HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I always thought when you used the pop-bottle method to safeguard a crab from others that you cut just the bottom off. Today I read a post that says to cut both ends off. I would think leaving the top on but removing the cap for air exchange would allow for warmer temps and higher humidity. What is the proper way to use this method?

I cut off both ends when I do it, but not so much of the top that you lose the curved part entirely -- just the "neck". I think it allows for better airflow, and I have on occasion needed to lower a capful of water inside with tweezers. The sides are still slippery to climb, and the hole I leave at the top isn't big enough for one of the big guys with a massive reach to get in there. Not that any of my crabs have put this to the test -- they seem completely uninterested in molters, thank goodness.

After the first few times of using this method, I've told anyone asking to cut the top (neck) and bottom off. When I use it, I usually don't even leave the curve (depending on the size of the crab and depth of substrate), it ends up being more like a cylinder. The reason I began using it that way, leaving the top not only makes it difficult to slip in a wet sponge or capful of water or honey, it can get too warm and humid. I've also never had a problem with others getting inside and have on occasion, depending on the situation, covered them in black construction paper.