Very New Crabber

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JodiRettig
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Very New Crabber

Post by JodiRettig » Fri Mar 27, 2020 9:55 am

Hello Everyone!

I am extremely new to this and have had a hard time finding information outside if this that isn't condescending. So, first thank you for this website ♥️
My niece inherited hermit crabs from her teacher and as she was leaving for boot camp, I took them on. She knew nothing about them. There are 2 males (I now know) I have upgraded their tank to a 25 gallon. They had a sponge in which I replaced with 2 pools (salt water) and fresh water. They have 2 hides and plenty of items to climb on. I used the coconut substrate and there is easily 6 inches in the tank. I did not realize they needed sand too.

My questions are:

What is a good type of sand? It is necessary? Should I mix it or separate it?

There are 2 males currently. Should I adopt another? I read they do better in groups. If so, does it matter the sex?

I had an idea with chia seeds. I was wondering if chia is healthy for them and if any of you have ever build a little chia garden in their tank?

And lasty, any food items that your hermit crabs enjoy eating??

I just want to do right by them. I adore them and am so excited to have them now :)

Thanks in advance!!!
Jodi
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JoeHermits
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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by JoeHermits » Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:10 am

Playsand from the hardware store is standard. Coconut fiber alone is fine but a 5:1 mixture of playsand and coconut fiber is easier to maintain. The ratio doesn’t have to be exact.

Hermit crabs do fine in whatever group size they have, be it one, two, or many. It’s more about how many crabs you want than anything, really. Sex doesn’t matter.

Chia seeds are great and the crabs love having gardens! You may have to add more seeds regularly to replace the devoured seeds and sprouts, though.

Hope those answer your questions. Welcome and good luck!


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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by Xenocrab » Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:29 pm

Check out the safe/unsafe foods list on this site. I know mine love honey! They like fresh fruit too. Do you monitor the heat and humidity? They are very important.

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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by JodiRettig » Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:30 pm

Thank you soo much!! I will get some play sand and start planting their garden! :)
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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by Xenocrab » Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:32 pm

They like hemp, sunflower, flax and pumpkin seeds too!

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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by JodiRettig » Fri Mar 27, 2020 12:36 pm

Hello Xenocrab!

I will try some honey and seeds! Thanks! I actually have some flax on hand.

Yes! I do monitor both. Unfortunately the past owners did not. So I hope it doesn't effect them too much. :(

I am happy to hear and recommendations or suggestions :)
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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by CrabbyLover77 » Fri Mar 27, 2020 4:08 pm

My crabs LOVE popcorn. I bought plain (no butter/salt/oil/) popcorn off of Amazon. Then I put it in the food processor to get it into smaller pieces. Even if no other food is touched on their dish, when I offer popcorn, they always polish it off.

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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by Xenocrab » Fri Mar 27, 2020 4:10 pm

I pop organic popcorn in organic coconut oil and they always devour it! They love it!

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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by Crabby7Crabber » Fri Mar 27, 2020 5:38 pm

My crabbies also love popcorn! I have a feeling though that they don't get that much, since my Hoodini likes to jump on it as soon as I put it in the dish! :lol:
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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by CrabbyChelle628 » Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:15 pm

Mine absolutely love coconut, and dried blueberries, they also love lettuce and crushed chicken bones are a favorite because they love the marrow.


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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by Motörcrab » Fri Mar 27, 2020 10:57 pm

Welcome to the HCA. Joe covered all the bases with substrate and number of crabs.

I want to refer you to our caresheets. They are a great "crash course" for tons of general hermit crab information!
viewforum.php?f=120

Also the link in my signature has a ton of hermit crab food shops. My go to food shops on Etsy are, The Healthy Hermit, The Cholla Queen, 2 Old Crabs, MT Pet Emporium, and Earth, Water, Fire Studio. There are tons of options!
Coenobita Curiosities offering crabby decor
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoenobitaCuriosities
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JodiRettig
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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by JodiRettig » Sat Mar 28, 2020 9:09 am

Wow!! Thank you guy so much for all the help!!

I really appreciate it!! :)
I will have to try the popcorn too!!
Thank you for the link!!
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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by scuttlecrusty22 » Mon Mar 30, 2020 7:47 am

Welcome to the HCA! Feel free to ask lots and lots of questions!

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JodiRettig
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Re: Very New Crabber

Post by JodiRettig » Sat Apr 04, 2020 4:54 pm

Thank you so much everyone :)

I am so impressed with everyone being so helpful and kind!
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