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Moving House With Hermit Crabs
Relocating can be quite stressful, and the complexity increases when pets, such as hermit crabs, are involved. A frequently asked question I encounter is, "How do I relocate with hermit crabs?" The reality is that it's simpler than it may appear. Although the process can be stressful for both you and your hermit crabs, it is certainly manageable. Typically, you will spend several weeks to months preparing your household items for a move, often starting with non-essential item
thehappyhermie
Jul 7, 20257 min read
Stress In Hermit Crabs - Signs, Causes & Treatment
Stress is a real thing, and something all animals and humans experience. Even hermit crabs! However, in hermit crabs, stress can be lethal. Stress takes a huge toll on a hermit crabs' body and can cause all sorts of complications. Below we will cover the common signs of stress in hermit crabs. Signs - • Dropping shell and going naked • Dropping limbs • Lethargic • Loss of appetite • Inactive • Uncalled for aggression • Continually retracted inside shell • Not bathing or drink
thehappyhermie
May 16, 202412 min read
A Complete Beginners Guide To Owning Australian Hermit Crabs
Welcome to what I refer to as the "Crab Cult." Why this name? Because you will soon become captivated! Over the past 20 years, hermit crab ownership has evolved significantly, and we have gained extensive knowledge about the proper care of these creatures. Unfortunately, the hermit crab industry has not made similar strides in educating about proper husbandry. However, rest assured, our community has made significant progress in this area! In the following guide, we provide a
thehappyhermie
Jan 21, 202412 min read
Why Did My Hermit Crab Die?
Hermit crabs may perish for various reasons. Occasionally, this is due to the environment we provide or errors we have made, while at other times, it may be entirely beyond our control. What Is the Lifespan of Hermit Crabs? In their natural habitat, hermit crabs can live for over 40 years. When kept in captivity, they have the potential to live for more than 15 years. Therefore, if a hermit crab's lifespan is only a few months or a year in captivity, it indicates that there m
thehappyhermie
Dec 12, 20237 min read
Painted Shells - Not So Pretty After All
Painted hermit crab shells not only represent an inefficient use of natural resources but also pose significant toxicity and safety risks for your hermit crabs. Painting hermit crab shells serves a singular purpose: to attract children to purchase them. Vibrant pinks, purples, blues, gold, and novelty characters are all designed to appeal to young audiences. One of the most effective marketing strategies is the use of color. Have you noticed how, in a supermarket, your attent
thehappyhermie
Nov 30, 20233 min read
Why We DON'T Dig Up Hermit Crabs!
It's a common concern we all face. When your crab has been buried for an extended period, it's natural to feel anxious about their well-being. Is it appropriate to uncover them to check on their condition? Rest assured, we have all experienced this situation. Even seasoned owners feel anxious when their crabs haven't been visible for an extended period. It's natural to be concerned about what we cannot see, the unknown. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why you should
thehappyhermie
Nov 29, 20234 min read
Captive Breeding Australian Hermit Crabs (C. variabilis)
Is it not feasible to breed hermit crabs in captivity without a scientific degree and laboratory setup? This is a common misconception within the global hermit crab community. Repeatedly, we observe individuals dismissing captive breeding, believing it to be beyond human capability. They are indeed mistaken. How do we know this? Because we have achieved it, as have many others globally. Our successful Australian breeders include Natalie Van Amstel, Sue Brown, Tiffany Michelle
thehappyhermie
Oct 29, 202327 min read
30 Interesting Hermit Crab Facts
•Hermit Crabs Pee! Yes! Strangely enough, they pee through their antennae glands close to the eyes. You may never actually see this happen though as it is very minimal and very small. •Hermit Crabs don't have ears No, they do not have ears. They hear by sensing vibrations through their antennae's, legs and sensory hairs. •Hermit Crabs can change their gender Yes, it is true, a Hermit Crab can change their gender during a moult. Changing from male to female and back again. It
thehappyhermie
Sep 25, 20236 min read
Substrate - It's Importance & How To Make It
In the wild, Hermit Crabs burrow deep down into the sand dunes to safely moult. Now that they have been brought into captivity, we must provide them with a similar environment and substrate so that they can continue to safely moult and survive. What is Substrate? When people refer to substrate (sub) in the Hermit Crab world, we are referring to the sand mixture at the bottom of the tank. Substrate is a vitally important aspect of a Hermit crab tank and can often mean life or
thehappyhermie
Sep 21, 20237 min read
50 Hermit Crab FAQ's
Determining Appropriate Duration in the Pool There is no specific time limit for how long your crab can stay in the pool. As long as there is a safe means for them to enter and exit, they will leave when they are ready. If there is no way out and you find a hermit crab in the pool, remove it and provide a climbing object to facilitate their exit. If you discover a shell-less crab in the pool, remove it immediately and adhere to the protocol for handling naked crabs. Has My He
thehappyhermie
Sep 19, 202311 min read
The Harsh Truth Behind The Hermit Crab Pet Store Trade
This article will be a hard one to read, but we truly believe owners have a right to know the truth behind the Hermit Crab trade in Australia. Please note - This blog comes with a trigger warning for information on animal abuse, and photos containing animal abuse. Every single Hermit Crab that is owned in Australia (even the ones in your tank right now) were plucked from the wild, tortured and sent to pet stores all over Australia. The only crabs in captivity within Australia
thehappyhermie
Aug 17, 20236 min read
Hermit Crab Emergencies - Flooding & Bug Infestation
As strange as it sounds, there are situations within a Hermit Crab Tank that are classified as emergencies. And when we say emergencies, we mean they can and will lead to the death of your Hermit Crabs! The 2 biggest emergencies that can happen within your tank are floods and bug infestations. Both situations should be dealt with immediately. Flooding When we say flooding, we don't mean your entire tank is swimming in water. When a flood occurs in a Hermit Crab tank, majorit
thehappyhermie
Aug 16, 20239 min read
Bringing Home A New Hermit Crab
Congratulations on your new Hermit Crab! What an exciting time. Below we will talk about what you should do when you are bringing home a brand-new crab, whether it's your first ever Hermit Crab or you are a seasoned owner and introducing a new member to your colony. As exciting as this is for you, it is an incredibly stressful time for your new crab. If you purchased your crab from a pet store, it has recently been taken from its home in the wild and sent to the pet store. So
thehappyhermie
Aug 9, 20236 min read
Hermit Crab Behaviour
It is fascinating to note that every hermit crab possesses a unique personality. Some may exhibit shyness, while others are more outgoing, and there are those that prefer solitude. These crustaceans are observed to display a variety of behaviors and personalities, whether in their natural habitat or under captivity. In the following section, we will delve into the nature of these behaviors and their significance. Shyness and Hiding Some captive hermit crabs exhibit timid beha
thehappyhermie
Jul 21, 20236 min read