HCA: Hermit Crab Association

They told me they do not know the genus species, but did mention occasionally get strawberries (not ready for those yet). She told me something like they have 'native, tropical and ?' not sure exactly. The prices are $3.99-$10.99 depending on size. So is it worth going to Petco? It is about 40 miles one way. I did want more little E's. That place is 33 miles. Just not sure if they have more selection somewhere else. I live out in the sticks

Kathy

Strawberries are not for beginners.

I’m not sure what they would mean by “native, tropical.â€

Laura_B wrote: She seems to acknowledge that.

Oops!

PetCo rarely knows the species of the crabs they have, except for Strawberries, because they charge more for them . I have never found an E at PetCo, mostly they have Ruggies, Indos, PPs, and occasionally a few Cavipes. I find Es mostly at smaller, privately-owned pet stores. What they most likely mean by "native, tropical and ?", is that they charge more for the crabs in painted shells, at this PetCo it's $3.99 for very small hermies, $4.99 for natural shelled hermies, $5.99 for painted shelled hermies, and $10.99 for Straws. Most pet stores won't know the difference between species.
You might want to call back to ask when they get their next shipment of hermies, you'll have a better choice (and the crabs won't have been in the stressful pet store for too long) if you get there within a couple days of a new shipment.

In way it's worth it to stop in because they don't know what they've got, and even if you describe it well over the phone they still will give you a pop off answer rather than checking, or may be even just to get your butt in the door. The advantage it to going in is to educate them about what they have, and build relationships.

I would bring photos in of Ruggies to show them, and then the light bulb went off, "Oh, we do get those in sometimes, but I haven't seen them in a while." After a trip or two, and they get to know you, you can eventually just call, ask for the person you usually deal with and that you know is good at customer service as well as knowledgeable and it will save you a trip.

It took some time, but now I have about 3 stores, with good conditions and knowledgeable sales people who I finally feel comfortable calling instead of going in.

Of course I'm talking about a Ruggie hunt here, I've never seen Es at a Petco.

Kathy,

How far in the sticks are you? Are you anywhere close to Portland? We were just up Thurs pm & last night and took a quick stop into a place called Pet Quarters right off I-95 or Maine Mall Rd exit near Michael's/Christmas Tree Shoppes and they were loaded with E's and had several PP's as well. Very small to medium-sized. Cute, spunky as heck!

Can't find the Portland info so easily online, but phone is 207-885-5005 and web site gives a few other Maine locations (I think is a small, Maine-based business). http://www.petquartersne.com/stores.html

Straws make me leery. Maybe some other time. I am actually sort of amazed the ones I do have are alive. I usually don't have very good luck with small creatures.

The other word she used was "tropical".

I know where that pet store is. I went there once looking for Softpaws. I am not sure if that was Scarborough or South Portland.

If you click the link, you'll find quite a few locations (also, one in Portland, not shown on site).

I think what she was saying in reference to the "native" and "tropical" were probably PPs and other Exotics specifically. PPs are found in Florida, so could easily be characterized as "native." The tropicals, well, who knows. E's or Ruggies? I've only seen Ruggies at a petco.

I am 33 miles from Portland in Limerick. In order to get my sons diapers/briefs drop-shipped UPS I have to be 30 miles so we measured lol

I went back to the place I bought my other two E's. They had one and it was dead.

Going to try Petquarters. Being near Michaels would be a bonus.

Kathy

It's also near AC Moore's (up the hill by a little bit) and Christmas Tree Shoppes - I happened to find some really nice turbos at AC's (even one nice one with 1.25" opening!).

Also, are you on AC's email list? AC's emails coups now and usu you can use them at Michael's, too. We get our Michael's coups in Sunday Globe.

[quote="Laura_B"]I’m not sure what they would mean by “native, tropical.â€

I never did get there although I think they sell Softpaws which I do need.

I went back to the petstore where I got my first two E's. The second time they had one left that was dead . Then I went this week and bought 3. They had lots of coconut fiber they were trying to burrow in. All of them were so active. I wanted 2 but ended up with 3. 2 have changed shells already. DH thinks I should get more. I am really out of room.

I went to PetQuarters today. I was not sure about it. They had 3 dead crabs and claw I could see. I asked the guy there if this was the new shipment. I was told over the phone they would have them in Wednesday or Thursday. Nope these crabs have been there for a month. He let me go through the tank. Mostly tiny PP's, but I wanted more E's to fill another tank. I would put one on my hand and search for others. I ended up with 3. There was another one I liked that did not move in my hand. I also found a 4th dead crab while digging. One PP was hiding out in this really big shell. You had to look hard to see the silly thing.

They dug down for a bit, but now are back up.

I debated with myself because of the dead ones. I am just to soft hearted I guess. <sigh> Did not get as many as I wanted. If there is a limit LOL

Kathy