkil <3 7-1

He's quite slick. I'm pretty sure he is, I checked out his pectines and they looked large. I'll pull up a picture when I can. Well soonish
Ever since I got him on Vday I have only seen him eat once. Thank god you brought that up. I was growing really concerned. Will he be alright for that long time period? He drinks like a fish I can tell you that.

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:44 pm

drinking means its not humid enough for him. Pandinus DO like to bathe but an excessive time spent in the bowl and drinking means that something isnt right. The substrate is also very dry as we can see from the pics.
As mentioned, get that soaking wet. POUR the water on and really soak it. Then he will be much happier.

Scorpions, all of them can spend a long time fasting. Its normal. So dont worry if he doesnt eat for months and months. When he is ready to eat if he is fasting, he will let you know by poking out of his hide with his chela sticking out and opened up (chela, are the claws and pincers)

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:46 pm

Some people have noticed their emps fast for more than a year and do just fine. Males seem more prone to this than females.

Did you see my signature? Razz

I only check on all my scorpions once ever two weeks or so.

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:48 pm

I just filled the tank a bit more with bedding and I moistened it up real good a few hours ago. I've made a permeant mental note. I might have used that term a little strongly n_n" Not excessive but he well, yeah.
That's incredible. Thank you. I feel so relieved. 8D

Edit:
ok, I wont worry then. Crazy things.

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:48 pm

Connie, I'm afraid I have to disagree with your statement about time in the water bowl being an indicator of something bad.

Many hobbyists, including those that keep their emps in ideal conditions, will observe them just "hanging out" in the water dish, submerging themselves or even "scrubbing" with the telson. Thaedion once recorded a video of two of his emps taking turns in the water dish like that.

My female H. longimanus drank a lot prior to her giving birth, and I kept the substrate fairly moist.

Although, I still agree that the substrate needs to be considerably more humid in the case of Michelle's tank.

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:49 pm

sweet. They love digging and making burrows but sometimes adults can be a bit lazy

We all have been in the same boat hun, its nothing to worry about

Subject: Re: Mr. Enkil <3 3/14/2009, 2:51 pm

Mr. Mordax wrote:: Connie, I'm afraid I have to disagree with your statement about time in the water bowl being an indicator of something bad.

Many hobbyists, including those that keep their emps in ideal conditions, will observe them just "hanging out" in the water dish, submerging themselves or even "scrubbing" with the telson. Thaedion once recorded a video of two of his emps taking turns in the water dish like that.

My female H. longimanus drank a lot prior to her giving birth, and I kept the substrate fairly moist.

Although, I still agree that the substrate needs to be considerably more humid in the case of Michelle's tank.

ooh i didnt mean it like EXCESSIVE is ALWAYS a bad thing because i have seen the bathing and ive noticed my female drinking a lot after birthing.
Ive just seen MINE when it was too dry dive into the bowl and then I thought EEEK which then reulsted into a possible drowning bla bla bla