How to get started?

[CrabKidMama]

Hello! Newbie here. My daughter loves hermit crabs and asked for them for her birthday (next week).

The more I research, the more overwhelmed I get with the information out there. I was going to stop by PetSmart and get a few, and now I'm re-thinking!

A few questions for you experts:

1) Would you go to PetSmart or Petco, or would you find an independent shop that focuses on fish?
2) Is there a "getting started" cheat sheet on here that might help us get going?
3) We're also looking for a list of things we should purchase to make them happy healthy safe critters. I see starter kits online, with terrible reviews.

Your time and expertise are appreciated! Thanks, in advance for your ideas, our little girl will be so excited on her birthday!

[curlysister]

Welcome!
You are correct that 'starter kits' are not the best way to go. In the 'care sheets' there is exactly what you are looking for!

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 0&t=119273

[CrabKidMama]

This is perfect and SO GREAT! Thank you!

[curlysister]

No problem at all! Let us know if you have any questions!

[Motörcrab]

Curly suggested exactly where I was going to direct you for care and proper set up. Following that guide and "helping" your daughter set up the crabitat will really get her involved with learning about their proper care.

For finding your crabs. We have purchased crabs from different stores. We never had much luck with survival. Maybe 45%.
One option is searching our adoption page. You may be able to find a crab someone doesn't want. Plus with a lot of adoptions we have done we got some various supplies too. Some good like shells, prime and instant ocean. We also received the bad like a heat rock, and gravel.

Aside from our adoption page hermits do show up on Craig's List, and FB Marketplace too!

Here's a link to our adoption pages. Welcome to the HCA!
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... .php?f=112