HCA: Hermit Crab Association

My area recently had very severe thunderstorms but it also tore up the oak trees in the back yard, so there were broken branches EVERYWHERE! I went out and found a good sized oak branch to put in my tank but I always make sure to freeze any branches or bark pieces I put in the tank for my crabs. Don’t want to introduce any pests. But anyway, I have found if you provide crabs with climbing opportunities, they will spend a majority of their time there.


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That's awesome, they definitely enjoy climbing on and eating the wood!

When I forage for branches, I prefer ones that have lichens growing on them. I am trying to aim for a more natural look to my tank.


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do you have to boil the branches in order to sterilize them before you put them in the tank?

GUANC8 wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:49 am

do you have to boil the branches in order to sterilize them before you put them in the tank?

No, you can also freeze them to kill off bugs, or you could bake them in the oven. This is what I do with my branches

That’s exactly what I do with my branches. I put it in the freezer for a few hours to make sure it doesn’t have pests in it.


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It might help to prevent mold by soaking the wood in declorinated salt water for 24 hours

It has not molded.


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Thats good. I once worked really hard on a coconut hut, and it got moldy within a few days (I didn't soak it as described). The hermies loved it but I had to throw it out.

odelayheehoo wrote: ↑

Thu Jun 13, 2019 11:54 am

No, you can also freeze them to kill off bugs, or you could bake them in the oven. This is what I do with my branches

awesome. thanks for the help!

From what I understand, if you are in an area that does freeze during winter, that doesn't work.

Wood also needs to be free from pesticides, fertilizers and there should be no aerial mosquito spraying done in your area.

GB, they do not spray for mosquitos in my area as far as I know. The oak trees in my yard are also never sprayed. I live in Texas. If freezing doesn’t work, what do you recommend?


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Great! Bake You can bake them at 250 for 10 min Crack the oven door, and watch it closely.