newbie

Sally · 01-06-2006, 12:34 PM

I recently purchased 3 hermit crabs. Unfortunately, I did not do the research beforehand. I purchased 1 at first with a PLASTIC crabitat. The following day - after I did some research on the net - I realized I needed more hermit crabs, a heater, water conditioner, a mister, and probably a bigger crabitat! Anyway, I did purchase a heater, two more hermit crabs extra shells, and the water conditioner.
Now I am obsessing over the fact that they might be too cold, not enough room, sick, have bugs, need to moult..........HELP!

Kali_Ma · 01-06-2006, 01:19 PM

One thing at a time. First you need to get them into a stable environment, and the plastic tank isn't going to do it. You can get a 10 gallon glass tank at Wal-Mart for around $10. The glass tank is much easier to maintain proper conditions in.

Next, you need a temperature gauge and a humidity gauge. Without those you have no way of knowing if you have the climate in the right ranges, which should be 70 to 80% humidity (relative), and 74 to 80 degrees F. Humidity gauges are not accurate right out of the box, and you'll need to calibrate it before you use it:

http://www.crabstreetjournal.com/art...alibration.htm

If they had mites, you'd see them. If they were sick, you wouldn't be able to do anything for them but wait and hope, for the most part.

We all go through this trepidation when we first start crabbing. Just read through the site and relax, and you'll soon learn what's right for your crabs by taking in the information, and watching their behavior.

crazeecrabber103 · 01-06-2006, 08:51 PM

Welcome to HCRU!Hopefully browsing around this site will help you calm down.

pineapplemama · 01-30-2006, 11:31 AM

This site has TONS of great info. There are plenty of crabbers on here (more exp than me) that are happy to help out us newbies! Just peruse the forums, there are some fab ideas in the Biography of our Crabitats section, there is info on foods--do's and don'ts...really just a great site...WELCOME!!

Oodles o Toodles..but clean up the Noodles

Becca · 01-30-2006, 01:43 PM

I would also recommend you get driftwood or a climbing net. Most new people (including me) don't realize how much crabs climb.

pineapplemama · 01-31-2006, 01:05 PM

Good point Becca...my PP's are climbers, but so are the Straw and the E's...I know now why people on here refer to them as Destruc-to-straws! You can also use corks/corkboard to make things for them. And of course don't forget the extra shells...hmm okay enuf rambling

-Crystal

01-06-2006, 12:34 PM	#1 (permalink)
Sally Hi, I'm New Here! Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1	I recently purchased 3 hermit crabs. Unfortunately, I did not do the research beforehand. I purchased 1 at first with a PLASTIC crabitat. The following day - after I did some research on the net - I realized I needed more hermit crabs, a heater, water conditioner, a mister, and probably a bigger crabitat! Anyway, I did purchase a heater, two more hermit crabs extra shells, and the water conditioner. Now I am obsessing over the fact that they might be too cold, not enough room, sick, have bugs, need to moult..........HELP! __________________ ~ Sally

01-06-2006, 01:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Kali_Ma "First Molt, A Success" Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 221	One thing at a time. First you need to get them into a stable environment, and the plastic tank isn't going to do it. You can get a 10 gallon glass tank at Wal-Mart for around $10. The glass tank is much easier to maintain proper conditions in. Next, you need a temperature gauge and a humidity gauge. Without those you have no way of knowing if you have the climate in the right ranges, which should be 70 to 80% humidity (relative), and 74 to 80 degrees F. Humidity gauges are not accurate right out of the box, and you'll need to calibrate it before you use it: http://www.crabstreetjournal.com/art...alibration.htm If they had mites, you'd see them. If they were sick, you wouldn't be able to do anything for them but wait and hope, for the most part. We all go through this trepidation when we first start crabbing. Just read through the site and relax, and you'll soon learn what's right for your crabs by taking in the information, and watching their behavior. __________________ Kerie Member, Crustacean Society, 2005 My store: http://www.cafepress.com/crabhappy Feed your crabs: http://www.epicureanhermit.com

01-06-2006, 08:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
crazeecrabber103 (Small Crab) Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: California Posts: 341	Welcome to HCRU!Hopefully browsing around this site will help you calm down. __________________ Care to see a picture or 50? http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a44/crazeecrabber103/

01-30-2006, 11:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
pineapplemama (Small Crab) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington Texas Posts: 260	This site has TONS of great info. There are plenty of crabbers on here (more exp than me) that are happy to help out us newbies! Just peruse the forums, there are some fab ideas in the Biography of our Crabitats section, there is info on foods--do's and don'ts...really just a great site...WELCOME!! Oodles o Toodles..but clean up the Noodles __________________ -Crystal Mommy To 23 critters...counting the humans!! Newest Obsession: http://www.braingle.com/brainteasers...=PineappleMama

01-30-2006, 01:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Becca (Small Crab) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 254	I would also recommend you get driftwood or a climbing net. Most new people (including me) don't realize how much crabs climb. __________________ ~Becca~

01-31-2006, 01:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
pineapplemama (Small Crab) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington Texas Posts: 260	Good point Becca...my PP's are climbers, but so are the Straw and the E's...I know now why people on here refer to them as Destruc-to-straws! You can also use corks/corkboard to make things for them. And of course don't forget the extra shells...hmm okay enuf rambling -Crystal __________________ -Crystal Mommy To 23 critters...counting the humans!! Newest Obsession: http://www.braingle.com/brainteasers...=PineappleMama

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