Hermit Crab lost 2 legs

[22pony22]

Pellets: I know the pellets aren't the best for them--I was offering it along with the fruit mix and freeze dried--mealworms, shrimp and crickets. Letting the crab (Hermy at the time) decide what they wanted to eat. I tried offering cucumber and blueberries on August 7. I bought Hermy on the 6th. Hermy refused to eat the cucumber and blueberries. Didn't try feeding them again--Hermy did still get some fruit from the dried fruit mix.

I plan to feed my new crabs the same fruit mix (going to get another bag on Friday/ the weekend) omnivore mix, the veggies and fruit mix. Mealworms, red shrimp, crickets and grasshoppers.

How long does the food sold at "The Hermit Crab Patch" typically last? What food from there did your crabs like? I'm thinking about getting the sample pack of food with both the add-ons.

[22pony22]

Can hermit crabs have this? Its for birds but it is only pumpkin seeds.
https://www.petsmart.ca/bird/food-and-t ... gid=400111

What pure bites dog/cat treats are ok for hermit crabs?

[Hermiesguardian]

The pumpkin seeds are fine. And if a crab doesn't eat something try feeding it again in a couple weeks. They're finicky.

[22pony22]

How many times to offer food before it gets listed as a food the crabs don’t like?

When should I introduce it (human foods)? I think Hermy refused it because I just bought him and they don’t feed cucumbers and blueberries at the pet store.

How long does the hermit crab patch food last? I think I want to get the sample pack with both of the add ons. What foods did your crabs like?


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[DevilNDisguise]

As I've stated before, I personally feel like you never truly know whether or not a hermit crab is eating something. They'll eat and eat but sometimes barely make a dent in their food. Not to mention, just because you don't see your crabs eating anything doesn't mean they aren't. They're mostly active at night, anyway, so it's highly possible (and most likely) that they're eating then.

It isn't a matter of them not being used to better food or not. Hermit crabs definitely have preferences, but they also seem to know what they need, nutritionally speaking. I wouldn't offer the same foods all the time; mix it up every day and offer a variety from all of the categories. If it really is a case that they aren't eating the food for some odd reason, as suggested, give it a week or more and try again, while offering other things in between.

As for when to stop feeding particular things? I wouldn't. Again, just spread out what you're feeding and when. The odds that none of your crabs are eating what you offer would be surprising to me. But that's just my opinion; I'd definitely keep attempting to feed those things.

Your hermit crabs will have favorites, they'll have least favorites. Just keep trying different things.

[Xack]

I was too lazy to read everything so I'm sorry if someone has already said this, however you can get like a 30 pound bag of playsand from somewhere like Menards or Home depot for literally 3-5 dollars. That is what I ended up using and it works so much better than the stuff I used to buy from Petsmart or petco which wasn't calcium sand either. Like I said, I didn't read all the replies so I don't know if your sand ended up being calcium sand or not, just wanted to state that again just in case you think I am assuming. Good luck with your crabitat and crabby, we have all needed it at one point or another, including myself! [(I currently have a crab in iso with only one leg and his small claw) which is doing good!]

[22pony22]

I was too lazy to read everything so I'm sorry if someone has already said this, however you can get like a 30 pound bag of playsand from somewhere like Menards or Home depot for literally 3-5 dollars. That is what I ended up using and it works so much better than the stuff I used to buy from Petsmart or petco which wasn't calcium sand either. Like I said, I didn't read all the replies so I don't know if your sand ended up being calcium sand or not, just wanted to state that again just in case you think I am assuming. Good luck with your crabitat and crabby, we have all needed it at one point or another, including myself! [(I currently have a crab in iso with only one leg and his small claw) which is doing good!]

The sand I’m using is zoo med- repti sand white which is silca based. I do plan to get play sand for my next bag though. But here’s hoping that I won’t need to for a while!


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[22pony22]

Think I'll make my first order online in march after I get my new crabs-- I want Hermit crab sample pack with both addons from The hermit crab patch. I also want from there the instant treat feeder set, calipers and medium turbo shells.

But, I also read that someone ordered a purple pincher pack from Hermie's kitchen and they do subscription boxes too which sound good as well. Think I'll order all that stuff from The hermit crab patch first since I've known about that company longer and know they ship to Canada. But, the purple pincher pack looks good too. So, does the subscription boxes. Basically, I want get a lot of sample packs (like 30ish) of food without paying a ton. lol. Any ideas? Any recommendations?

[22pony22]

The torture of waiting to buy my new hermit crabs is driving me nuts. I keep thinking of new stuff to buy them too and new ideas for how to decorate my tank. I've already made shopping lists for the pet stores in my city that I like over and over again. Every time I do it gets more and more expensive. I also keep finding new hermit crab stores on Esty and new items at the hermit crab patch and Hermie's kitchen that I like.

