Keeping a pet scorpion is an endeavor that shocks many people, but it is worthwhile. While scorpions are fascinating creatures to observe, moving your pet scorpions for trips might be tricky. So, when you transport your pet scorpion, do you need a travel bag for it?
Scorpions stay comfortably in their terrariums of small plastic containers, so you don’t need a travel bag for your pet scorpion. If you traveled by air, it would be best to ask the airline carrier about their pet permissions and requirements.
This article describes how big a scorpion enclosure should be and whether you need a travel bag for your pet scorpion. I also explore how much room scorpions need and if a scorpion is an easy pet to keep.
How Big Should a Scorpion Enclosure Be?
Selecting the proper enclosure for your scorpion is one of the most important tasks in preparing to keep a pet scorpion. Scorpions become escape artists when you don’t set up their enclosures securely. Escaping is instinctual to them, and you should consider this when choosing an enclosure.
Although the size of a scorpion enclosure matters, it is more crucial to have a secure enclosure that you can maintain at ideal humidity and temperature. Scorpions will grow five to 10 cm depending on the species. So, they require small- to medium-sized terrariums.
A 10-gallon tank is ideal for one scorpion, but you will need 20 to 30 gallons for more scorpions. The species of scorpion may also affect the size of the enclosure. For example, the emperor or imperial scorpion is the largest scorpion species, growing up to eight inches.
For an adult imperial scorpion, the minimum dimensions you should consider for an enclosure is 18 x 12 inches. Most scorpion keepers choose to go even larger: they recommend a minimum length of 24 inches for a cage.
If you plan to hold over one scorpion, of course, the size of your tank or terrarium will increase. You can control most species of scorpions in small groups, and their housing requires minor specialization. A glass of plastic aquarium is suitable for scorpions, preferably with lids that you can lock.
Safety Features of a Scorpion Enclosure
- The lid
While scorpions may not climb the glass or plastic walls of the enclosure, boredom may cause them to explore. Scorpions have escaped their cage at night using the silicon sealant as a foothold. The sealant holds the glass together.
Your enclosure must have a close-fitting lid to avoid dangerous surprises. The cover must also have space for air movement to prevent a build-up of stale air. It would help if you used enclosures with ventilation panels on the walls or on the roof.
- The enclosure material and shape
It may not be as essential for all species, but sometimes a glass terrarium is better than a plastic terrarium. Emperor scorpions do well in glass terrariums because glass is better at allowing heat to escape, and it keeps the enclosure cool enough. Wooden vivariums keep heat efficiently and may be unsuitable for them.
An ideal enclosure will have more horizontal space than vertical because scorpions are not arboreal invertebrates. A longer enclosure gives them more room to explore since they won’t be doing much—if any—climbing.
Scorpions are naturally adept at climbing over large objects, lifting moderately heavy objects like lids, and fitting into small spaces. There are products made to prevent these habits of scorpions from becoming potential hazards to you and your pet scorpion. Always read the specs and features of your pet enclosure before buying.
Do You Need a Travel Bag for Your Pet Scorpion?
You can transport your pet scorpion in a plastic container or deli cup. Instead of trying to pick it up with your hands, it is better to herd or coax it into the container gently. A pen or other long object works for nudging the scorpion into the deli cup.
Once the scorpion is in the container, firmly attach it and remove it from the cage. You can open the lid when you are ready to release the scorpion back into its terrarium or cage. Ensure that the cup or container has air holes, especially if the scorpion will be there for more than a few minutes.
Another way to transport your scorpion is to use a critter carrier and fill it with the scorpion’s preferred substrate (about an inch high). You can also place a soft hide in it, so your scorpion can comfortably retreat when it wants to.
When traveling in unfavorable or inclement weather, you can place the critter carrier in coolers and padded with newspapers during transport. This is very beneficial for off-grounds travel, and it keeps the mystery.
How Much Room Do Scorpions Need?
Scorpions do not need too much space, as it might make it harder for them to catch their prey. An appropriately sized habitat that accommodates their exercise and behaviors is ideal. The same criteria apply to housing multiple scorpions together.
However, you shouldn’t keep different species of scorpions in one enclosure, as they are highly territorial and aggressive. Also, house similarly sized scorpions together. Bigger scorpions may prey on and eat smaller ones, even if they are of the same species.
A 10-gallon tank satisfies the needs of one scorpion and 20 to 30 gallons for more scorpions. Most scorpions are small and spend most of their time burrowing under their substrate, so you don’t need excess space.
Is A Scorpion an Easy Pet?
The care of scorpions is like that of tarantulas and other arachnids from a similar climate. Scorpions don’t eat a lot of food (they easily get obese), their water levels are moderate, and you don’t need to clean their cages too often.
It doesn’t take a lot to make a scorpion happy in its habitat. Most importantly, they are hands-off pets that cannot bond with you. Once you get over the fact that they won’t be cuddly like dogs, they are relatively easy to keep.
