New crab behavior? Help please!

[Lau30]

Hi everyone!
I am new to this forum and very new to hermit crab life!!! I purchased 2 hermit crabs today and pretty sure I have set the tank up properly! The temp is 24 degrees and humidity is currently sitting at 85. I have play sand as well as coconut stuff in the tank and water and salt water and food and climbing things!
My question is: my crabs are just hiding under the sand and won't come
Out!!!!!!!!! They haven't eaten or anything and I moved one before as I was worried and it scrambled straight back to its spot! Is there something wrong or are they just getting used to their néw habitat? How long should I expect this behavior?
Thanks so much

[Rawrgeous]

Hi, welcome to the HCA! I suggest thoroughly reading through our care guide here if you haven't already. Unfortunately most pet stores do not inform people of their proper care. http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 53#p852153
It is very common for crabs to dig down to distress almost immediately after purchase. Many are in dire need of a molt, so as soon as conditions are right they begin to prepare their bodies for a molt. It's a very stressful time for them, and they have already been through horrendous conditions from capture, to shipments and warehouses and then plopped into the over crowded pet store with poisonous food. Sometimes preparing takes a while. Others just need time to adjust to their new environment. It honestly took over a month before any of my crabs were above ground regularly. They are also nocturnal creatures so they could be coming out at night while you sleep. The best thing to do is wait, and let them be. I would be as hands off as possible other than food and water changes. Unfortunately they aren't always super exciting, which is why they are affectionately dubbed pet sand. Good luck and welcome to crabbing!

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[Lau30]

Thank you so much for your reply! I did think that maybe it was their way of de-stressing but I just wanted to make sure that it was normal behavior for them! I have read the care instructions and did a lot of research into them before getting them! As I speak one has just emerged and is having a walk around! I have given them fresh food and not the hermit crab food so hopefully they will like that!
Thanks again!

[Giner13]

Exactly what Rawrgeous said!!
Good luck & welcome to the community!!


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[MrTeacherDude]

I've been crabbing for over a year and I still have a crab who only surfaces around midnight and digs right back down when the lights turn on at 6 am. The only time I see this crab is if I need to get up during the night...

[MadiCrab]

I keep putting off this question. I have kind of big crabby I'm afraid I have mine over crowded???? 2 more. 1 small & med sized little smaller than big one. 10 g.
I think smallest 1 went Down??


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[KayedeeLove<3]

I keep putting off this question. I have kind of big crabby I'm afraid I have mine over crowded???? 2 more. 1 small & med sized little smaller than big one. 10 g.
I think smallest 1 went Down??


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Typically we put two small or maybe mediums in a 10 gal. You may need an upgrade!

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[MadiCrab]

I keep putting off this question. I have kind of big crabby I'm afraid I have mine over crowded???? 2 more. 1 small & med sized little smaller than big one. 10 g.
I think smallest 1 went Down??


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Typically we put two small or maybe mediums in a 10 gal. You may need an upgrade!

Oh I wanna upgrade!! My husband bought 2big ones WOUT know any better.
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[MrTeacherDude]

You can always find good sales through the local social media pages. Or wait until PetCo and PetSmart has their $1 per gallon sale. I got my 75G for $30 through a friends ad...

I have 4 mediums in a 35G and it's very tight!

[KayedeeLove<3]

Craigslist for sure

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