Few questions:
1) Has anyone ordered from Happy Crabby Before? Specifically shells.
2) Does Oyster shells provide enough calcium for hermit crabs or would I need calcium supplement or cuttlebone? What should I be looking for on calcium supplements (any good brands?) what about cuttlebones?
3) My tank is 74.1*F and it has been like that for WEEKS. I have the tank sealed with cardboard and thick towel.
4) Can I use a Lizard Lounger (Small) to add second level? How to stop it from getting moldy?
5) Does anyone use the Repti Dishes water for water? How much saltwater fills it? I've just been using my mini watering can and filling up both dishes from that. Then doing the conditioners. I'm going to start using Prime/instant ocean in march when I get my new crabs.

[Crabby7Crabber]

I use Fluker's for the calcium supplement and my hermies love it. It comes as honey flavor.

[22pony22]

I use Fluker's for the calcium supplement and my hermies love it. It comes as honey flavor.

is it this one?
https://www.petsmart.ca/reptile/vitamin ... gid=500121

[22pony22]

I use Fluker's for the calcium supplement and my hermies love it. It comes as honey flavor.

OR is it this one?
https://flukerfarms.com/calcium-supplem ... mit-crabs/

[Motörcrab]

The torture of waiting to buy my new hermit crabs is driving me nuts. I keep thinking of new stuff to buy them too and new ideas for how to decorate my tank. I've already made shopping lists for the pet stores in my city that I like over and over again. Every time I do it gets more and more expensive. I also keep finding new hermit crab stores on Esty and new items at the hermit crab patch and Hermie's kitchen that I like.

Few questions:
1) Has anyone ordered from Happy Crabby Before? Specifically shells.
2) Does Oyster shells provide enough calcium for hermit crabs or would I need calcium supplement or cuttlebone? What should I be looking for on calcium supplements (any good brands?) what about cuttlebones?
3) My tank is 74.1*F and it has been like that for WEEKS. I have the tank sealed with cardboard and thick towel.
4) Can I use a Lizard Lounger (Small) to add second level? How to stop it from getting moldy?
5) Does anyone use the Repti Dishes water for water? How much saltwater fills it? I've just been using my mini watering can and filling up both dishes from that. Then doing the conditioners. I'm going to start using Prime/instant ocean in march when I get my new crabs.

I like to offer several calciums for variety. Cuttlebone, crushed oyster shells, calcium carbonate, cuttlebone, and crab exo. I usually get cuttlebone from Walmart. Make sure it's actual cuttlebone and not a processed one.

You may need to add more insulation to your tank. We insulate the back and usually one side of your tank. Reflectix is a good option. It reminds me of an aluminum foil lined bubble wrap. Be sure your UTH is the type that can be insulated.

A lizard lounger can be used. Soaking it in dechlorinated salt water should help it from molding.

I don't think the Repti Dishes are deep enough for water dishes. You will want to make sure both water dishes are deep enough for your biggest crab to fully submerge. Most of us use plastic containers from the Dollar Tree. They have a great selection in various sizes. We like to use two containers per water so they can be nested. Add a small layer of stones inside the bottom container. It makes it easier to remove the top one. The bottom container acts like a buffer in case a crab decides to molt under the water. That way they won't be disturbed and possibly crush their cave. We also line the sides of the top pools with crafting mesh so the crabs can use it as ramps.

[Crabby7Crabber]

The second one! You can get a three pack on amazon for $12, which will last you three lifetimes!

[Crabby7Crabber]

I like to offer several calciums for variety. Cuttlebone, crushed oyster shells, calcium carbonate, cuttlebone, and crab exo. I usually get cuttlebone from Walmart. Make sure it's actual cuttlebone and not a processed one.

You may need to add more insulation to your tank. We insulate the back and usually one side of your tank. Reflectix is a good option. It reminds me of an aluminum foil lined bubble wrap. Be sure your UTH is the type that can be insulated.

A lizard lounger can be used. Soaking it in dechlorinated salt water should help it from molding.

I don't think the Repti Dishes are deep enough for water dishes. You will want to make sure both water dishes are deep enough for your biggest crab to fully submerge. Most of us use plastic containers from the Dollar Tree. They have a great selection in various sizes. We like to use two containers per water so they can be nested. Add a small layer of stones inside the bottom container. It makes it easier to remove the top one. The bottom container acts like a buffer in case a crab decides to molt under the water. That way they won't be disturbed and possibly crush their cave. We also line the sides of the top pools with crafting mesh so the crabs can use it as ramps.

Next time I get out I'm going to buy some tupperware to use as water dishes. I think that is going to be the time I go to Lowes to get the playsand, since I am re-doing the crabitat at the end of Feb.