So glad I found a forum!

[roadbling]

My ten-year-old son and I were on a weekend vacation to Dallas and passed a display of hermit crabs. At that moment, I had no earthly idea how horrific the conditions were. He selected Spiderman and Superman and I purchased almost $70 of accessories (kritter keeper, crappy food, etc.) having no idea that it was almost useless. Luckily, they did provide a crab care sheet and I started reading, and reading, and reading! Once I started reading, I realized the shells were toxic, the KK was only good for transport or tank cleaning, etc., etc.

How sad it is for these adorable creatures! Spiderman (aka Steve) killed Superman (aka Jamaal) for his shell before I realized that I needed a variety of shells. The survivor immediately switched shells and has been the perfect gentleman since that time. I purchased two more PP's and have upgraded to a 20 gallon tank with plenty of amenities.

The hermitcrabpatch.com gave me a huge amount of useful information and the supposedly "easy" "starter" pets I bought became family. I am very glad to have found this site as I have a molting concern (posted on the Molting page).

Thank you all for taking wonderful care of these amazing tiny creatures.

[landlubber]

Welcome to the HCA! Another mom getting sucked into the cute hermit crab vortex. I started that way myself. Nice to meet you!

[jclee]

This is an amazing place for information, and it is always great to see people caring about their hermit crabs. Glad to meet you.

[aussieJJDude]

haha, sounds all too familiar. I think I can comfortably say that most crabbers on here started out as "easy pets for the kids" which soon turned into "mommies pets that the kids supervise".
Welcome. I'm sure you like it here.

If you haven't done so already, a quick look through the Care Sheets, Guides, and Frequently Asked Questions will help gain some more knowledge and dispel any concerns you might have.

[roadbling]

Lol, thanks! I am happy to know I am not the only one who got sucked in. But I never would have known how cute these little guys are.

[Persia352]

Here here! I am a Senior that about three years ago was also sucked into "The Easy pet" situation. Out went the critter keeper,pellets and small bowls for the PROPER Care of my babies and we are all doing great! I only have three and that is all I want at my age. They are all beautifully healthy and active and all down molting since right before Christmas

[pixellator]

Me too! That's how I came to learn about hermies. Ex bought 9 year old son an "easy" care hermit crab, and then I bought all the upgrades and learned all about them. I love these critters now! My son, however, has relinquished desire to take care of the tank or the hermie. It's all me now.