HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Normally I’d say no more than a week between water changes since ammonia can build up pretty quickly once organic matter starts to rot in it. Otherwise, depending on how deep the pools are set in lifting them up may not be as risky as you think. As long as the substrate is moist enough to not cave i...

A little late but I just remembered that sometimes pet stores may be able to bring in certain animals for you if not in stock. It may be worth asking if you’re in there.


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If your local pet stores don’t supply them you’ll have to go online. There aren’t any poisonous ones in the pet trade as far as I know.


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I’ve cared for inverts in laboratory settings. Isopods, cockroaches, or millipedes don’t need super large enclosures or a ton of skill to maintain.


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Nothing is obvious here. From what you describe I don’t think any if the babysitters neglected them to the point of primal rage. It could be as simple as “I want THAT shell” even if there are others or just a rebellious phase. Dunking shells in saltwater seems to make them more enticing so that may ...

Yes, the net is sufficient. Hermit crabs are strong climbers. They do seem to like having cover so if you think you’d like to add a few more hiding places (which can be as simple as a few well placed branches, rocks, or plants) I say go for it.

Looking nice!


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Drying out on the surface is normal. Coconut fiber gets soggy pretty easily, which is why your previous substrate stayed moist.

As for activity, they may just be nervous in their new environment. Acclimating takes time, but having hiding places and cover can help.


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If you don’t want it dripping, then yeah.


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Some crabs seem more receptive to shells when they’re salty. I don’t know why.


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I like to soak in saltwater for a few hours to reduce mold.


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hermitsrus1966 wrote: I thought sea salt was safe though? Because I do the same thing I get a lot of uncooked dehydrated meats at a dog store near me and its for dogs and cats but they usually have stuff with nothing added.

Sea salt is not harmful. Sodium is a part of their diet.


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Yeah, not much you can do, I’m afraid.


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That’s not shell rot, but I don’t know what it is from the photo.

It could be an injury as you originally suspected, though.


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The bigger one will heat the tank more easily.

As for the molters, you may dig them up and carry separately in small containers of damp moss. Just keep in mind that they may be fragile during this time, so use caution.


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Reshelling has priority since its protection is needed for a safe molt. See our reshelling guide for further instruction: viewtopic.php?t=122302


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