I am new to crabbing and need help on crab behavior

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 1:06 pm

I received a hermit crab from my nephews for my birthday - they gave me the basic overview on care as well as a care sheet. I never knew anything about hermit crabs until I started researching them after receiving my new crab. Of course after reading up on them, I immediately learned there was a lot more I need to do if I were going to keep crabs.

I went and got my crab a friend - my second crab is smaller than my first but not much. They are both PP hermit crabs. They live in a 5.5 gallon aquarium with the works - half cali-sand and half jungle bed, coconut hut, climbing trees, extra shells, climbing wall, food and water bowls, etc. They only get dechlorinated water, spray downs every other day, and humid between 70% to 80% with temperature between 72deg to 74 deg.

However, I have noticed that they tend to be a little shy and do not venture out much. I put a web cam on the aquarium and see the smaller one move around but the larger one tends to come out to eat and drink water but then heads back to the hut. Have I missed something? I know they are more active at night but I thought they would more active in the day than they are right now. Any help to make them more comfortable and happy would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 1:11 pm

PP's are heavily nocturnal - they mostly are active at night

If you just got them, they will go through a phase of "destressing" which may last for weeks, depending on the conditions they were in.

starmaiden · Post by **starmaiden** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 1:12 pm

Other than a marine salt water source, not table salt, I'd say you were doing fine! PPs generally prefer to stay asleep during the day and do their playing at night. It may take awhile for them to adjust to their new surroundings and really become active. In a few months you'll be complaining that they won't let you sleep!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 1:52 pm

Thank you... I just wanted to make sure everything was ok. I will pick up some salt for them. Are two crabs ok or should I get another one for that size habitat? One more question, do they need a fresh and a salt water source or just a salt water source?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 2:37 pm

I would recommend a large dish of freshwater that they can climb into, and a smaller one of salt water. Depending on the brand of salt you buy mix according to the guidelines in the crab care FAQ and your crabs will have everything they need.

Even though you tank is quite small I would get another crab (what is the surface area of the tank?), they are much more gregarious in groups and if one is more dominant it won't be continuously picking on the other one.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Aug 19, 2006 3:51 pm

Sounds like your getting of to a good start

. when you can get the biggest tank you have room for. more room bigger is better in tank size with crabs. If you have PP's (Purple Pincers A.K.A Caribbean) then you don't need a large salt water dish. But If you have any other species then a larger Salt water dish is ideal ore even better I use large dishes for both ,my dish's are corner pools so it saves room. If there PP's then they wont be as active in the day although they my come out for food and water. They are the most active at night this is when they look for food ore eat from your food dish and then they rearrange your tank either looking for more food ,changing shells, digging ect. You will find everything you need and want to know about land hermit crabs, Fill Free to ask any questions at least someone has been through the same thing you have so you will get the best information you can get. Oh yeah Welcome to the HCA!