HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Reynolds wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 09, 2023 11:06 pm

Hi! I replied with bold GB

Hello,

I am fairly new to the group, my name is Connor. I just purchased my 3 hermit crabs, Ceonobita clypeatus, on 06APR23. I got everything roughly set up before I purchased them from a store. I live in Virginia Beach, so they sell them at the oceanfront stores, and I was going to rescue them from there, but it has been really dry lately, and low humidity. So I bought them from a store called pet supplies plus, the day after they came in. They also had a crab that was in about a 1.75-2 inch opening shell, and I am really tempted to get it; however, I am weary that my current set up is not suitable for it. But I'd hate to see it stuck in a smaller box with an inch of sub. I'd like your thoughts.

GB: TBH, when you purchase crabs from a store you really aren't rescuing. You are supporting the industry. When you get a larger tank, go under the adoption section, and go to "Crabs looking for a home" to find a crab in your area.

My three hermits are unnamed as of yet. I know that one is a male, he is in a green-ish coloured shell. The other two do not ever come out far enough to tell whether or not they have gonopores. All in due time.

I will add fotos of the tank and set up and would love recommendations.

The male in a green-ish shell is the most active. He explores and climbs, and one night he was climbing the silicone of the tank. ( I will number them for now, Crab 1)

GB: It takes time for crabs to adjust to their new environment.

The next, larger of the three, is moderately active. But only really moves in a circle. As well as the occasional interaction with the male. (Crab 2)

The third is a very dark colouration on the limbs, and lighter on the body. Seems very stressed, and hid in the flower pot for a day or 2, and then dug a slight hole on the other side of the tank, with it's shell still exposed. (Crab 3)

The tank is 30"L × 13"W × 12"H, hinged glass lid, and some masking tape sealing the gap at a point that maintains the humidity best. I have a light on a timer 0800-2000. And I try not to disturb them or use bright lights during the night hours. Other than the last few pictures that I took tonight.

GB: I would be very careful using a heating bulb with glass. Bulbs tend to crack glass. You are better to purchase an ultratherm heater and place it along the back of the tank. I recommend ultratherms from either reptilebasics.com or bean farm.com You would attach them using packing tape, duct tape or reflectix tape.

I need to set up a shell shop, and get more shells for them, I will do that this week. Could use some pointers on the set up. I was going to replace the glass jar.

GB: It's really easy to set up a second story "shell shop". I would recommend checking out Pinterest for ideas. If you keep shells on the first level crabs will bury shells they like.

The temperature varies between 79-82°F, humidity is usually around 79-85%, staying at 83%, with occasional spikes of 90%.

The substrate is 5:1, play sand to eco earth. Moistened to sandcastle consistency.

GB: How deep is your substrate? What did you moisten it with?

For food I have been using freeze dried shrimp, apples, rolled oats, egg, egg shell, pecans, broccoli, dandelions and clover from my yard, carrots, peas, peppers, chicken, a drizzle of honey, and a drop of unsulfured blackstrap molasses. I keep a shell of organic worm castings as well. However, I don't notice them eating much.

GB: Hermit crabs can eat a lot of the same things that we eat. Just check to make sure the item is on the safe list. Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
You also want to provide one or more calcium sources at all times. Examples would be Cuttlebone, Organic Eggshell, Oyster Shell, Lobster Exo, Shrimp Exo.
Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid
Safe food list:
https://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/p ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list:
https://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/p ... 25&t=92556
Food pyramid: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554

I use prime water conditioner and instant ocean reef crystal, for the water dishes, they are deep enough for them to fully submerge, and have shelves under each for structure should one burrow under the bowls.

Please give me any advice, or ask any questions. I just want to help ensure they make it through PPS and have a successful first molt.

My apologies for packing in so much info into one post.

GB No apologies needed! We are here to help you!!!

Reynolds wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 10, 2023 10:18 pm

In regards to the shells and shop, that is really cool! I didn't know that they would Bury the ones that they like, are they saving them for later? I thought they would hide the ones that were not preferable.

-Reynolds