HCA: Hermit Crab Association

hate to do this, but
/bump


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asiankanye wrote:so i believe that things like azomite and greensand are safe for hermit crabs, and both of these are also used as fertilizer. is it safe to buy these in bulk from gardening websites? i also found both in bulk quantities for free shipping on ebay. is this safe though?


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Buy it organic to reduce the chances of contamination, if possible.


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Hi, thanks for this thread!
I live at the beach and I occasionally see mole crab (sand crab) exoskeletons or fresh bodies on the sand. I have seen other owners offer dried sand crabs to their hermits. I’m wondering if I can collect the fresh ones I see at the beach. Any input is appreciated.

Make sure there are no local regulations limiting what you can remove from the beach. If there are rules about taking shells I would leave the exos alone since they play similar roles.


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Oh interesting point. I hadn’t thought of that. See? This site is always full of helpful discussions!
Believe or not, our beaches heavily deter taking rocks from the beach to protect against erosion.
I have a fishing license that also covers lobster and urchin, so I’m pretty sure I’m covered for the tiny sand crabs.
My concern was more about pollutants. But the sand crabs and the sandpipers that eat them seem to do fine.

Anything from the sea will have some pollutants, primarily mercury and microplastics.


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I found a protein powder in my pantry, but I’m not sure if all the ingredients are safe. From what I saw, I think the ingredients are safe but I’m not for sure.


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It should be fine. The natural flavors are mystery ingredients but I doubt they’d be harmful.


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Pokeweed? Phytolacca americana

Edit to add: Never mind, after quick research it sounds like poke is quite toxic to humans unless cooked correctly. I don’t think I’ll take a chance.

Links wrote:Pokeweed? Phytolacca americana

Edit to add: Never mind, after quick research it sounds like poke is quite toxic to humans unless cooked correctly. I don’t think I’ll take a chance.

Yes, it’s only toxic to mammals, but I would still avoid it to prevent getting the sap on your skin. If you’re allergic or you have sensitive skin you should most definitely avoid handling the stuff.


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JoeHermits wrote: ↑

Fri May 22, 2020 1:21 pm

Yes, it’s only toxic to mammals, but I would still avoid it to prevent getting the sap on your skin. If you’re allergic or you have sensitive skin you should most definitely avoid handling the stuff.


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Well I pull it up all the time so I don’t think I have a problem with it but I never knew it was toxic unless cook.

I also only get poison ivy in one sensitive area. Sorry tmi

How about taro root?

Is this food safe: It's for guinea pigs (there's one for Rabbits too) but I was wondering if it can be fed to hermit crabs: The ingredients say it contains: Ground Timothy Grass Hay, Dried Parsley Stems, Dried Rose Hips, Chopped Timothy Grass Hay, Dehydrated Carrots, Puffed Wheat Flakes, Dried Dandelion Leaves, Dehydrated Mountain Ash Berries, Dried Chamomile Flowers, Dried Bay Leaves. I looked at the safe food guide in the care guides and I can find some of the ingredients on the safe food list. Here's were I found this: https://www.petsmart.ca/small-pet/food- ... gid=600110

Most of the ingredients there are safe. I would stay away from it though since bay leaves aren't necessarily safe for hermit crabs. Ashwood is safe for hermit crabs, but I'm not sure about the berries themselves.

Anyone ever fed coconut flour? I didn't see it on the safe or unsafe lists. It says it's just defatted coconut. Can't imagine it is harmful, put some in the food dish tonight...