Hermit Crab Travel

[wulfspirit]

Hi,

I'm currently relocating from Chicago, IL to Portland, OR and am trying to determine how best to handle the move for my two hermit crabs. I was thinking of just flying, but was unsure if the various changes in pressure/temp/humidity would cause any problems. It's about a 4 hour flight.

If that would be an issue (not just because of the crabs...just as a cost savings in general from shipping boxes) we were thinking of driving. If we drove they would stay in their aquarium and still have their air pump for air/humidity, heat and so on.

The other alternative if I had to would be to give them away to somebody in Chicago who would take care of them. Currently I've had them for 2 1/2 years and are probably around 3 years old minimum.

Any help or advice would be appreciated!

Thanks

[Hildegarde]

If you choose to fly, it'll be fine for the crabs, but you'll have to get the okay from the airline.

[wulfspirit]

I found out from United (I'm stuck with them) that they will not allow hermit crabs on the plane. The other option I'm thinking about now is using UPS since they do allow people to ship them.

Has anyone had any success with shipping them next day air? I'm worried that they may get banged around too much. I don't know anyone that has shipped any animal using UPS.

[HERMEZ]

I answered you in FULL detail the other day and the post was lost- Jason is having issues w/the forum. I drove 510 miles what normally takes 9 hours was 15 and my crabs were fine- I lost 1-2 weak crabs- yours sound strong- I can go thru the steps if you want to take them. I had 60 some odd crabs at the time you dont have that many so it should be easy- I can of course adopt them if you want!!
I also can go thru what is needed if you mail them

[wulfspirit]

Originally Posted by HERMEZ

I answered you in FULL detail the other day and the post was lost- Jason is having issues w/the forum. I drove 510 miles what normally takes 9 hours was 15 and my crabs were fine- I lost 1-2 weak crabs- yours sound strong- I can go thru the steps if you want to take them. I had 60 some odd crabs at the time you dont have that many so it should be easy- I can of course adopt them if you want!!
I also can go thru what is needed if you mail them

Sorry for the late reply back Hermez...had some moving of my own to take care of before focusing back on the crabs.

If you wouldn't mind listing out what would be needed to next day air them it would be much appreciated. It turns out we're not going to be driving from Chicago to Portland. I know you mentioned that you drove yours, but would you have any idea how to ship them? Worst case I may take you up on the adoption offer if you were serious.

[HERMEZ]

Originally Posted by wulfspirit

Sorry for the late reply back Hermez...had some moving of my own to take care of before focusing back on the crabs.

If you wouldn't mind listing out what would be needed to next day air them it would be much appreciated. It turns out we're not going to be driving from Chicago to Portland. I know you mentioned that you drove yours, but would you have any idea how to ship them? Worst case I may take you up on the adoption offer if you were serious.

I was very serious about taking in your babies if that is what you choose to do. but.....you need to overnight them in a box- I can show you exactly how the crabbage patch does it as this is by far the best way. You need 2 containers with air holes made (its best to do each crab separate) filled with moist EE/moss so they dont jossle around too much. then pack them tight in a box preferably with wood straw (it breathes) as shown with more straw on top of them.


You need to send them next day delivery (fed ex whatever) and mail them as late in the day as possible so they arent sitting around- this time of year you would not have to worry about temps too much- although not sure what Chicago and Oregon is doing.
Hope that helps

[wulfspirit]

Thanks again for your help Hermez. We decided to go the shipping route (they left an hour ago) and should arrive tomorrow morning.

I'm off to buy some new items tonight to get the aquarium ready tonight.

My fiance said they seemed to enjoy playing in the damp moss, so hopefully all goes well!

[HERMEZ]

Thats great let me know how you make out!

[chermo]

Hope they all arrive in good condition. Let us know.....

[wulfspirit]

Little One and Red One (really original names huh? Hmm...red shell and this one is small) arrived to the house around 9 AM this morning and were perfectly fine. Once I put them in their re-finished home they were very active for a few hours before climbing up their new vine above the heat pad for a nap.

I picked up two new crabs yesterday while buying new supplies for the crabitat, so it wouldn't just be the two of them. Hopefully they'll all adjust well together.

Thanks again for all the great advice!