Temporary Crab Care?

[imabitcrabby]

We're going to be picking up two crabs from a relative while we're on vacation in a couple of weeks (my cousin bought them on impulse and has lost interest - we said we'd take them in and are almost done setting up an appropriate crabitat at home). We'll have them for 2-3 days on vacation before coming home. Any ideas for appropriate temporary housing? They've been keeping him in one of those plastic kits that you can get in a souvenir shop. Is it okay to leave them in that for a few more days? Or what can I do to improve their situation before moving them to the big crabitat? Thanks, guys!

[IMS08]

Hello @imabitcrabby I am happy to hear that you are taking in your cousins crabs! As far as temporary care goes, cross your fingers there's a pet store nearby, or bring some supplies along. I would recommend having fresh water, moisture from a spray bottle, a small freshwater and saltwater pool and some sort of layer of substrate in the tank (Sand or coconut fiber). Traveling will probably be a little bit hard on them. I had a critter carrier once and I didn't have my crabs longer than a week. I think it might be best to mimic the natural conditions especially when you are in a constantly changing environment like a car/plane. I'd say Heat, water and humidity are the most important for the ride! Again, thank you for taking your cousins crabs in! Hope this helps and keep us posted!


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[imabitcrabby]

Oh I do plan to bring down supplies to help them out! Do you think keeping them in a larger critter carrier okay for a few days? My 20 gallon is obviously too big to bring down, but I could pick up a smaller tank if that would be less likely to stress them out. We'll be driving, not flying, thankfully.

[IMS08]

Awesome! Glad you are bringing materials, I wasn't sure. I would bring a 2.5 gallon aquarium. They are $15 with a glass lid at petsmart. The link is below.
http://www.petsmart.com/supplies/aquari ... m%3Dsearch
The dimensions are 6.25"L x 12.25"W x 8.25"H.

If you have a heating pad, an inch or 2 of substrate, (not enough to molt on vacation), food and fresh and salt water, I think that you will come home with happy and healthy crabs. Shells won't be a necessity but you can throw those in too. I think while a 2.5 gallon is only a foot long and 6 inches wide, it would be much better than a critter carrier because it will hold heat better. Hope this helps!


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[imabitcrabby]

Thank you! That is just the info I needed. Any suggestions for heat? We'll be in the car for at least 6-7 hours with no way to plug in a uth. It won't be cold in the car, but closer to 70 than 80. Hand warmers taped on the back? Is that a terrible idea?

[soilentgringa]

Thank you! That is just the info I needed. Any suggestions for heat? We'll be in the car for at least 6-7 hours with no way to plug in a uth. It won't be cold in the car, but closer to 70 than 80. Hand warmers taped on the back? Is that a terrible idea?

You don't need a heater in the car as long as the temp doesn't fall below 70°F. You can wrap the kritter keeper in a towel as well to insulate. You'll want to wrap the kritter keeper lid in saran wrap to keep humidity in.
If it is only for a couple of days, the crabs will be alright in the carrier. Or you can go to Wal*Mart and get a small plastic tote. This is preferable to a glass tank that could break or crack if accidentally dropped or knocked on something.
All you need for them at the moment is a bottle of spring water, and some bits of food. If you have unsalted peanuts, unseasoned egg, bits of fruit, you can put some in with the crabs.

[Kermie16]

I brought one of our hermies to a school for educational purposes this past Spring when, of course, that one particular we were supposed to bring her, the outside temp dropped and became windy I have a 2.5 g tank I put her in but I think the idea of a plastic tote as mentioned above would have been a better idea because I felt like it was unstable while driving. Also, I have a large thermal tote with handles, so I put body warmers taped along the outside of the tank, then foil, then placed the whole thing in the thermal tote. Worked great ! I filled the tank half full with sub, a piece of cholla, a small plastic dish for fresh food, another for dried foods, and a couple of fresh water and MSW dishes. Also brought along with me a spray bottle with fresh water to intermittently humidify the tank. I couldn't fit an actual hideout in there due to limited space so I just got a few little fake plants to put around so she could hide under them . Soooooo great you are going to rescue those little guys!!! Wish you luck on your travels and hope they are healthy. Sounds like they are moving into a lovin home.