HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I know what you’re talking about, I use it to cook once in a while.

Yes, it is safe for hermit crabs. It’s just the fatty oils from the coconut.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They’re probably just springtails. They won’t hurt your isopods or your hermit crabs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Those wouldn’t be brought in by a crab. Parasitic mites latch on and won’t run around on a crab like that. Food mites live in our homes. There’s no real way of getting rid of them since they’ll just come right back. If they’re bugging you, change out fresh foods before they start to rot (within twel...

Sounds like food mites, which are harmless. They’re attracted to warm, humid environments full of food.

Hermit crab mites will latch on to the crabs’ antennae, eyestalks, and leg joints. They can only be introduced by an infected hermit crab.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Strawberries are just more sensitive, is all, but to what we don’t fully understand.

They never last more than a few years in captivity, but some have reported that UV lighting seems to help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is cool, although I’m not sure if artificial incubation is practical for the home breeder. But, hey, you never know.

I wonder if we could try it with smeared eggs.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s difficult to say how well an animal does in captivity since things like stress and bodily health aren’t always easy to measure. However, terrestrial hermit crabs of all species, including both strawberries and purple pinchers, have been found to be more active and live longer when given access ...

Please do not get an illegal pet of any kind. It is NOT responsible to own a pet of any kind that has been deemed illegal, no matter what your intentions are. Not to mention the confiscation of your animal and the possibility of fines. There are simply too many ways illegal importation can go wrong...

It’s also possible that the new crab is trying to establish itself in the colony’s hierarchy.

Keep offering plenty of protein, calcium, and shells. If it’s just because the crab is new this should sort itself out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You can offer it, but considering how small and tucked in the coil is a hermit crab may have trouble fitting inside.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

purplepincher wrote:no

The last image didn’t load correctly, but I see it now. It makes me sad.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree with RiNiKy506, it sounds like he got stuck and panicked.

Is he even still alive?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Salt water can help prevent the growth of mold. Having sand mixed in will also help by giving the mold less to feed on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They should be fine in the hammock. Some people offer bits of sponge as snacks. It’s when they’re in sitting water that they become iffy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

abesze wrote:How about sand dollars? I read that it's a good source of calcium. Is there anything you need to do to sterilize it before feeding them?

Just boil it for a few minutes and you should be good to go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk