HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Over Memorial Day weekend we purchased 4 crabs from a kiosk at Newport on the Levee in Newport, KY. Here I am thinking these will be great for my kids and easy to care for. Wrong! After about a week the kids lost interest. I haven't. So I've spent about $400 on stuff for them and bought 3 more. I think I've gone through all the care posts on here to make sure I have everything they'll ever need. My husband had to put his foot down and tell me no more crabs and no more stuff. Thankfully he won't be home when all my online orders get here. Anyway, I'm still trying to work up the nerve to actually pick one up and hold it. They are cute(ish) and I'm not sure why they creep me out. So far if I want someone moved I have to ask hubby or daughter. Right now out of the 7 only 2-3 come up at all. I'm scared they'll die of stress, molting or canibalism. They just freak me out since I don't see them. These are the first animals I've owned who aren't all furry and need so much care.
Here's to hoping we get it all figured out.

Welcome, Momadopolis!

I am a new owner too, I can understand not wanting to handle them! But it's okay, I think crabs don't mind being left alone at all.

I do know you've come to the right place. Folks here are very friendly and willing to answer any questions. And if you're doing anything "wrong", they'll tell you in the gentlest way possible. I have learned sooo much in the last few weeks here. I am already looking forward to many years of crabbing, lol. And I am pretty sure I have spent at least $400 too! My husband is pretty indulgent, though.

when you buy new crabs often times they'll bury themselves for a while, mine usually go down for 2-4 weeks and will even molt sometimes so I wont see the new crabs for almost two months! I'm also kind of new to crabbing (almost a year now!) but the hardest thing for me to learn was having the patience and self control to just leave the crabs alone even when they're sick, dying or molting. I find that this is the hardest part of crabbing.

Welcome to the HCA!

I also started out with hermit crabs for the kids. It's amazing how fast you get hooked and before you know it, even the kids (who were the ones originally wanting the crabs!) look at you like you're crazy.

Try not to worry too much over your dug down crabbies. I know that's easier said then done. It's very normal behavior for them though.

Welcome to the HCA.

Isn't it amazing how fast you can spend that much money on hermit crabs.

I think they all think I'm nuts. I drag them all over to the crabitat and show them something new I put in or moved while they were at work or school. I get "uh huh mom, so cool" and an eye roll. My husband said I feed the crabs better than him.
Almost 4 years ago we had to put all four cats up for adoption because my youngest son, who has cerebral palsy, had to have surgery and a Trach placed so he could breathe. So these are our first pets since then. I've always had pets growing up and missed having some for these last few years. It's nice to have company during the day

StarWarsHermitCrab wrote:Welcome to the HCA.

Isn't it amazing how fast you can spend that much money on hermit crabs.

Thanks!
It's crazy! This was all in less than 3 days and not including online orders for shells, cholla, big box of instant ocean and decorations.

Yeah, hermit crabs are very expensive.

Momadopolis wrote:
Thanks!
It's crazy! This was all in less than 3 days and not including online orders for shells, cholla, big box of instant ocean and decorations.

Check out your local dollar stores and thrift shops for plastic/fabric plants & vines, ceramic/resin decorations, etc. You'll quickly develop an eye for what items would work well in a crabitat.

As far as feeding them goes, remember that they can eat almost everything we do (except for greasy, spicy stuff and, of course, junk food). One thing all crabs love is a half-eggshell with raw albumin so offer them one next time you make scrambled, fried or poached eggs. Bits of hardboiled egg are always welcome, too. Get into the habit of saving eggshells, washing them in hot water and thoroughly dry them -- you can grind up the shells to add to their dry food dish as a no-cost calcium supplement.

I raided all the dollar stores in my area, 2 walmarts, petco, petsmart, meijer and the mom & pop pet stores. I've had some pretty good hauls from all of them.
I've been feeding them fruits and veggies, shrimp and tuna, eggs. I'm trying to find out what they like and don't like. They've got a cuttlebone in there right now but the next time we make eggs I'll save the shells.

Welcome! This indeed is the best place to learn almost everything about them. If you ever need or have a question don't be afraid to ask. Can't wait til they settle in and we can see your lil guys/gals.
I feel you with the crab addiction, lol. I drive my hubby crazy as well. It is me who handles them and not the hubby (they creep him out) . He has said no more.... but the kids and I will out rule him eventually . It is a 3 on 1 battle . He is getting better with them but will never hold them lol.
Happy Crabbing!!!