new to hermit crabs.

JJmo18 · Post by **JJmo18** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 2:47 am

Thanks he's really active right now... I can't wait till I can get him a companion or 2

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YYWW · Post by **YYWW** » Tue Nov 18, 2014 6:54 am

Crabs may be extra active newly introduced or when handled. It could be the escape shuffle, where they climb real high and pace the edge of the aquarium. It is best to leave them be, even after they calm and seem docile, until they've dug under and had a nice molt. This would help establish their new home as a safe environment and make them happier for you and their tankmates. Good luck!

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JJmo18 · Post by **JJmo18** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 2:36 am

Does anyone know the best way to decorate a tank? Should I use plastic plants? Should I use big rocks? I want to give My crab something to hide under other than the piece of cardboard I'm currently using

hermieluv1 · Post by **hermieluv1** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 4:48 am

You can cut an opening in an upside down empty plastic container, or buy fancier hiding things at the store. Mine like to dig into the moss pit to hide!

JJmo18 · Post by **JJmo18** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 4:26 pm

I finally got some new crabs and some more eco earth... just thought id play with the setup a little bit. the only things I have for them to climb on right now is the two sticks of cholla wood that I bought a few days ago. I have a 10 gallon tank and there doesn't seem to be a lot of room for stuff but I was wondering if it was really necessary to go out and by a monster tank (like 40 gallons) or can I pack a lots of plants and decorations in there without hurting them... or is it fine the way it is???????????? I have no idea and ive already broken the bank and spent every penny I have buying stuff at the pet store for them. I want to give them the most fun they could ever have so they don't get bored and just sit there in mysery all day and night.

on a second note james (the one perched on the cholla wood) seems pretty content with where he is. they both seemed to eat well last night, considering most of the pellets I put out have been eaten. I also put out some apple but they didn't seem to interested in that.

does anyone have any ideas and suggestions? I don't want to have to spend another 100+ dollars to give them a roomy, happy home....

Crabinski · Post by **Crabinski** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:41 pm

Your best bet for crabitat decor is the nearest Dollar Store! They have lots of plastic vines and plants that not only look good in the tank but are fun to climb and hide under; also a great source for plastic tubs and cups to convert to hides and pools. Walmart is another a good place to decorate on the cheap. If you're near a Goodwill or other thrift shop, check out the small ceramics and little flower pots to use as hides -- cheap and funky!

My guys are also in a 10g and have a resin coconut hut (from PetSmart $4), a small half-log (also PetSmart $4), a second-level shell shop made with a suction cup plastic soap dish (Walmart $3), a second-level moss pit made with a suction cup plastic shower caddy (Walmart $4), two vines strung around the long sides of the tank with suction cups (dollar store for the vines), a climbing branch of mopani wood (Petco, about $6) and a small brightly-colored resin "cholla" stick to climb up to the second levels (Petco/PetSmart $5). I also crocheted a climbing net out of jute twine for one of the short ends of the tank (Walmart $3 for a big spool). Of course, they have their salt and freshwater pools: one is a 4" diameter plastic food dish (donated by my mice who never used it) and the other is one of those plastic ramp dishes from Petco/PetSmart (about $6). Their food dishes were $0.97 each at PetSmart. The whole tank was decorated for under $40 and the guys really enjoy it -- they don't care where it came from as long as it's interesting!

I'm due for another trip to the Dollar Store soon to look for shells and will probably pick up some other plants and plastic/resin items to change up the tank. If you're "blowing" less than $5, it doesn't seem so bad

!

Teedeums · Post by **Teedeums** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:53 pm

I just try and make or find everything I can for the crabbies home instead of buying. I find my wood (don't worry, not cedar or pine, I always check) and moss outside and boil them to kill germs and parasites. I make all the hidey huts with crab friendly things from around the house (try the basement, there are so many hidden gems). And also, if you feel the need you can add a second level to your crabitat by either buying nets or making them yourself, then attaching it to the crabitat and making a ramp up. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

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KellyCrabbieLove · Post by **KellyCrabbieLove** » Wed Nov 26, 2014 9:22 am

It impresses me how much about this you know. Again, someone so young in a hobby like this that knows so much is awesome to see.

JJmo18 · Post by **JJmo18** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 7:09 pm

Does anyone have an idea how I'm supposed to interact with my crabs?

Teedeums · Post by **Teedeums** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 8:57 pm

[quote="JJmo18"]Does anyone have any idea how I am supposed to interact with my crabs?[\quote]

You can hold them in the palm of your hand if they want to cooperate, you can take pictures of them, watch them (which is actually in my opinion the most fun part, they give you funny looks and then either hide or purposely ignore you and get on with their lives). I guess hermit crabs aren't as interactive as dogs or cats or whatever, but they are so amazing! They always have a way to make you explode with laughter, fill you with grim determination, or just give you that special feeling in your heart when you know you love crabs

. Today Thyme gave me "why haven't you changed the food yet!" look and then fell backwards into the freshwater dish. He then proceded to give me a death stare like I had destroyed his dignity and pretended I didn't exist for the rest of the day. It doesn't sound that funny when you type it, but Thyme gave me a real laugh. Ok, I'm not really the best person to answer because I will just keep going on with a bunch of crab stories.

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moonbeam · Post by **moonbeam** » Tue Dec 02, 2014 9:25 pm

I love to sneak up on them and just start talking to them quietly. They either ignore me, do the "oh crap" look and run away or give me a good dose of antenna wiggling (I interpret it as "hey lady! Here I am minding my own business and now you wanna interrupt DINNER? SERIOUSLY?"). I think the best part about crabs is just watching them, they're such silly little creatures and they make me laugh all the time

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JJmo18 · Post by **JJmo18** » Wed Dec 03, 2014 3:27 am

Do u guys think that this lamp is too bright?
My current temp in tank is about 25°C and they aren't moving much tonight

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Brittanybaby22 · Post by **Brittanybaby22** » Wed Dec 03, 2014 12:31 pm

Its best to keep it at 80% humidity and 80% heat they are more active with 80% and I keep mine at 80% humidity and 80% heat they will die if they get to cold I have tin foil over my under the tank heater it works really well

JJmo18 · Post by **JJmo18** » Wed Dec 03, 2014 3:14 pm

My lowest temp is about 75°F but I need 2 heating pads to keep it there...

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JJmo18 · Post by **JJmo18** » Wed Dec 03, 2014 3:15 pm

Btw if you get a bigger tank, get the biggest heating pad you can get, and use a dimmer to control the heat

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HCA: Hermit Crab Association