Beginning Crabber-Never to old to learn!

[CrabbyOpa]

Hi all! Just starting out in the fascinating world of the Hermie. Being 62 and newly retired (long time coming!) I wanted something to to occupy part of my time. On a recent trip to visit family in Pa. this past year, my Grandson got me hooked on crabbin'. Immediately, after returning to Florida, I jumped right in and spent the past month doing research (thank you HCA for all of the great information!) and I think I'm ready to take the plunge. I have an unused 85 gallon tank which the new occupants will call home. Got everything up to snuff i.e. lights, temp., humidity, substrate etc.. so, officially next week I'll be hitting the pet stores and hopefully will be able to pick out some healthy critters to take with me. Seems the only species PetsMart, PetLand and PetSuperMarket here in the Tampa Bay area carry are the PP's, unfortunately dressed in those god-awful painted shells! They certainly don't get the best of pre-purchase care but it's the hand I'm dealt. This past week I saw two surface molts,(astro turf for "substrate) one dead and one nearly. They didn't have any correct fitting shells for the little one to scoot into! I brought it to the floor persons' attention...result: Popped them in the trash can! I bit my tongue to say the least! So.... next week is homecoming for several new hermies. I'm thinking about six or so to start. If anyone in the Tampa Bay area knows of a source of HEALTHY crabs, let me know. I'll let the HCA community know when everyone gets settled in. Question: How do I post pics?

[dinky]

May want to take a look at some privately owned pet stores, even if it's a drive for you to get there, usually their crabs are in better condition and sometimes they have more that one kind to pick from. I'm a 54 old grandma and got hooked after we bought one for our grandson (:

[CrabbyOpa]

Thanks Dinky. I'll do that. Seems grandson's have some kind of hold on us!!

[Crabinski]

Welcome to the wonderfully addicting world of CrabMania ! I didn't get started crabbing 'til I was in my late 50s and wonder why it took me so long . As Dinky noted, private pet shops may have a broader selection or may be able to order crabs for you and, 90% will treat their crabs better than the chains. Also check your local craigslist for people rehoming hermits -- that's how I got my two newest little guys, from a couple who had no idea what they were getting into and simply didn't have the time or money to properly pursue crabbing.

[CallaLily]

Welcome to the HCA!

Here's a thread that explains how to share pics: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... =8&t=87783