HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So, i see that snake skin is really popular with crabs! We have a ball python, we feed her dead mice, and we've had her since she was a baby. Would her sheds be okay? I'm not sure what all the requirements are.

Yes, that’d be fine!
You can feed snake skin as long as your snake isn’t sick or is on any medications now or recently.


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Stella wrote:Yes, that’d be fine!
You can feed snake skin as long as your snake isn’t sick or is on any medications now or recently.


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She's sassy but healthy. Yay! She is actually in shed right now!!!

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Awesome!


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Snake skin is beneficial source of keratin/protein.

GotButterflies wrote:Snake skin is beneficial source of keratin/protein.

That's so crazy! It's really cool how everything runs full circle

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Yes!

I do like to make sure it's a clean and dry skin, I could never use my balls' because they always end up defecating in it while shedding and it is a gross ammonia smelly mess! Same with my king, he usually smears feces all over it once he is done.

Keep in mind there is a risk of salmonella with snakes, and using anything from them in a crabitat can spread that. The risk probably isn't any greater than using raw meat, but I have actually had salmonella from reptiles before (not my own) and it is no picnic.

GotButterflies wrote:Snake skin is beneficial source of keratin/protein.

My crabs don't seem to like it. I haven't tried it in awhile but I'll try it again.

Snake skin disappears in my tank very quickly!!!

wodesorel wrote:I do like to make sure it's a clean and dry skin, I could never use my balls' because they always end up defecating in it while shedding and it is a gross ammonia smelly mess! Same with my king, he usually smears feces all over it once he is done.

Keep in mind there is a risk of salmonella with snakes, and using anything from them in a crabitat can spread that. The risk probably isn't any greater than using raw meat, but I have actually had salmonella from reptiles before (not my own) and it is no picnic.

She's pretty good about shedding nice and clean, we usually soak her and help get it off if we can. but sometimes she's a brat and won't let us. haha
How would i prevent salmonella? Is there something to look for?

ciaraalston wrote:

wodesorel wrote:I do like to make sure it's a clean and dry skin, I could never use my balls' because they always end up defecating in it while shedding and it is a gross ammonia smelly mess! Same with my king, he usually smears feces all over it once he is done.

Keep in mind there is a risk of salmonella with snakes, and using anything from them in a crabitat can spread that. The risk probably isn't any greater than using raw meat, but I have actually had salmonella from reptiles before (not my own) and it is no picnic.

She's pretty good about shedding nice and clean, we usually soak her and help get it off if we can. but sometimes she's a brat and won't let us. haha
How would i prevent salmonella? Is there something to look for?

Just practice solid handwashing procedures after handling your snake and anything in the tanks. Get up under your nails and lather up for long enough to sing the happy birthday song a couple of times.

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Awesome. Thank you for the advice!