Deceased Hot.

Ephesians

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Sep 12, 2002
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353
Deceased Hottentotta sp. Hey Dave or John, I recently had one of my hottentotta die. I found it dead when I came home tonight. The other one doesn't look too good. I am guessing maybe it's the cold weather, I can't keep my room that well heated...the temp. stays around 70. I don't know...they haven't been eating...I'm guessing because of the temp. I don't want to lose the other one and be another irresponsible amature. :mad: I have absolutely no idea how to care for this species...so the climate has just been dry with a sponge (always full of water) to drink from and lately cool temps. Any suggestions, comments? I hate when a death is my fault, it may not be...but I imagine it is. :(

Eph.
 

Kugellager

ArachnoJester of the Ancient Ones
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Jul 24, 2002
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First off, remember that they are small buthids and that the buthids in general are relatively short lived. Most of the small buthids live 2-4 years max and you have no idea how old they were when you got them. Desert/arid scorps are the most hardy and forgiving species to keep as they deal with warm days and cool nights. There are a lot of factors that you may have no control over. My M.martensii all kicked the bucket in less than a year and they were all adults when I got them..though two did have babies.

I would recommend a slightly warmer temp for yours...Dave can give you better advice on the best conditions as he has several species of Hottentotta. If your enclosure is small you could use a 25W bulb that would keep the enclosure in the 80's F but would have to pay closer attention to the temps. Also, as with tarantulas you should not use sponges as they just are breeding places for bacteria and algae. A gatorade bottle cap would be ideal for a water dish.

Remember...as far as monetary considerations if I remember correctly you practically stole them form that pet store...Don't get too discouraged with scorps; they can be rewarding critters to keep.

John
];')
 

Ephesians

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Sep 12, 2002
Messages
353
Thanks for the encouragement, and I'll remove the sponge and leave the bottle cap. Yes, they were a brutal steal...and I had another offer the other day I had to refuse because of room available. A bicoloratum and tricoloratum, adults, each in their own enclosure, all for 20 bucks. Would have liked to take him up on that one. Thanks a lot man. I'm definately not giving up on scorps, I do enjoy them extensively. I have just never had anything die under my care, and I guess the first time is always discouraging.

In Him,
Marcus
 

Kugellager

ArachnoJester of the Ancient Ones
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Yeah the first ones I lost were a definite bummer. I was living in Gainesville, Florida at the time. I came home from class and found both of my scorps (an Emp and C.gracilis) killed by fire ants.

John
];')
 

skinheaddave

SkorpionSkin
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Aug 15, 2002
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4,341
Marcus,

John's care recommendations are basically spot on. Hot and dry with free water available. Beyond that, it is probably a case of 'tis the season. I lost two Hottentotta sp. myself a few weeks back. It is just the way things are with the short-lived buthids.

Cheers,
Dave
 
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