HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey! The thought of getting a hermit crab has always been really fun to me, but for some reason or another, I've always held off- I'm glad I did, because it's only recently that I've found out that most are wild caught. To cut to the chase- are there any breeders online or on this forum that sell hermit crabs? While I won't be able to buy any time soon, I am willing to pay a higher price if it means supporting a more humane industry, and I want to do research and get resources.

The only breeder to my knowledge that is distributing hermit crabs is Mary Akers. If you want crabs from her you’ll have to register for adoption at the next Crab Con.

Otherwise, you can check used good sites like Craigslist. There will occasionally be hermit crabs listed for rehoming if you don’t want to support the industry.


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Or check the 'adoptions' section of this site!

Mary Akers is the only successful person in the US to get baby crabs onto land. Many people have got them to the megalopa stage but would not take shells or move to land. Mary has also been successful two years in a row!

As already mentioned you can adopt her babies if you pass all the requirements of the application. It was pretty basic requirements last year. Pictures of your crabitat, basic information about your set up, how long you have had hermit crabs. She does also require an adoption fee per crab. The money goes back into her breeding and I think to help with the expense of Crab Con as well.

I highly suggest if you are able to adopt babies to do so. They are so cute and tiny!

If you are just looking to adopt or rescue rather than purchase as mentioned the adoptions page is a good start. You can also post that you are looking to take in crabs too. We have had several people contact us about taking their crabs from our add. There is also the LHCOS adoption program too. They have a stricter set of rules and minimum requirements. That would also be another good place to look as well.

Lads, I'm feelin tonight, I totally forgot adoption was an option. Thanks for the info, y'all!

greyedcrabs wrote:Lads, I'm feelin tonight, I totally forgot adoption was an option. Thanks for the info, y'all!

Oh yes, def adopt if you can! I adopted 3 crabbies on here for my crab Beau when he lost his buddy. Beau has really taken a liking to the one medium crab Kaulder. I see them hanging out together all the time. I even notice Kaulder trying on and wearing shells Beau has worn before, which are too big for him.

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