Hi all, returning crabber here!
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Topic author - Posts: 51
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Hi all, returning crabber here!
Hi, everyone. Happy to be here at the HCA.
I was a serious crabber around 8-10 years ago (I was probably between 13 and 16 at the time). Had several large 'tats set up and over 50 crabs. I quickly became overwhelmed and failed to take proper care of them after a few years. I found another crabber locally who took my remaining crabs into his care.
Flash-forward to adulthood: I finally got crabbos again - after years of wanting to! I am keeping the hobby MUCH smaller this go-round though. Spent a few weeks gathering supplies and setting up a stable 10 gallon aquarium. And then I got crabs! 2 small PPs, lovingly named 'Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Disparity and Darkness' and 'Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity'. The names are subject to getting longer as I learn their personalities more, haha.
No real point to this post other than to just be ecstatic about crabs with people. My roommate has been laughing at me a ton for sitting, all hunkered down & still, watching them at night. They've both been dipping into the salt water a lot, as well as eating plenty. I am anticipating them to dig down for a molt soon as they both are missing the tips of several legs. Honestly am surprised that they haven't dug at all yet as I have had them for almost a week.
But yeah! Hi everyone!
I was a serious crabber around 8-10 years ago (I was probably between 13 and 16 at the time). Had several large 'tats set up and over 50 crabs. I quickly became overwhelmed and failed to take proper care of them after a few years. I found another crabber locally who took my remaining crabs into his care.
Flash-forward to adulthood: I finally got crabbos again - after years of wanting to! I am keeping the hobby MUCH smaller this go-round though. Spent a few weeks gathering supplies and setting up a stable 10 gallon aquarium. And then I got crabs! 2 small PPs, lovingly named 'Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Disparity and Darkness' and 'Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity'. The names are subject to getting longer as I learn their personalities more, haha.
No real point to this post other than to just be ecstatic about crabs with people. My roommate has been laughing at me a ton for sitting, all hunkered down & still, watching them at night. They've both been dipping into the salt water a lot, as well as eating plenty. I am anticipating them to dig down for a molt soon as they both are missing the tips of several legs. Honestly am surprised that they haven't dug at all yet as I have had them for almost a week.
But yeah! Hi everyone!
3 PPs: Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity & Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Darkness and Desparity ~ 2/10/19 and Felicity Crab-19 ~ 5/24/20
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Hi! You're gonna soon remember how addicting they are and upgrade. A 10gal gets sung with all their stuff. Lol.
raising son's dog, Dante. Husky/hound.
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
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Topic author - Posts: 51
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2019 12:21 pm
- Location: VA, USA
Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Oh, I know! Current living situation calls for no more than a 10 gallon, am looking to buy a home sometime in the next year or so. Figure I'll give the crabs an upgrade at the same time. Gonna have to try and be content with what I can swing for now. I had the hardest time setting it up, the smallest I had ever worked with before was a 20 gallon (long) aquarium. It was difficult making a 10 gallon functional and appealing, but I am happy with how it turned out.Hermiesguardian wrote: ↑Fri Feb 15, 2019 11:44 amHi! You're gonna soon remember how addicting they are and upgrade. A 10gal gets sung with all their stuff. Lol.
3 PPs: Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity & Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Darkness and Desparity ~ 2/10/19 and Felicity Crab-19 ~ 5/24/20
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Welcome to the board!
A 10g is a good way to get back into the swing of things without biting off more than you can chew type of thing. A burnout is never fun, I've experienced similar at times and it's hard to make things work.
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A 10g is a good way to get back into the swing of things without biting off more than you can chew type of thing. A burnout is never fun, I've experienced similar at times and it's hard to make things work.
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|| Avid Aquarist Addict (2007) || Crazy Crabbing Connoisseur (2012) || Amateur Aroid Admirer (2014) ||
"She’s there, she’s upright, and she’s wigged" ~ Trixie
Infrequently on due to studies
"She’s there, she’s upright, and she’s wigged" ~ Trixie
Infrequently on due to studies
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Topic author - Posts: 51
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2019 12:21 pm
- Location: VA, USA
Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
While I already have a thread going, can someone double-check the foods I've offered them for just general OK-ness?
Sunday: dried mealworms, pineapple, steamed cauliflower
Monday: same food as Sunday + plus raw chicken
Tuesday: raw turkey, olive oil, honey, steamed brussel sprout, and clementine
Wednesday: same food as Tuesday
Thursday: dried mealworms, blueberry, quinoa, red lentils, corn
Friday: same food as Thursday
This weekend I intend to pick up some small quantities of shrimp/fish (I don't eat seafood, so it isn't something that I often have on hand) for a little more variety in protein choice. Otherwise - I'm just trying to stick to a basic plan of protein + fruit + veg + occasional other & trust that the crabbos can figure it out from there. Seem solid?
