HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi everyone! I just “rescued a crab” yesterday. I’m really excited because I’ve wanted a hermit crab since I was a kid. I was going to buy one a few years ago but fell down a rabbit hole re: how most crabs for sale are taken from the wild. I didn’t want to do that, so I didn’t get one. But my husband knows I’ve always wanted one and so when his coworker mentioned that his daughter completely lost interest in the hermit crab they got her a few months ago, we offered to take it!

I’ve named him Lenny and have spent today researching everything I need. His enclosure is too small and he’s only been fed pellets it sounds like so I’m working on collecting everything he needs. I think his current shell is too small.

This is what I have purchased so far:
10gal tank
Heat mat
Calcium supplement
More substrate for his new tank

Will try to figure out how to post a photo of him later. I think he’s a purple pincher - his previous owner got him at Petco and from what I’ve researched it sounds like that’s the species they tend to sell most often.

I’m just really excited! I want to give him a really happy, comfortable life for however long he’s with us.

Hello and welcome to the HCA! It sounds as if you have been doing your research on adopting and proper care already. Rather than bombarding you with a lot of get this or that's I will guide you to our care sheets so you can read up on everything you need there!
Our care sheets are at this link:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... .php?f=120

Here is our resource to our resource section of shops that offer foods, shells, and decor!
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 2&t=119315

Hi! I'd recommend looking over the care sheets Motor linked, but let me give a few tips!
-NEVER dig a molting crab up. This is also why you need 6 inches (or at least 3x the size of your crab) deep substrate.
-Heat and humidity should be preferably 80/80 but PP's can thrive in 75-83 degrees F temperature. At least 80% humidity is vital though.
-MAIN diet should be proteins, calcium, fruits, and vegetables. You can make your own foods, but I prefer buying my foods from Etsy!
And, of course, nice to meet you! <3

Welcome! Lots of great info and people here. Have fun with it! You can download pics through Tapatalk app...always love seeing the crabbies!


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Here he is! Hopefully this works:

https://imgur.com/crqMp3D

Welcome to the forum and to the obsession! Your little charge looks good and has great color! Their shell looks a little snug. Shell shopping might be a priority for you!

I agree - I think his current shell is too small for him. I went out today and found a slightly larger shell that might work and then I also ordered a few more that will hopefully not take too long to arrive. I def think he's ready for an upgrade.

I fed him some pineapple and some crushed up sunflower seeds last night and he went to town - poor thing was pretty hungry I think. I was so happy to see him eating. I moved him into his larger enclosure today and he got right to work digging himself a deep hole.

Look at his little eyes pokin out...he’s so cute!


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