Emps....alone or in multiples?

[lidjamay]

I was just wondering if they would prefer to live alone or do they like to have a "friend"?? I really haven't been able to find much online about it. Thanks!

[Boanerges]

I don't think they would like to have a friend but will tolerate one of equal size? You can keep multiples in a tank with in reason. The rule of thumb is one adult per 5 gallon of tank space if I remember correctly (i don't remember if sexes make a difference or not). I had 1 male with two females in a 20 gallon tank and they all did just fine. Just make sure you have plenty of hides and plenty of food. Having 1 per tank I think makes life a little eaiser because you can monitor feeding, bath room habits and other things much more closely. I am more of a tarantula person so scorpion people will be able to help out much more...

[mark and marley]

Boanerges you are right on spot with that info.

when you have multiple you run the risk of cannibalism.to avoid cannibalism keep them well fed with plenty of hides and deep enough substrate to burrow under things making their own hides.a male and female are less likely to do that but that doesnt mean push your luck with feeding..

a word on feeding
emperors suck at hunting,they wait in their burrows for something to come by and most the times crickets bounce away from em.you can put crix in the fridge for five minutes to slow down but they thaw out quickly and are as jumpy as ever.you can tear off their legs or crush their head but that just seems messed up and depending on your heart it will weigh on it. from my experience its best to feed them with hemostats (i use my fingers when i have a good view of their pedipalps,i dont advice this as i am masochistic).you can also herd a cricket or two into their burrows,sometimes the emps will get em and sometimes they just bounce out.

[lidjamay]

thanks guys I will just keep it to the one then!

[mark and marley]

i have a male and a female in a ten gallon.their interactions are very entertaining.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Yes, emps are one of the few species that are fine in small groups in an adequate tank with caves or other hiding areas for each of them. Given the proper substrate, they will dig multiple burrows as well.

[mark and marley]

they are also known to be very romantic.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

they are also known to be very romantic.

Lol

[lidjamay]

haha y'all are a trip!

Another question, mine doesn't seem to burrow much....the temps are fine from what i've read and so is the humidity. I have about 6 inches of substrate so there is plenty to burrow in jw if there is something i'm not doing right

[mark and marley]

if its not burrowing its probably because you have some above ground hides in there and he doesnt feel its necessary to burrow to get away from the heat.you can start a lil burrow under something for him to give him some ideas to finish the burrow himself.