HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I purchased my crabs on vacation two months ago. They were in a starter kit with gravel. Today I upgraded them too but I hope is a much much healthier habitat. They have much more space, things to climb on, and I added a higher quality food and a small pool with salt water. I had no idea they needed anything besides fresh water. But my biggest question is this. They now have several inches of moist coconut flakes. Typically I wash them every day to keep them hydrated. But now that they have buried themselves, are they molting or do I still dig them up to wash them every night?

HaleyJ wrote:I purchased my crabs on vacation two months ago. They were in a starter kit with gravel. Today I upgraded them too but I hope is a much much healthier habitat. They have much more space, things to climb on, and I added a higher quality food and a small pool with salt water. I had no idea they needed anything besides fresh water. But my biggest question is this. They now have several inches of moist coconut flakes. Typically I wash them every day to keep them hydrated. But now that they have buried themselves, are they molting or do I still dig them up to wash them every night?

Definitely wouldn't reccomend bathing them so often, and if the crabs have dug down to molt or just to burrow, don't bother them! They might just want some alone time, they know what they need so if they need food, water, or bathing they'll come up. Make sure your pools of water are deep enough for them to submerge themselves but that they have a way out! Also make sure your temp stays between 73-85 degrees. If it doesn't, I'd recommend getting a heat matt. (I know it's overwhelming but you don't need to do all this is one night, your still learning and we're all super excited for you!) Also make sure your humidity is between 75-90. Make sure the substrate is about 5-6 inches deep, I wouldn't reccomend coconut flakes but I'm not an expert and I don't know much about them, if they've worked so far and everyone else says it's alright, I'd say it's fine, but definitely look into changing it to sand or eco earth! Also make sure to give them "equipment"
to climb around on or hides to play/sleep/hide/rest inside! Crabs are very social (i'm sure you know this) and like to play/play fight with eachtoher! Make sure they all have plenty of things to climb on or lay on! Again, I've only been crabbing since August so I don't know much, but that's what I do know! I also know how overwhelming and scary it can be, but I promise it'll be worth it when you see your little
babies having fun!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks! I will just leave them be and make sure they have what they need when they are ready to come out. I just want to see them thriving. They were an impulse buy while I was in Galveston because I felt so bad for them crawling in this huge box of other crabs and a lot of them were dead. So now I just want to make sure they live the best life they can. I’m always open to any suggestions on things I can do to give them their best life.

By 'coconut flakes', do you mean coco fiber?

If you haven't already, be sure to check out the care sheets. Start with the 'basics' then go from there. Welcome to crabbing, and to the site!

Yes, I’m sorry, that is what I meant. I had gone to the pet store to buy all purpose sand, but they said that the fiber was better for hydration.

No problem, I thought that's what you might have meant!
You can use all coco fiber, all play sand, or a mix of the two. Some people find all coco fiber a bit harder to maintain. And play sand is cheaper if you are on a budget!

HaleyJ wrote:Yes, I’m sorry, that is what I meant. I had gone to the pet store to buy all purpose sand, but they said that the fiber was better for hydration.

That makes a lot more sense, I was wondering what you meant by coconut flakes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk