HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So I am an aspiring hermit crab owner, and I've been doing a lot of research and prep. I'm planning on buying a 20 gallon tank very soon, and I know about most of the safe supplies and such for hermit crabs. I've been looking through different adoption forums and craigslist ads in my area (Minnesota, in the twin cities) and I can't find any hermit crabs available for adoption near me! The only options for me are petco and other big stores like that, which I am not super enthusiastic about buying from because, y'know, painted shells and bad practice and all that. Would buying 2 from a pet store be a very bad decision? Should I keep looking and waiting? Should I give up entirely?

This has always been a sticky subject for crabbers. Although we do encourage adoption, we do realize that it’s not always an option.

Pet stores may not be ideal places for pets, but for beginners they may be the only source of animals around.

Plus, it may even be a chance to educate. If you tell them you’re a first time owner, you could probably have a small conversation with them about crab care. Start politely, with phrases like, “You know, I’ve been doing a lot of research, and I was surprised by how much substrate they need”, etc., and explain why it’s important.

Some employees who’ve read the care sheets may try to give you tips, which is another chance to educate. Remember, be polite, and don’t make them feel bad! It’s not their fault!

“Yup, we also do recommend bathing the crabs regularly to keep their gills moist.”

“Oh, okay, but what about their shell water? It’s a saline solution kept isotonic to their bloodstream. Won’t they get stressed if that gets washed out?”

If you don’t like how the crabs’ health is (poor conditions and/or unhealthy crabs), ask them when their next shipment is, and if they can contact you when it comes. You can keep searching for adoptees while you wait for the fresh (and hopefully less sickly) hermit crabs.

Hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to the wonderful world of crabbing and crab-spoiling-pet-parents!
Honestly, look in the places that would seem less likely. Obviously, check Craigslist and OfferUp, but some other options could be Facebook, Insta, other social media, etc. etc. If you are really enthusiastic, maybe even put up a post on a social media platform about what you are looking for, such as crab items or the crabs themselves. Hermit Crab groups on social media are also likely to have a classified section for owners that need to adopt out their crabs for some reason.

Good luck on your endeavors!

Hello! Welcome to the HCA!

Definitely check here on the HCA, and Craigslist. OfferUp and Letgo don't allow live pet posts, but unfortunately many people don't pay attention to or obey the rules.

By adopting you will have better odds at having a hermit crab that will survive because it has already been through many molts. If you aren't patient enough to wait for a post in your area then I suppose you would have to buy. We don't judge here.

If you can give it a bit more time, they will start hitting local classifieds soon! Think beach vacations and local fairs - once school lets out there will be tons of unwanted hermits.

That'll be exciting for those who are looking for a new adoption!
You may find a few exotics, you never know what you'll find