How to ease hermit crabs nerves
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Topic author - Posts: 2
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How to ease hermit crabs nerves
Hello,
I previously owned a hermit crab who I ended up donating to my old science teacher before I had to go off to college. I’m now back from college, and my grandmother ended up getting hermit crabs from a garage sale because she knew I knew how to care for them. I didn’t know how many, or the condition when she called and told me, but when she showed up to my house it was very apparent that they were severely mistreated. There were maggots, and bugs all throughout their substrate, and the smell of the tank was absolutely repulsive. I immediately went to the store and got all new supplies. When I was cleaning it out I found a dead hermit crab in the dirt. They’re safe and healthy now, but my main concern is the fact that they are so nervous 24/7 and I want to help ease that in some way. Its to the point where if one of them is on top of one of the large pieces of driftwood in their tank, and they see me stand up from my bed, across the room, they will immediately go into their shell, sometimes resulting in them falling off of it and I feel so terrible. I just want to help them. Is there anything I can do? Thank you.
I previously owned a hermit crab who I ended up donating to my old science teacher before I had to go off to college. I’m now back from college, and my grandmother ended up getting hermit crabs from a garage sale because she knew I knew how to care for them. I didn’t know how many, or the condition when she called and told me, but when she showed up to my house it was very apparent that they were severely mistreated. There were maggots, and bugs all throughout their substrate, and the smell of the tank was absolutely repulsive. I immediately went to the store and got all new supplies. When I was cleaning it out I found a dead hermit crab in the dirt. They’re safe and healthy now, but my main concern is the fact that they are so nervous 24/7 and I want to help ease that in some way. Its to the point where if one of them is on top of one of the large pieces of driftwood in their tank, and they see me stand up from my bed, across the room, they will immediately go into their shell, sometimes resulting in them falling off of it and I feel so terrible. I just want to help them. Is there anything I can do? Thank you.
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Re: How to ease hermit crabs nerves
I would just try not to touch them a lot. It will take some time when I first got mine they were very scared like that but now one of them is finally pretty comfortable around me. Us crabbers have mixed opinions and handling our hermit crabs some say that it’s good for them and it gets them more comfortable but most of us decide not to touch them.
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Re: How to ease hermit crabs nerves
Hi! Welcome to the HCA!
I agree with not handling the crabbies. Make sure you give them lots of things to hide in as well.
I agree with not handling the crabbies. Make sure you give them lots of things to hide in as well.
Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
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Topic author - Posts: 2
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Re: How to ease hermit crabs nerves
Thank you both so much!
Re: How to ease hermit crabs nerves
I found that keeping them in the dark is also very helpful:)
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Re: How to ease hermit crabs nerves
Its also a waiting game, as they become accustomed of your house, they likely to be less skittish.
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Re: How to ease hermit crabs nerves
If they were in bad conditions, they might not have molted in awhile. I find that after the first molt they tend to mellow out a tiny bit. I've had my crabs for 3 years and I don't handle them much so they aren't really "comfortable" with me and I don't know if they ever will (I wouldn't think so because they are tiny and I am not). Crab's survival instinct says to run, hide, molt so they can grow, and get bigger. The bigger they are the less scared they are in my experience.marleylmao wrote: ↑Mon Jun 15, 2020 3:51 pmHello,
I previously owned a hermit crab who I ended up donating to my old science teacher before I had to go off to college. I’m now back from college, and my grandmother ended up getting hermit crabs from a garage sale because she knew I knew how to care for them. I didn’t know how many, or the condition when she called and told me, but when she showed up to my house it was very apparent that they were severely mistreated. There were maggots, and bugs all throughout their substrate, and the smell of the tank was absolutely repulsive. I immediately went to the store and got all new supplies. When I was cleaning it out I found a dead hermit crab in the dirt. They’re safe and healthy now, but my main concern is the fact that they are so nervous 24/7 and I want to help ease that in some way. Its to the point where if one of them is on top of one of the large pieces of driftwood in their tank, and they see me stand up from my bed, across the room, they will immediately go into their shell, sometimes resulting in them falling off of it and I feel so terrible. I just want to help them. Is there anything I can do? Thank you.
Hey! I'm Christine! I have 5 hermit crabs. Join me on Instagram @christinescrabcare. Also, checkout my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/christinescrabcare
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Re: How to ease hermit crabs nerves
How are they doing now? They might have been nervous because of a new habitat, but I do agree with not handling them unless you absolutely have to. Good luck with your little guys! Welcome to the HCA!
(Scuttle, Crusty) crabs, (Buster,Ruby) chihuahuas, (Bugs) goat, (Echo) betta fish (Skittles,Sky) parakeets
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life"
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life"