Hottentotta species care and questions

[Chief101]

I have a few question before I get another Hottentotta Trillineatus, what substrate is the best to use? cause I know Its a desert species but not all all sand, so far I was thinking sand mix with coco fiber mix with a clayish like natual soil because this species like burrowing. The bottom of the enclosure I decide ro put some small natual rocks I got near me. Are there anything else I have to do or pay attention cause Im not sure yet. Also, does scorpion need sunlight or just warmth? Help is welcomed!

 

[MallShoggoth]

Scorpions are nocturnal, so they don't need sunlight, just the right temperatures.
As for the substrate I would avoid the small rocks entirely unless you're planning on putting a mesh or fabric between those and the rest of the substrate to create a drainage layer. I think a mix of sand, clay and coco fiber sounds good, or even just sand and clay. Try to make sure there aren't any big chunks of gravel, crumble it entirely, moisten it to help retain shape, and let it dry pretty much entirely in the enclosure before you put the scorpion in there.
On top of that you can create some "starter burrows" by making one or two shallow holes in the substrate, you can add some pieces of bark for additional hiding places, and you can put a very small water bowl in the enclosure (some people use bottle caps, personally I'm fond of seashells because they have sloped edges and look more natural).
One last thing: if any of the materials you're using are things you just picked up outside, I would recommend sanitizing them by either baking them on a low temperature (around 100 Celsius/200 Fahrenheit) for an hour or so, or putting them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

With all this being said I'm still not the most experienced keeper and I don't know the particular needs of Hottentotta species, so you should also look at advice from other people. Try using the website's search function and see if anyone made a specific care guide for them.

 

[Chief101]

Scorpions are nocturnal, so they don't need sunlight, just the right temperatures.
As for the substrate I would avoid the small rocks entirely unless you're planning on putting a mesh or fabric between those and the rest of the substrate to create a drainage layer. I think a mix of sand, clay and coco fiber sounds good, or even just sand and clay. Try to make sure there aren't any big chunks of gravel, crumble it entirely, moisten it to help retain shape, and let it dry pretty much entirely in the enclosure before you put the scorpion in there.
On top of that you can create some "starter burrows" by making one or two shallow holes in the substrate, you can add some pieces of bark for additional hiding places, and you can put a very small water bowl in the enclosure (some people use bottle caps, personally I'm fond of seashells because they have sloped edges and look more natural).
One last thing: if any of the materials you're using are things you just picked up outside, I would recommend sanitizing them by either baking them on a low temperature (around 100 Celsius/200 Fahrenheit) for an hour or so, or putting them in boiling water for 5-10 minutes.

With all this being said I'm still not the most experienced keeper and I don't know the particular needs of Hottentotta species, so you should also look at advice from other people. Try using the website's search function and see if anyone made a specific care guide for them.

Thanks, thise are not gravel but big chunks of clay and coco fiber when I conbind them, I was thinking on adding some plants that doesnt need much water so it looks better. I have done reseaech and I believe thats it. Thanks!

 

[MallShoggoth]

Thanks, thise are not gravel but big chunks of clay and coco fiber when I conbind them, I was thinking on adding some plants that doesnt need much water so it looks better. I have done reseaech and I believe thats it. Thanks!

Sounds good to me! You should post pics once you put it all together, and let us know what plants you choose!

 

[Chief101]

Sounds good to me! You should post pics once you put it all together, and let us know what plants you choose!

I have a bit of a question if you don’t mind me asking, do you know how a scorpion burrow looks like? Cause I do know there are many scorpion here in the wild and I was wondering do you know anything about a Hottentotta species burrow? I know how they look but to tell it from other burrows like snakes is a problem.

 

[MallShoggoth]

I have a bit of a question if you don’t mind me asking, do you know how a scorpion burrow looks like? Cause I do know there are many scorpion here in the wild and I was wondering do you know anything about a Hottentotta species burrow? I know how they look but to tell it from other burrows like snakes is a problem.

dude idk there are no scorpions where I live

 

[Chief101]

dude idk there are no scorpions where I live

Oh ok, I mean like the shape of the scorpion burrow but it’s ok