New crab adopter - hi!!

[Phyllis_Nefler]

Hi everyone! I just “rescued a crab” yesterday. I’m really excited because I’ve wanted a hermit crab since I was a kid. I was going to buy one a few years ago but fell down a rabbit hole re: how most crabs for sale are taken from the wild. I didn’t want to do that, so I didn’t get one. But my husband knows I’ve always wanted one and so when his coworker mentioned that his daughter completely lost interest in the hermit crab they got her a few months ago, we offered to take it!

I’ve named him Lenny and have spent today researching everything I need. His enclosure is too small and he’s only been fed pellets it sounds like so I’m working on collecting everything he needs. I think his current shell is too small.

This is what I have purchased so far:
10gal tank
Heat mat
Calcium supplement
More substrate for his new tank

Will try to figure out how to post a photo of him later. I think he’s a purple pincher - his previous owner got him at Petco and from what I’ve researched it sounds like that’s the species they tend to sell most often.

I’m just really excited! I want to give him a really happy, comfortable life for however long he’s with us.

[Motörcrab]

Hello and welcome to the HCA! It sounds as if you have been doing your research on adopting and proper care already. Rather than bombarding you with a lot of get this or that's I will guide you to our care sheets so you can read up on everything you need there!
Our care sheets are at this link:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... .php?f=120

Here is our resource to our resource section of shops that offer foods, shells, and decor!
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 2&t=119315

[Pumpkincrab]

Hi! I'd recommend looking over the care sheets Motor linked, but let me give a few tips!
-NEVER dig a molting crab up. This is also why you need 6 inches (or at least 3x the size of your crab) deep substrate.
-Heat and humidity should be preferably 80/80 but PP's can thrive in 75-83 degrees F temperature. At least 80% humidity is vital though.
-MAIN diet should be proteins, calcium, fruits, and vegetables. You can make your own foods, but I prefer buying my foods from Etsy!
And, of course, nice to meet you! <3

[crabbycasey]

Welcome! Lots of great info and people here. Have fun with it! You can download pics through Tapatalk app...always love seeing the crabbies!


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[Phyllis_Nefler]

Here he is! Hopefully this works:

https://imgur.com/crqMp3D

[mool]

Welcome to the forum and to the obsession! Your little charge looks good and has great color! Their shell looks a little snug. Shell shopping might be a priority for you!

[Phyllis_Nefler]

I agree - I think his current shell is too small for him. I went out today and found a slightly larger shell that might work and then I also ordered a few more that will hopefully not take too long to arrive. I def think he's ready for an upgrade.

I fed him some pineapple and some crushed up sunflower seeds last night and he went to town - poor thing was pretty hungry I think. I was so happy to see him eating. I moved him into his larger enclosure today and he got right to work digging himself a deep hole.

[crabbycasey]

Look at his little eyes pokin out...he’s so cute!


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