Horse Apples?

Crab Addict · Post by **Crab Addict** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:42 pm

I happened upon some, and they smell nice, kinda like a pear actually lol
If anyone doesn't know what they are, heres a pic
http://www.google.com/images?rlz=1T4TSN ... bih=622Any idea of they're safe for hermit crabs?

Post by **wodesorel** » Sun Nov 21, 2010 10:57 pm

I know them as Osage Oranges. Everyone I knew always kept them in their basements to ward off insects and spiders. (I'm not sure if that was a myth, or if it actually worked.) Bring a bag of those into the neighborhood, and all the old baba's would be begging for some for their pantries.

According to wiki, they're actually looking into it as a mosquito repellent, so maybe those ladies where on to something after all:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maclura_pomifera

I would say that it's definitely not crab safe, though.

NaRnAR · Post by **NaRnAR** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 9:14 am

Ive heard them called "Hedge Balls". They are sold around here for winter insect repellents that you can have inside or where ever...

I would say no, since they are an insect repellent, makes me thing they have an "odor" to them or oils that is not appreciated.

Mrs. G · Post by **Mrs. G** » Mon Nov 22, 2010 1:13 pm

Were I live in Wisconsin we call Horse manure Horse apples

So I thought at first you were feeding them that

well they are scavengers after all and they eat worm poop!!!!! :roll: just saying

Mrs. G

Jedediah · Post by **Jedediah** » Tue Nov 23, 2010 3:27 am

I'm so glad that I'm not the only one that thought of horse manure

Which the crabs might really like, by the way.

I couldn't find any information on why exactly Osage Oranges would work as an insect repellent. Maybe you could do a food trial with a big piece of fruit, but I would leave it only in the crabitat for a few hours at most in case the smell bothers them

I came across a really interesting article while I was doing my research
http://www.thegreatstory.org/anachronis ... inting.pdf