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 items. Your hermit crabs, however, should be among the last items you pack and one of the first you unpack upon arrival. Treat them as a high-priority essential during the packing and unpacking process.

Although it would be more convenient for everyone, including the crabs, if they were all above the substrate during the move, this is not always the case. More often than not, it is necessary to dig them up.

Although we typically advise against digging, there are certain important situations where it becomes necessary to dig up your hermit crabs, such as when relocating.

Preparing Your Tank and Crabs for Transport -

To begin, it is essential to remove all decorations from your tank, including pools, leaving only the substrate inside. Place all removed items into a box or large container with a lid to facilitate easy and quick access upon arrival. Prioritize placing essential items, such as water conditioner, pools, salt, and food, at the top of the box or container for more convenient access.

After storing all items from above the substrate, it's time to establish a temporary living space for your hermit crabs during travel. This can be as straightforward as using takeaway containers or Tupperware. Ensure that the container has a secure lid, and it will be suitable for your needs. Fill this container with damp Sphagnum moss to provide your crab with a secure hiding place. The damp moss will also supply a modest amount of moisture.

Carefully transfer any hermit crabs above the substrate into their travel containers. It is advisable to place each hermit crab in a separate container. The moving process can be quite stressful for them, and individual housing reduces the risk of aggression or the possibility of a crab abandoning its shell and becoming exposed to others.

Non-moulting hermit crabs can be kept with damp Sphagnum moss. Hermit crabs that are in the midst of moulting should be placed in a container with a minimal amount of substrate. This setup prevents them from burying and hiding, while ensuring they have easy access to their shed exoskeleton for consumption.

Excavating Any Remaining Hermit Crabs -

The truly concerning aspect of moving is the uncertainty of what you might encounter. Your hermit crabs might be resting beneath the substrate, or they could be in the midst of moulting. It is well understood that disturbing a moulting hermit crab can be highly detrimental, often resulting in injury, limb loss, severe stress, and even death. However, if executed correctly, they should be fine.

Begin by gently scraping back layers of substrate with your hand, using it as a flat rake. Avoid grabbing large pieces of substrate or digging with your fingers extended, as this could potentially harm a moulting crab. Continue to slowly and gently remove layers of substrate until you either feel or see a shell or discover a moult cave. Once you identify either, carefully brush away the substrate from the crab to assess its current condition. A soft-bristled brush can be used to gently remove the sand from around the shell.

If your crab is resting in a hole without an exoskeleton outside of its shell and shows no visible signs of moulting, you can gently pick it up by the shell and place it into its container.

If you discover an exoskeleton adjacent to the shell, with a hermit crab still residing inside, it indicates that the hermit crab has recently moulted its old exoskeleton and is currently in a soft and vulnerable state. Gently lift the hermit crab by its shell and place it into a container with a thin layer of substrate. Collect the shed exoskeleton and position it next to the hermit crab within the container for them to consume. The most challenging phase of their moulting process is now complete.

Occasionally, you may encounter a crab that seems lethargically positioned halfway out of its shell. This indicates that the crab is in the midst of moulting, not deceased, as it is shedding its old exoskeleton. It is crucial not to touch them or pull on their limbs, as this can result in severe injury. Carefully scoop them up with a large spoon, ensuring you collect the substrate beneath them to minimize the risk of limb damage, and place them in their isolation tub.

Indicators of a Deceased Crab:

• An unoccupied shell and an unaccounted-for crab.

• A lifeless hermit crab found outside of its shell, exhibiting signs of decay or emitting an odor.

• A shell containing a decomposing body, mass, or liquid with an unpleasant smell.

Moulting is the leading cause of mortality in hermit crabs, so it's important not to be too hard on yourself. Even with proper care, it is possible to lose a hermit crab during this process.

Once your hermit crabs have been taken out of the tank, you should proceed to clean the substrate from the tank.

It is strongly advised against moving a tank filled with substrate, as this can place significant stress on the tank's base, potentially leading to severe cracks or even a collapse. Additionally, lifting a tank with such a heavy load of substrate can be detrimental to your back.

