HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey all!

So my 2 hermit crabs are pets in a kindergarten classroom. The holidays are coming up, and this leaves me with a conundrum: what do I do with the little fellas?

Obviously they cannot stay alone in the locked up school for 2 weeks. But is it better for me to transport their 10 gallon tank (it's annoying and heavy but possible) or to buy a second (probably smaller) tank for their "vacation home" and just transport the crabs? I would think that the former option would be better as they are used to their home and the smells and all that but was not sure.

Secondly, Thanksgiving break is next week, and the school will be closed for five days. Is it better to try and leave the tank with eggshells and dried bugs and other foods that won't mold for that time or to transport the tank (I know moving is stressful for them which is why I hesitate. Otherwise they would obviously come with me).

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

I think, as long as temp and humidity holds steady, for the shorter break I would just leave them with plenty of dried foods and clean water.

For the longer break I would move them, if you can't get in to care for them. If the crabs are all on the surface I would move them over to a tote for easier transport and move the substrate over to another bin. Moving a tank full of substrate, even a smaller one, may cause it to crack - though I know a few crabbers have done it with no problem. I think if you did have to move it full, I would place it on a solid piece of wood to ensure it was well supported.

I have finally mastered getting their temperature and humidity steady (yay!). Good to know that they'll be okay over Thanksgiving.

I will plan on removing some of the substrate (maybe all, not sure) and carrying it separately from the tank in baggies or tupperware or something when I move them for Christmas break. My budget is very happy to know that moving their tank like that is ok!