Help us build a bitchin' crabitat!
September 11, 2014 11:59 AM Subscribe
My parents picked up a hermit crab for my son in Florida and now that we've got him (her?) home, I'm wondering what we need to PROPERLY take care of our new friend, Matt (yes, that is what my son named him).
Initially my son felt horrible for this sad little crab and wanted to hop on a plane and fly him back to Florida, releasing him so he could return to his family, but that's not an option. Now that we've got this fella and I've done some quick research I'm realizing it's gonna take us buying some things and amending his crabitat to keep him happy.
Right now he's in his small plastic box with very little colored rock, an extra shell, a plastic palm tree, and a wet sponge. This will not do. He seems to have fared well on the trip (a two day, 16 hour car ride!) and he seems quite rambunctious, scrambling around a lot and eating fine, but I'd like to get him a home that will make him happier.
I know we need a new dwelling. How big? What kind of substrate should we buy so that he can burrow (specific recommendations would be great!). Does he need more things to climb? And what should we buy to feed this guy? I read we need saltwater and freshwater for him -- where does one procure saltwater?!
Most importantly, is there one place online where we can buy all the things we need?
Initially my son felt horrible for this sad little crab and wanted to hop on a plane and fly him back to Florida, releasing him so he could return to his family, but that's not an option. Now that we've got this fella and I've done some quick research I'm realizing it's gonna take us buying some things and amending his crabitat to keep him happy.
Right now he's in his small plastic box with very little colored rock, an extra shell, a plastic palm tree, and a wet sponge. This will not do. He seems to have fared well on the trip (a two day, 16 hour car ride!) and he seems quite rambunctious, scrambling around a lot and eating fine, but I'd like to get him a home that will make him happier.
I know we need a new dwelling. How big? What kind of substrate should we buy so that he can burrow (specific recommendations would be great!). Does he need more things to climb? And what should we buy to feed this guy? I read we need saltwater and freshwater for him -- where does one procure saltwater?!
Most importantly, is there one place online where we can buy all the things we need?
Here's another good forum:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=26
The basics: Humidity and heat are essential!
Sand should be sand-castle consistency (damp) and deep enough so that crabs can bury themselves to molt (they may disappear for weeks at a time, particularly after they've just been brought home from pet store--unless you smell a fishy smell, they are fine and should remain buried)
Hermit crabs are highly social, and your crab would benefit from a friend.
They like having lots of room to roam.
They will eat almost anything humans can. Safe/unsafe food list: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=25
I make saltwater for my crabs using instant ocean: http://www.instantocean.com/Products/Sea-Salt-Mixes/sea-salt-mixture.aspx
I guess the stuff sold specifically for hermit crabs isn't the greatest (same thing with commercial hermit crab food mixes).
I'm in a rush, but please MeMail me with any questions!
posted by whistle pig at 1:11 PM on September 11, 2014 [2 favorites]
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=26
The basics: Humidity and heat are essential!
Sand should be sand-castle consistency (damp) and deep enough so that crabs can bury themselves to molt (they may disappear for weeks at a time, particularly after they've just been brought home from pet store--unless you smell a fishy smell, they are fine and should remain buried)
Hermit crabs are highly social, and your crab would benefit from a friend.
They like having lots of room to roam.
They will eat almost anything humans can. Safe/unsafe food list: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/viewforum.php?f=25
I make saltwater for my crabs using instant ocean: http://www.instantocean.com/Products/Sea-Salt-Mixes/sea-salt-mixture.aspx
I guess the stuff sold specifically for hermit crabs isn't the greatest (same thing with commercial hermit crab food mixes).
I'm in a rush, but please MeMail me with any questions!
posted by whistle pig at 1:11 PM on September 11, 2014 [2 favorites]
I must insist you purchase one of these humiliating shells for your crustacean pal.
posted by Kafkaesque at 1:34 PM on September 11, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Kafkaesque at 1:34 PM on September 11, 2014 [2 favorites]
yes - more than one crab is needed. they are very social creatures. please buy a friend for Matt.
posted by harrietthespy at 2:08 PM on September 11, 2014
posted by harrietthespy at 2:08 PM on September 11, 2014
I just wanted to highlight this:
Get an assortment of shells for Matt to change into, they often like to swap shells from day to day.
To grow in a healthy way, you really need to get a variety of shells in different shapes and sizes until you begin to see a pattern as to which shape Matt likes the best. You should have at least half a dozen or so in his(her) tank. I get all my shells here
posted by Shouraku at 3:15 PM on October 8, 2014
Get an assortment of shells for Matt to change into, they often like to swap shells from day to day.
To grow in a healthy way, you really need to get a variety of shells in different shapes and sizes until you begin to see a pattern as to which shape Matt likes the best. You should have at least half a dozen or so in his(her) tank. I get all my shells here
posted by Shouraku at 3:15 PM on October 8, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
This is a good forum post for crab basics. There's more excellent info further down the thread, and I highly recommend reading it.
Re: saltwater - find your local independent aquarium store and ask them how to make it properly; they will happily sell you the salt. (Yes, I'm sure one could do it at home armed with internet instructions, but isn't it easier to start off with help?)
posted by Nyx at 12:19 PM on September 11, 2014 [1 favorite]