New crab owner with 5 Purple Pinchers!

[mrsnuggles]

i mistyped things, sorry. i didnt mean enjoyed, just that they werent actively panicking. i also didnt mean to start an argument. this really is a touchy topic. i only have mine out when cleaning the tank or feeding them fruits or treats. they are in the tank majority of the time, and ONLY out when i can watch them the entire time.

[mrsnuggles]

my reply kept deleting, but i didnt mean to spark an argument. HCA has recognized there are many ways to successfully care for and handle crabs. i didnt mean to say enjoy, more so meant they were not in panic or stressed. they were calm. i only talk them out when i need to clean or refresh the tank, or decide to hand feed them. they only roam around when i can 100% always watch them.

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

The crabs roam about miles each night in the wild. I think they would appreciate being able to explore around the house? Also, other people have successfully allowed their crabs to roam about for an hour or so each day around their house, and the crabs have lived for years. Also, crabs don't eat when they're stressed (I think), so they would not want to be hand-fed food (if they were stressed). Because crabs often eat food from people's hands when they are out, that would make me think that they enjoy it.

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

But I do agree with mrsnuggies. I didn't mean to start an argument. I suppose I probably won't take them out as much as I had originally thought when I got them, but I might take them out sometimes. Sorry!

[HermitGuy3]

I still don't agree with handling, but if your house conditions are able to allow them to be calm, then that is cool!

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

While you might be able to hand feed them, do it in the tank. Please do not take them out.

I'll probably do this at first, till they get used to me.

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

This post is cool! Thought you might like to see it, if you haven't already:
https://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB ... 0&t=125119

[HermitGuy3]

Yes I read through that. I found it very interesting.

[curlysister]

I still don't agree with handling, but if your house conditions are able to allow them to be calm, then that is cool!

HCA recognizes that there are different ways to successfully care for crabs. Some people handle them and some people don't. They carry water in their shell, which helps when outside of ideal humidity. And they can tolerate lower or higher temps for short periods of time just fine. If a person chooses to handle their crabs, we do recommend waiting until after at least their first molt, so they are past the danger of PPS.

[curlysister]

hey! im so happy for you ive got 3 PP's myself, super sweet. did you know they are the friendliest species of hermit crab? they enjoy salt water and fresh water. they can grow to the size of a softball. a 10 gallon might be to small for 5 crabs, especially if they're bigger sized. they like burying themselves, so make sure the substrates deep enough. they love water, as i've said, so make sure they can fully submerge themselves, but can also safely get in and out. they will honestly eat anything, mine personally love strawberries and i've heard they go nuts for coconut and apple slices. for substrate, i would use sand and coconut fiber, or you could use sand and eco earth. as always, i recommend looking at the care sheets we have here. good luck!! -snuggles/turtle

I don't think there is any evidence of one species of crab being 'friendlier' than another.
PPs often don't 'swim' or submerge themselves. Deep pools are optional for PPs - I have only ever had 'wading pools' for mine.
Fruits, coconut, popcorn, etc are all part of a healthy diet, not just 'treats'. Crabs need animal protein and calcium daily. Be sure to look at the 'nutrition' care sheet, as well as the safe and unsafe food lists.
Eco Earth is just the name brand for coco fiber - they are the same. A person can use all play sand, all coco fiber, or a mix of the two in any ratio.

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

HCA recognizes that there are different ways to successfully care for crabs. Some people handle them and some people don't. They carry water in their shell, which helps when outside of ideal humidity. And they can tolerate lower or higher temps for short periods of time just fine. If a person chooses to handle their crabs, we do recommend waiting until after at least their first molt, so they are past the danger of PPS.

Thank you! I will definetly wait to handle them for now.

[C: ClareCrabOwner :)]

I don't think there is any evidence of one species of crab being 'friendlier' than another.
PPs often don't 'swim' or submerge themselves. Deep pools are optional for PPs - I have only ever had 'wading pools' for mine.
Fruits, coconut, popcorn, etc are all part of a healthy diet, not just 'treats'. Crabs need animal protein and calcium daily. Be sure to look at the 'nutrition' care sheet, as well as the safe and unsafe food lists.
Eco Earth is just the name brand for coco fiber - they are the same. A person can use all play sand, all coco fiber, or a mix of the two in any ratio.

Thank you! I could be wrong, but I think maybe mrsnuggies meant that some crabs are more active than other species, and less likely to pinch you. (When she said they are friendly).

Thanks for the information about food!