Adoption Pending!

[Fledgling]

So I've had 1 little PP (Toby) for about a month now and I will soon be adopting 3 more. They've been together for several years and have molted in capativity a couple times. The 3 also come with a bigger tank. So I was planning on waiting to introduce Toby to the newcomers until s/he has molted (which, given his increase in tunneling, I think is coming soon). I don't know how big they will be in comparison yet.

How do I safely introduce Toby to the bigger tank? If the other crabs are bigger than him, will he be safe? I've already become quite attached to the little guy and would be heartbroken if something happened to him...


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[wodesorel]

I would let him molt where he is before trying to put them together, if you can. In the past I've had great luck by bathing all the crabs, which makes them all smell the same so they don't realize there is a new crab sneaking around an established group. I also clean (rinse off items, change up the shell selection) and redecorate at the same time which lets them think they are someplace new, which helps to prevent territorial issues. I've brought in groups of adoptions where I was nervous of how they would do because they had been together so long, but by doing this none of the crabs ever noticed they were standing next to a stranger. :Hlol:

[Fledgling]

Ok, that sounds doable! I don't know what all I'm getting in decor and supplies worth the adoption, but as long as Toby is down I have plenty of time to think out a crabitat design! I haven't seen any sign of activity for 2 days now, so I think the wait has begun.

The timing is also great bc I've been worrying that Toby was feeling lonely...he's been all by himself for a month now and was acting kind of lethargic before he went under...

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[Artistmom81]

I have one tunneling like crazy! Grump was ugly to her yesterday; walked up and "punched" her in the face! Then walked off! She just ducked into her shell. I felt so bad. I swear he has moods.

Congrats on the new babies coming!

[Artistmom81]

I would let him molt where he is before trying to put them together, if you can. In the past I've had great luck by bathing all the crabs, which makes them all smell the same so they don't realize there is a new crab sneaking around an established group. I also clean (rinse off items, change up the shell selection) and redecorate at the same time which lets them think they are someplace new, which helps to prevent territorial issues. I've brought in groups of adoptions where I was nervous of how they would do because they had been together so long, but by doing this none of the crabs ever noticed they were standing next to a stranger. :Hlol:

How do they do when one or more comes up from a molt? When I got them home, 2 immediately buried into the substrate. I haven't seen them in over a week. I've got one male that has mood swings sometimes. My female named Ralph has been tunneling and he literally walked up to her and punched her in the face! She ducked her little self into her shell. I felt bad for her. Then he just turne around and walked off! I'm working on his climbing wall made from hemp. He just has one that goes to the moss pit but he's a climber. Maybe that will help. I just hope he doesn't bully my 2 that come up from molting.

[Fledgling]

We're on our way! One of the three unfortunately passed before the adoption...but the other two seemed super active! And they're HUGE compared to my little Toby! He's probably a small while these two seem like their on the large side of medium! I hope they'll be kind and welcoming when he comes up...

I'll be making lots of updates and putting the tank back together once we get the little guys home!

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[daws409]

Congrats!

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[C_fiesta]

I really like that tree thing.

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[Fledgling]

I do too, but it doesn't fit in the tank with all the substrate.

I am starting to worry a bit that I won't be able to care for them for long....they're just so much bigger than I was expecting and I can't afford a tank upgrade right now. Not to mention that I think one of them is not taking the move well...I found a piece of exo in the tank they stayed in while I set up the 20L. He buried himself in the moss pit, so I'll try to take a better look at him when he comes up...

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[Fledgling]

The one in the moss pit hasn't come out yet...but I know he's ok since I saw some movement! If he doesn't come up by tonight I might uncover him to make sure he's not stuck or anything. The other one, Speedy, is very active and a bit annoyed with the lack of climbing space. I'll be tweaking the tat design when Toby comes up, so I'll hopefully be able to add more climbing room then.

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