How to Buy a Pet Scorpion

If you are interested in becoming an exotic pet owner, consider purchasing a scorpion. Though scorpions may have notorious reputations as feisty and sometimes dangerous animals, their popularity as pets is on the rise. Become familiar with scorpion care requirements before purchasing one.

Instructions

1. Research which scorpion species are commonly kept as pets and be aware of the responsibilities associated with each species' ownership and care. Look for special care requirements associated with different species.

2. Decide on a species of scorpion to own. Pandinus imperator (imperial scorpions/emperor scorpions) are popularly kept as pets and are suitable for first-time scorpion owners. Heterometrus spinifer (Thai black) and Heterometrus javanensis (Javanese jungle scorpion) are other species of scorpions available and can be taken care of in much of the same way as emperor scorpions.

3. Buy all the items necessary to construct your scorpion's habitat. Assemble the scorpion's habitat.

4. Call pet shops or locate scorpion breeders. Inquire about scorpion species availability and prices.

5. Examine the scorpions available for purchase. Check the scorpion's stinger, pinchers, feelers and appendages for injuries. Verify that the scorpion is alert by touching it with special felt-tipped forceps; a scorpion's fast reflexes can indicate good health, though aggression is a disagreeable trait in a scorpion.

6. Buy a healthy pet scorpion.

7. Transport your scorpion to your home in a scorpion-safe container. Make sure that your scorpion has an adequate supply of air and that the container's lid cannot be opened by the scorpion on its way home.

8. Arrive at your home and place your scorpion in its preassembled habitat.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid accidentally purchasing a member of the genus Androctonus. Scorpions from this genus are similar in appearance to emperor scorpions. Be sure to purchase your scorpion from a place or person who is aware of the difference between the two species.

• Avoid overly aggressive and poisonous scorpions from the Hadrurus species.

• Do not purchase your pet scorpion on a whim. Much research is needed to determine the appropriate methods of handling and caring for this potentially harmful creature.

• Do not purchase scorpions from people or places that claim to have removed or modified stingers, pinchers or venom sacs. The aforementioned are impossible to remove without injuring the scorpion and compromising its health.