newbie here with feeding questions

[caelynng]

Hi everyone!

We are in the process of setting up/getting everything we need. I don't want to bring any hermit crabs home until we are ready. Current focus - what to feed them. I've looked at the links in the shopping area, as well as read some of the threads and some other spaces on the internet. From what I understand, there are certain things that they should get every day (like a protein) and certain things that they only need a couple times a week. We are happy to make their food or buy what somewhat else has made - just want to be sure we cover all their needs. One of the foods I was looking at is here - https://www.etsy.com/listing/197429938/ ... ome_feat_2 It looks pretty all inclusive, of course supplemented with fresh foods and different options, but since I'm new at this I am hoping for opinions from those of you with experience! If you have suggestions, feedback, or links that I should look at, please share.

Thank you so much!

[hprmom]

Hi caelynng, congrats and kudos to you for getting all your ducks in a row before bringing home your new crabs! I don't have experience with that exact food brand, but it looks pretty good. When I first started I bought a variety pack of individual foods, then started collecting/freezing/drying scraps until I transitioned to feeding mostly my own foods. A year later I'm still finishing up the last few bags of that first variety purchase, so they do last! Once I got educated and built up
a bit of confidence I found that I'm able to source most of my foods locally, but occasionally still order things I can't get (like different kinds of leaf litter). I see the foods you linked have sources of calcium, but do be sure to include sources of chiton (I use shrimp shells and crushed crab leg shells from my dinner table, that I keep in the freezer). Happy crabbing!


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[NCgirl19]

Hi caelynng, I'm not nearly as experienced as some of the users on here but I just wanted to say that I ordered that same pack from the happy hermit supply and my guys really enjoy it - especially Diet # 3. I went a bit overboard when I discovered all the stores on Etsy. My favorite one is crabvilla (they have an option to try some of their products at a discounted rate https://www.etsy.com/listing/480769042/ ... e_active_8 - my guys love their stuff too. I try to offer a mix of stuff from both places plus some fresh fruits or veggies too

Also Claw of the Wild on Etsy - she has some really great stuff (especially her puffs) https://www.etsy.com/shop/ClawOfTheWild

[caelynng]

Thanks!

And yes- Etsy will be the death of my bank account haha!

[GotButterflies]

Hello! Welcome to the HCA!

Safe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92556
Food pyramid: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554

Hermit Crab Patch is really popular

Edit: make sure foods are organic. Hermit crabs are sensitive to fertilizers and pesticides