Post
by polarpinup » Tue Jun 12, 2012 7:20 pm
I rescue/adopt crabs for a handful of reasons: I'm cheap, I'm a fan of recycling, and I can't handle the thought of supporting these little beasts being wild-captured and put through the stress of shipping/selling. SO... I keep an eye on Craiglist, and have a continuously-running ad on the site, alerting folks that I take in unwanted crabs.
My first adoption was Godiva, a handball-sized PP, whose owner of ten years actually advertised in this forum a few months back. That initial adoption included a beautiful 20 gallon long setup, and her previous owner had some great advice for getting things established. Sadly, the crab's partner did not survive the move - whether it was an interrupted molt or simply stress, the crab passed away the following day. Four months and one month later, Godiva is doing beautifully, and surrounded by a new family of fellow PPs and Es.
I did purchase a couple of friends for Godiva at first, but soon found a number of adoptees on CL. It's been an interesting mix, as far as owners are concerned. One gal was honestly a bit heartbroken to re-home her crabs (3 PPs and 2 Es), and PILED my station wagon full of high-grade foods, beautiful plants, beaked moss and climbing accessories - it was clear that she was devoted to her crabs. I actually started my blog with her in mind, so my pets' previous owners can have a way to check in on the animals.
Some owners have been well-meaning, but misguided. One fellow had two crabs living in a KK, filled with wood chips and one tiny painted shell - one of the crabs is small, one a whopper (named Sandow) - he had purchased them at a souvenir shop, and had no idea of what to do with them. Another gal had me meet with her in a grocery store parking lot - she was inside the building at the time, and remote unlocked her car for me... the crab was in a lightbulb box on the seat! Finally, a family in Fort Worth... initially the drive was a bit aggravating, what with the Texas heat and gas prices (I drive a BIG station wagon) - but when I arrived, I found that the poor thing was living in a toy bucket, with only a washrag for "bedding". The second I put him into the mobile KK with play sand/ee mix, he began digging - and molted the next day. That kind of thing makes a long rescue drive worthwhile.
Finally, the most recent rescue - and a rescue in the truest sense of the word. A woman had responded to my CL ad, and immediately my instincts went on the alert - I just felt that this was an unusual case, and wanted to get hold of the crabs ASAP. She put off meeting for nearly three weeks, and when we finally met - well, my suspicions were justified. Rotting substrate (it smelled like sewage), cockroaches nesting in the tank, mold growth on the aquarium, no food, everything swamp-level wet. Five crabs came from that rescue, one of whom is still in iso, recovering from what looks like being dropped/flung.
I find the efforts in adoption highly rewarding, providing crabs of all backgrounds a safe haven to recover and live out an enriched existence. I will second the advice to meet in a public place, preferably with a partner (it makes the drive more interesting, anyhow!). Always let at least a couple of folks know where you are going. Bring a KK or small tank with proper substrate, as well as a water bottle - on warmer days, I'll give newly-rescued crabs a brief misting before hitting the road. Get your iso ready ahead of time. Also, mention your efforts to friends and acquaintances - you never know what avenues may open up. A perfect example would be the recent acquisition of two beautiful new tanks - a friend of ours teaches at a private school, and alerted me that their science department was giving them up - one tall 30 gallon, and one 40 gallon breeder, for free. I've been considering having a bumper sticker made to advertise my blog - "I Get Crabs From Strangers!" might be eye-catching! Anything to get the word out.
Good luck with this - and pardon my babbling. I'm off to check my email, to see if any crabs are in need of homes...
http://dfwhermits.blogspot.com - Adopted Hermits in Dallas!
PP family (Godiva, Sandow, Mitch, Colossus, Big Chief, Wild Man, etc); E family (Enrique, Blue Girl, Eduardo and Spider); Boxer (Clara); Chihuahua (Doo-Dad); Eastern Box Turtle (Solomon), and a Three-Toed Box Turtle (Pirogue)...
and greet the newbies (such a sweetie). My next to adopted babies were thanks to THIS site!!! Flirt and Jack are active, sweet crabs. Flirt and Hermie esp. seem to have bonded. They explore the cage and their owner was very concerned about their well being and appreciative of what I offered to them. I rescued my last two but this is an adopted forum so that's it for my adopted stories! 
I am super thrilled.