HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi there!

I'm new to the forum but have currently had my first hermit crab (Herm) for about 7 months now. (I promise I know what I'm doing! He has deep substrate, humidity of 75% or so according to my hygrometer, and a great habitat!)

However, Herm is very very small. About an inch long. I already posted a shell question in the appropriate forum, but i have another non-shell question:

I know hermit crabs need friends, but I am very hesitant to get one for Herm yet due to his size. After a visit to the pet store, I realized that all the ones there are AT LEAST double his size. I will provide enough space for them and all, but I am very weary of bringing a crab twice his size into the picture. Advice?

Thanks!

-Nicole

My first crab, Sheldon, is about twice Peanut's size. (Think a golf ball and a ping pong ball.) Other than some pushing around, we haven't had any problems so far. If you really want one close to his size, I'd suggest shopping around and checking after they get new shipments. You could also adopt! Try Craigslist or the adoption forum here on the HCA.

Thank you! I rescued my tortoise from a bad home off craigslist, but haven't found any herms there. I'll check out the forums here, thanks!

that's funny! I just adopted four crabs yesterday and was surprised to see that the lady I adopted from had one tiny crab housed with 3 that were about 3-4 times her size. they get along great!! goodluck finding your crabby a friend

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I've personally found that crabs of different sizes get along better than crabs of the same size; which may be due to a lesser amount of conflict for resources (mostly shells....). It's extremely rare for crabs not to get along, so if you have the tank space i would encourage getting a species buddy or two.

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aussieJJDude wrote:I've personally found that crabs of different sizes get along better than crabs of the same size; which may be due to a lesser amount of conflict for resources (mostly shells....). It's extremely rare for crabs not to get along, so if you have the tank space i would encourage getting a species buddy or two.

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I've only had my two crabs so far, but they're very different in size, and Peanut has taken up to sleeping right next to Sheldon. It's so cute. I can agree with your statement, though.

Hello I just wanted to say welcome to the HCA!

Also, I recommend that you get your humidity to at least a minimum of 80%. Hermit crabs have modified gills and need the humidity to breathe.

GotButterflies wrote:Hello I just wanted to say welcome to the HCA!

Also, I recommend that you get your humidity to at least a minimum of 80%. Hermit crabs have modified gills and need the humidity to breathe.

I'm well aware of the modified gills, which is why i keep it at 75%. I was not aware that 80% was the minimum, as most pages here say 70%.

70% is the minimum though they can handle a bit lower than that fine. 80% is where most people see the most activity. Same with temp, 72 degrees is okay but they are more active at 80. Every year the "minimum" recommendations creep higher for some reason.

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wodesorel wrote:70% is the minimum though they can handle a bit lower than that fine. 80% is where most people see the most activity. Same with temp, 72 degrees is okay but they are more active at 80. Every year the "minimum" recommendations creep higher for some reason.

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We all want the maximum activity . I guess the 'higher' you have the temp/humdity, it creates a buffer away from tge lower end and stays away from the 'danger zone'.

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I have a small crab paired with a medium, and other than a little bumper cars activity; my smaller guy is doing fine. The size difference gives no reason for a shell fight and they have enough room to avoid being in the same place at the same time. At the food dish, it seems like they take turns, but who knows how it's going in the middle of the night.
I think a smaller crab would be ok. Just keep an eye on them and isolate one if things get violent.

Welcome! I just came back to HCA after my little brother bought me some crabs for my early birthday present! This is the one sight that will help you the most (in my past experience) I hope you love it here as much as I do. In regards to your little crab, all of my crabs are med-large, small-med, and tiny-small they ll get along great