Hermit crabs again??

[Tyler_Fishman]

Its been about 4-5 years since I left the hobby, I would like to re consider getting back into it in a few years, I knew the basics when I was younger, (10 gal, coco fibre substrate, salt water and freshwater, no painted shells) but after spending time in the fish keeping hobby and learning about water chemistry I feel more comfortable with owning them, poor 12 year old me could not figure out that leaving the lights on 24/7 and feeding comercial hermit crab food was having a negative impact on their health. I may consider trying to breed them, although heres the problem: I'd like to extend my reach pass the common C. clypeatus and C. Compressus, for years Ive always wanted a strawberry or viola, or even a pink indo! Is their any way to obatin these species? I haven't really figured out the adoption thing, any websites? I rarley see any videos on hermit crabs anymore and it was really a youtuber named farfinmosker who got fuled me through the hobby, but then the youtuber vanished and so did my intrest in hermit crabs.

[wodesorel]

Farfinmosker is wolfnipplechips here.

There hasn't been a steady source for exotic species in a few years. LHC started getting scam-y a few years ago and that sort of crashed the availability. You can still find straws from some aquarium places, but keep in mind that with the best care they only live a few years and I don't believe anyone has had them reproduce in captivity. They are the one species that we still haven't figured out basic care for and are pretty much guessing as to their needs.

Some regular pet stores will get in other species without knowing it (small stores, not major chains) but it's impossible to know who or when.

Adoptions of exotics are extremely rare, usually because it's people rehoming their surviving PPs once everything else has died.

[Tyler_Fishman]

Cool, im aware straws only live like 3-5 years what a shame that exotics are not readily avalible any more

[wolfnipplechips]

Sorry I'm not active on the youtubes anymore! I got divorced and sort of hit rock bottom for a couple years, decided I needed to move back home, and sold most of my stuff (including my awesome video camera) to fund it. I have my life put back together now, but still no video camera. And my DSLR and most of my lenses took a swim in a lake last summer. Probably won't be active on youtube again, but have been trying to visit more around here lately.

You can find straws occasionally online like wodesorel said, though the price is a bit steep (~$40?). As far as other species, I don't think they are available anywhere reputable, and LHC.com will take your money and never send crabs.

[LadyJinglyJones]

Try calling around to shops that sell the rarer lizard breeds & interesting morphs... often they go out of their way to have animal species that interest people who want something a bit fancier. Than said, straws do cost a lot, and the pet shop ones I've seen were mostly slumped in the salt pools - not a great sign.

Setting up a craigslist notification for your area may be helpful in finding adoptions.