How to transport crabs safely

Horsejazz34 · Post by **Horsejazz34** » Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:46 am

I am the proud owner of two new hermit crabs I brought on the jersey shore they are in a temporary home (what they came with) until I can get them home and buy them a 10 gallon. I am leaveing with them to my home 3 hours away. I will not be driveline so I can tend to them. What is the best way to transport them in their cage?

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Fri Aug 15, 2014 11:28 am

Since you got them from not so good environment anyway another 3hrs shouldn't do much damage. However since they stress out real easy I would suggest putting a damp cloth/towel over them for 2 reasons #1 it makes it dark which is less stressful (try not to make a lot of noise) #2 adds a little humidity to the tank. If you can find somewhere to set them that isn't cold that would suffice but it would be better if you found something to keep them warm such as a hand warmer under the tank or something to that effect you just don't want them getting cold with the AC in the car going full blast. Then I think you said previously that you've read up and know how to set the tank up when you get home right?

Geranium · Post by **Geranium** » Fri Aug 15, 2014 12:30 pm

I agree with jenok. The following I would suggest in addition.Do they have substrate? If it is not EE or playsand, I would remove it. Then put damp moss in the tank so they can feel like theyre hidden. It also gives them something to snack on and humidity. Use declorinated water. Even hot water in containers next to the tank/container inside a cooler partly open so they get air but are insulated with something to keep them warm.Once you get them home, leave them in this environment until you are ready to move them into their permanent home.

Horsejazz34 · Post by **Horsejazz34** » Fri Aug 15, 2014 2:54 pm

Unfortunately I have no substrate for them right now. The only water I curently have available for them is not declorinated and the only salt water I have access to is some I got from the ocean( I'm on a boardwalk). I know it's not ideal conditions but it's what I have right now. They both live in a cage like thing. I'd send a picture but the files too big. Just trying to do what I can and hopeing I can get them home safe. I've only had them two days so still new at this.

Laurie LeAnn · Post by **Laurie LeAnn** » Fri Aug 15, 2014 5:25 pm

If you can find some bottled water that says natural spring on it its better than the ocean water. It's full of bacteria that they are not used to. Crabs bred in captivity have not been exposed to all that bacteria and their immune system is weak plus the trip equals extra stress. Don't use beach sand either same situation. Crabs are better off in a glad ware square container or tote than a cage. It can keep some moisture in if buy a small bag of play sand for the road and use some of it, it's like 4$. Make sure you have a dish of spring water for them.to drink..salt water can wait til you get their tank set up. The sand is basically for the ride..I doubt they will be digging deep down just yet. When you get the tank set up get some healthy foods in there like UN season pop corn cook in olive oil, semi boiled eggs, organic peanut butter. cuttle bone I leave in my tank 24/7' you might be happier getting a larger tank, you will find you will have more room to do things and if your crabs live through the first year they do grow and will need a bigger tank! I don't KNOW how I ever did with a 10 gal, then went to a 29, now I have a 55, all yard sales finds..My old tank is a 10 it's so small I just don't know how I made my crabs live in it

Horsejazz34 · Post by **Horsejazz34** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 1:58 am

Until I get home today all I have is this. I'm still limited by what mom will allow. I'm not a legal adult for another month and a half. Just trying to do the best with what I have now. [IMG]http://i1377.photobucket.com/albums/ah5 ... ffe8f8.jpg"> [/IMG]

Horsejazz34 · Post by **Horsejazz34** » Sat Aug 16, 2014 1:59 am

Sorry link seems to not have worked