Burrowing

Hey guys, my emp doesnt seem like she wants to burrow, and doesn't really use the half log i put in there. Most of the time shes just sleeping on her substrate. She doesn't seem overheated, and shes eating regularly. But no attempt to burrow has been made. I've placed 6 inches of substrate. Is her lack of burrowing a concern? Shes been in this tank for a week now.

Hi zinnscorps,

On most occasions, Pandinus imperators (emp) would burrow, hence the name pet hole. But there might be times when they do not. It does not necessarily means that they are unhealthy. When the scorpion's husbandry is well met, i'll only be concern when the scorpions are displaying the "tail-dragging" symptoms.

1. First, is your substrate well packed down that makes it able to support a burrow?
2. What substrate are you using?
3. Any pictures of your emp and setup?

Have you checked this out?

[FAQ] Frequently Asked Questions about Emperor Scorpions (Pandinus imperator)

I use the ecoearth substrate. Cocofiber. Its pretty well packed and its fairly moist

If it's well packed and nicely dampened, the substrate settings should be right.

Is she acting lethargic or does she still explore around the enclosure at low light condition (e.g. nightfall)

How does she look right now?

shes exploring right now actually.

Not much of a problem.

If it sets your mind at ease, you may consider depressing a portion of the substrate to kick-start the construction of the burrow for your emp.

Simply place a piece of slate or flat bark (e.g. two times size of the scorpion's length) above the depression, and your emp will most likely hide under it and start her burrow.

We do not recommend using half-log as scorpions prefer tiny crevices to hide in-between for a greater secure of security. Even if we were to bury this half-log hide in the substrate, there might be a concern for molds as well..

When I first started collection Emperor scorpions mine took about a month to make a burrow, then after that you never see them again haha. Enjoy your time watching now.

That's true. We, overly protective keepers are always worrying for our beloved scorpions.
If they hide a whole lot of their time, we'll worry. If they show themselves too much, we worry as well.. lolz

Yea you're lucky don't worry unless you see it dragging its tail other than that you are luck I seldom see mine sticking its claws out of its deep burrow really.

I got my emp to get a burrow going by starting tit off for him. Once he saw it, he went it and finished it off.