HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Bad idea in my opinion. Earth worms can carry parasites and other nasties. I used some earth from outside that had some small ones in it too put in a tarantula vivarium and the poor spider got infected by Nematodes. Which are worms that that use snails , earth worms etc. for a host. The spider sadl...

I just thought of another thing...ya know those plastic containers that prepared foods come in? I'm thinking hummus, cheese dip, guacamole, etc.... They are about an inch deep, 4 inches wide, round, sometimes square....those would work fine, too. Then you have the added benefit of pigging out on som...

mmmm...I wouldn't. The cut edges will be very sharp, and I wouldn't want to take a chance.... You don't need anything fancy for water and food dishes. You can use plastic jar lids from peanut butter, mayo, that sort of thing. You can also use terracotta pot saucers (under a buck at home depot, kmart...

Yes, they absolutely need two water sources...salt and fresh. I use spring water, though, not distilled. I have no idea if distilled water is okay for them to drink/bathe in. To make their salt water, you should use a marine-quality brand, such as Instant Ocean or Oceanic, and follow the instruction...

I hunt for rollie polies every time we're outside, and so far, we've come up with a grand total of ....6! All that hunting, and all I have are 6... :? Next time we go someplace woodsey, I'm bringing a rubbermaid container with me. I'll be turning over rocks, logs, and sifting through leaf litter unt...

Hey Thoughts--any news to report on the pill bugs? Did they do what you expected?

Mopani is this really cool, twisted, multi-toned wood from Africa. I got it from the crabbage patch, so I thought it would be fine for the crabitat.

You can see it here: http://www.thecrabbagepatch.com/CL502.htm

Except mine isn't exactly smooth anymore since the boiling/microwaving cycles.....

I've got this cool mopani stick that I really want to reuse from the old moldy crabitat, but I want to be sure I've disinfected it enough..... I've boiled it in very strong salt water solution and microwaved it dry twice. Should I repeat that cycle a few times to ensure that it is mold free, or shou...

Mine is in my kitchen. It's the hub of all household activity, nobody comes or goes in this house without going through the kitchen, so they get all the visibility they need to be well taken care of.

Grammarcia wrote:
I would prefer 'a large gross....every time you see it!

The look on his face was priceless.

I wish I could get a few shots of these guys in their new shells. They just don't cooperate!!

WooHoo!!! Shelly came up last night, and actually CHANGED SHELLS!!! I feel like a used car salesman who finally sold one to that reluctant customer... I'm so glad he's out of that tiny orange studio apartment AND we were lucky enough to see him make the change. Boy were we on pins and needles! Sneak...

I just feel bad--the painted shell he's in is, well, painted for cryin' out loud, and it's just too small. He can't even pull his legs in, nevermind slam the door with his big claw.

"New Shell Smell...."

Hee hee...Can I get that in a little tree-shaped hangie thingie??

I just have to resist the urge to get another one or two...They've ALL gone under now. We've had them for one week, and now we're looking at an empty tank! Shelly, who has been my brave one for the last few days, has been poking around in the spare shells, trying them all on (I have 12 of varying si...