Sunday: dried mealworms, pineapple, steamed cauliflower
Monday: same food as Sunday + plus raw chicken
Tuesday: raw turkey, olive oil, honey, steamed brussel sprout, and clementine
Wednesday: same food as Tuesday
Thursday: dried mealworms, blueberry, quinoa, red lentils, corn
Friday: same food as Thursday
This weekend I intend to pick up some small quantities of shrimp/fish (I don't eat seafood, so it isn't something that I often have on hand) for a little more variety in protein choice. Otherwise - I'm just trying to stick to a basic plan of protein + fruit + veg + occasional other & trust that the crabbos can figure it out from there. Seem solid?
3 PPs: Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity & Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Darkness and Desparity ~ 2/10/19 and Felicity Crab-19 ~ 5/24/20
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
You may want to throw in some eggshells for calcium. I also suggest some cuttlebone in your tank so they can munch on that.craboloading wrote: ↑Sat Feb 16, 2019 11:24 amWhile I already have a thread going, can someone double-check the foods I've offered them for just general OK-ness?
Sunday: dried mealworms, pineapple, steamed cauliflower
Monday: same food as Sunday + plus raw chicken
Tuesday: raw turkey, olive oil, honey, steamed brussel sprout, and clementine
Wednesday: same food as Tuesday
Thursday: dried mealworms, blueberry, quinoa, red lentils, corn
Friday: same food as Thursday
This weekend I intend to pick up some small quantities of shrimp/fish (I don't eat seafood, so it isn't something that I often have on hand) for a little more variety in protein choice. Otherwise - I'm just trying to stick to a basic plan of protein + fruit + veg + occasional other & trust that the crabbos can figure it out from there. Seem solid?
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Topic author - Posts: 51
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2019 12:21 pm
- Location: VA, USA
Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
There is cuttlebone in there! Just didn't think to mention it with the rotating foods. Thanks - will make a note to boil some eggs this weekend.teachincrabbie wrote: ↑Sat Feb 16, 2019 11:52 amYou may want to throw in some eggshells for calcium. I also suggest some cuttlebone in your tank so they can munch on that.
3 PPs: Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity & Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Darkness and Desparity ~ 2/10/19 and Felicity Crab-19 ~ 5/24/20
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Don't forget leaf litter. And worm castings.
raising son's dog, Dante. Husky/hound.
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
I keep greensand, egg shells, and cuttlebone stuck into the substrate for easy use.
Keeper Since 2016
75G - 10PP
75G - 10PP
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Topic author - Posts: 51
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2019 12:21 pm
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Not exactly "leaf litter" but I do have a ton of organic dried calendula I could give to them. I need to get some worm castings, that is something I'd forgotten - thank you!
Do the eggshells not get icky over time? More so in terms of smell. I put some in with their dinner tonight and there is a definite egg-smell.odelayheehoo wrote: ↑Sat Feb 16, 2019 7:05 pmI keep greensand, egg shells, and cuttlebone stuck into the substrate for easy use.
3 PPs: Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity & Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Darkness and Desparity ~ 2/10/19 and Felicity Crab-19 ~ 5/24/20
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Welcome back to the addicting world of crabbing!
Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
Safe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92556
Food pyramid: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92554
Provide calcium too - cuttlebone, eggshells, coral, oyster shell, exoskeleton
Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
Safe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92556
Food pyramid: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92554
Provide calcium too - cuttlebone, eggshells, coral, oyster shell, exoskeleton
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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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
I didn't like raw eggshells either. So I keep the shells from hard cooked eggs, and use those instead. No smell, no goo, no ick factor for me! LOL.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers
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Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
My crabs love raw eggshell. Especially with a bit of egg still inside. I had one recently that dragged it into the pool. That was a mess. But just like other foods I remove it after a couple of days.
raising son's dog, Dante. Husky/hound.
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
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Topic author - Posts: 51
- Joined: Wed Feb 13, 2019 12:21 pm
- Location: VA, USA
Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Just wanted to give a little update since my original post, Scuttles has returned from his very first molt with me! Within probably the first 2 weeks he dug underground and he just came back up yesterday. He is visibly larger as his formerly well-fitting shell seems a bit small now & his nails are nice and sharp. I am so stoked that he has already successfully molted in my care. Beacon went underground on Tuesday, so hopefully in a few weeks I can report that he has also completed a molt.
Loading Scuttles up with some post-molt nutrients. Mineral supplement, worm castings, & the basic diet from THCP in the dry foods dish. Eggshell, scrambled egg, frozen brine shrimp, blackberry, a single piece of air-popped popcorn, and calendula flower in the fresh food dish.
Loading Scuttles up with some post-molt nutrients. Mineral supplement, worm castings, & the basic diet from THCP in the dry foods dish. Eggshell, scrambled egg, frozen brine shrimp, blackberry, a single piece of air-popped popcorn, and calendula flower in the fresh food dish.
3 PPs: Beacon the Two Pound Crab of Light and Purity & Scuttles the Shadow Crab of Darkness and Desparity ~ 2/10/19 and Felicity Crab-19 ~ 5/24/20
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
1 Orange Cat: Chloe Hannah ~ 4/2015
Re: Hi all, returning crabber here!
Congrats on successful molt! Always so exciting when they come back!