I have just joined your nice forum, and would like to introduce myself, and my new crab, Arnold. I am an animal lover who worked in wildlife rehab and care facilities for thirty+ years, until retirement. I worked with both exotics and domestics, but never with crustations. My personal philosphy is that if a person does not have the time, inclination or $ to care properly for a pet, they should not own one, because they are not simply for our entertainment. I have nothing against owning the more exotic pets, if it's legal, and if a person can provide the habitat, food and care needed. I currently have a super cute, sweet little mix breed dog named Beauvoir, and a big, beautiful Bearded Dragon named DeziLu. Dez was an "accidental pet" in that he was originally bought for a nephew who did not seem to me to be caring for him properly, so I took him back and raised him myself. It did not make me very popular with the nephew, but I could not watch any creature die slowly from neglect. I have since fallen deeply, madly in love with this lizrard, who has surprised me by showing he has just as much personality, emotion and can communicate as well as any pup, if you take time to learn his language! and he snuggles! Not just for heat, but for affection! --Lizards are emotional! Who knew? After all these years working with wildlife, I am still learning new things!
So sorry I got off topic and can talk all day about Dezi!
I confess that my new little buddy, Arnold was a bit of an impulse buy. On vacay at a Gulf beach, perusing the local tourist shop, and was fascinated by the Hermit crabs. I normally do not approve of impulse buying with any pet, but I had confidence that I would be able to study up on proper crab care, and could do right by little Arnold--certainly better than the conditions he was in. I already have several unused aquariums back home, various heaters, lights, etc. that I have used in wildlife rehab over the years. I plan to study this forum extensively, and buy some good books about crab care (any suggestions for that?) However, I do have a few questions that might be best asked while I am still near a store with crab supplies.
1) How many crabs are really necessary, for them to be happy? I only bought one, and reading through this forum I suspect that Arnold may need a buddy or two. I really do not want a ton of crabs, so what is the minimum I can get by with, plus I would get a couple extra, in case one or two do not live long due to the poor conditions of shop and previous care.
2) What size crabs will be best? I prefer to have a peaceful tank, and wonder if it is better to have crabs of much different sizes to prevent shell competition, etc? Or is it better to keep sizes similar, to prevent bullying? it is best to know this soon, so I can buy more crabs while still here, where I can look them over carefully. I can purchase supplies over the internet, as needed, but wont buy animals online.
3) For now, as a temporary travel home, Arnold is in a tupperware container (lid off, of course!) with store bought crab food, and I did put some moist beach sand in it, purified water (reverse osmosis) and three shells slightly bigger than the one he is in, which he has obviously outgrown. After reading more on this site, I also gave him a brief bath in ocean water, to rehydrate his gills. He is very active, even in day, so I have let him roam a bit, for exercise, but keep him on patio in shady place because the air conditioning is too cold for him. He is friendly, unafraid, and eating. Has not swiched shells yet. Was very hyper and constantly pacing, but calmed down some after a salt water bath. I suspect he was suffocating, since no bathing was provided in store.
Well, I know that is a lot of info for you all to read, but hope you will make it through it all and give me some much needed advise! I will probably need more advise as I begin this new exciting crab adventure. I truly want to provide the best habitat/diet/etc. possible for these fascinating cratures.
Thank you in advance for your time,
C.K. (aka "ivegotcrabs")
