Relatively new owner. 4 Months as of today!

So, today was the magic day 4 months ago, when I bought my first scorpion.

I went to the pet store after much research and sifting through the intertubes, to pick out an Emperor. I had been waiting a few weeks now, as this pet store was "out of scorpions". I had a 5gal. aquarium at home, so all I needed was some soil/heating pad/water dish/a hide/etc. With my specimen picked out, (darker colored telson, fairly bigger-sized, reacted quickly, staff told me he was an adult, also.) I paid for my new friend and all he needed.

I arrived home, carefully sat "Cuddles" down, (can't believe my [ Expletive deleted ] girlfriend named him) and made ready all of his goodies.

First thing I learned, heating pads are almost garbage. I went out and bought a 75W IR bulb/lamp fixture the next day.

Second thing I learned. Soil does not equate to bark chips. NOT WHATSOEVER. I don't think he was relatively happy until I switched to plantation soil.

Cuddles is very reclusive, as I only see him about 1/2/3 times a week if I'm lucky, usually "climbing". I try my best to keep him at approximately 70++ percent humidity, but I do not have a proper "lid". I'm using a stencil shaped like the tank, cut out in cardboard, with lots of big gaping holes, so that's probably where my RH goes. He has a ceramic hide, a clay pot (as a second hide for variety), his water dish, and a fake plant, about 6'' tall.

He stays at anywhere within the 75C-85C temperature range, and I'm starting to use the IR lamp less, as it's almost summertime here. We get temps around 10-30C in the summertime, being a coastal area.

I've only caught him doing a FEW "odd" things, the usual stinger in mouth, walking around with half a cricket in mouth, etc, but what REALLY got me...

Was the DRINKING! I couldn't believe it, I never expected to see a scorpion drinking water. EVER.

I just wanted to share this with you guys, but I also want a question answered...

Is it normal to be so obsessed? I oftentimes stop myself at work and think "I wonder what he's doing right now?"

Unfortunately, since I can't post a picture as of yet, my Avatar is a picture of my Imperator.

Thanks!

Welcome. It's normal, I was the same way with all my new critters. Also, nice guns.

Here are a few pics!


(Cuddles' enclosure) Some dry spots in this photo, but I mist and pour water directly into the substrate whenever it gets to this point.

"Mr. Tough Guy"

He's such a drama queen. I absolutely love the color though.

Obsession is appropriate, it shows you care about and want to maintain a healthy environment for you new friend. Be prepared, if you don't see him often it means you are doing something right.

For this hobby.. attraction usually leads to obsession. Hopefully doesn't lead to "rejection" from our gf/wife when we spend way too much time on our beloved pets..

Btw, great pics HK.

Lol my wife is right there beside me on the obsession

Thats awesome

My wife is only tolerable of my obsession but that's good enough for me.. lolz

GS wrote:

For this hobby.. attraction usually leads to obsession. Hopefully doesn't lead to "rejection" from our gf/wife when we spend way too much time on our beloved pets..

Btw, great pics HK.

The secret is to find your other half's attraction/obsession, be that mammals, reptiles, inverts or if she wants, even chocolate candies

As long as you "feed" her obsession, she will tolerate yours

DolbyR wrote:

The secret is to find your other half's attraction/obsession, be that mammals, reptiles, inverts or if she wants, even chocolate candies

As long as you "feed" her obsession, she will tolerate yours

This is so true! lolz

jahines1 must be doing a very good job on that

GS wrote:

jahines1 must be doing a very good job on that

+1

We're probably not doing too bad either, otherwise our collections would be far smaller

My girlfriend has a handbag fetish... 2500 bucks for a HANDBAG WTF. Oh well, one toy i want is 3500... An FN PS 90. Thats the price of fun in the Canadian gun market though. Sad