The substrate is reusable, eliminating the need for disposal. For convenient transport, store it in lidded containers. It is advisable to keep the heat sources on the tank during relocation to facilitate a quicker setup at your new home. Secure the plugs of the heat sources inside the tank to prevent them from being pulled or damaged during the move.

When transporting glass tanks, it is advisable to place blankets underneath and wrap the tank in blankets to protect it from potential damage during transit. If the tank is being loaded into a moving truck, ensure it is securely fastened to prevent any movement. For the safest transport of your hermit crabs, it is recommended to travel with them in your car rather than separately in a moving truck. To ensure they feel secure and comfortable, consider wrapping their containers in blankets to minimize exposure to light and unfamiliar surroundings.

Upon arriving at your new home, prioritize unpacking your tank. Position it in its designated permanent location and connect the heat source immediately to initiate warming. Reintroduce your pre-prepared substrate into the tank, along with the pools, filling one with conditioned fresh water and the other with marine salt. Allow time for the tank to reheat and for humidity to reach optimal levels. It is advisable to place heavy decor or items that go in the substrate before introducing your hermit crabs, to prevent the collapse of any caves and tunnels they may construct.

It is not necessary to wait for the tank to reach optimal levels before reintroducing the crabs. Promptly returning them to the tank is advisable to facilitate their de-stressing process. Anticipate that your crabs will burrow immediately and may remain underground for several days to a few weeks as they acclimate to their new environment. Provide them with their preferred foods and treats to help them settle in comfortably.

When relocating hermit crabs that are either in the midst of moulting or have recently moulted and are still soft, it is crucial to keep them within their isolation containers. These containers should be placed inside the main tank to ensure adequate heat and humidity. The crabs must remain isolated until they have either consumed their old exoskeleton or their new exoskeleton has fully hardened. Only once their exoskeleton has hardened should they be reintegrated into the main population of the tank.

Guidelines for the Care of Isolated Hermit Crabs:

If you have isolated your soft or mid-moult hermit crab, caring for them during this period is straightforward. It is unnecessary to provide pools of water, food, or additional shells (unless they are without a shell). They will sustain themselves using the nutrient stores in their moult sac. Their primary objective at this time is to consume their shed exoskeleton, if they have not already, and to harden their new exoskeleton. Although this process may take a few days, they will eventually begin to move around their isolation tank. While movement is a positive indicator, it does not necessarily mean they are ready for release.

The hardening process of the new exoskeleton generally requires a few days to a week. You can determine that the exoskeleton is ready when coloration begins to return to their limbs, which will no longer appear pale or blotchy. If uncertainty persists, you may gently touch the side of their large claw to assess hardness. It is crucial to avoid applying pressure or using your fingernails, as this can damage the exoskeleton if it remains soft.

Hermit crabs generally do not consume their entire shed exoskeleton, often leaving behind the tips of their claws or a limb. This behavior is completely normal and should not be a cause for concern.

What is a Safe Duration for Transporting Hermit Crabs from Your Previous Residence to Your New Home?

Provided that you ensure a safe and secure environment for your crabs, with complete darkness and damp moss, you can transport them in a car for extended periods. Some owners have successfully relocated interstate with their hermit crabs.

When undertaking a cross-country drive that spans several days, it is advisable to incorporate a temporary heat source to ensure comfort. A large storage container proves useful in this scenario, as it allows for the attachment of a heat source to its side, which can then be insulated with blankets.

Suggestions for temporary heating solutions:

• Hand warmers or body warmers

• Rechargeable heat packs

• Heat mats powered by a portable power bank

The heat source should always be positioned outside the tub to prevent the crabs from being burned.

When traveling, it is essential to avoid providing deep substrate or pools of water. This precaution prevents crabs from digging during transit, as such movement may collapse their moulting caves. Additionally, movement could cause water to spill, leading to flooding inside the container. A shallow layer of substrate is sufficient, along with a hiding place such as a cave or ample fake plants, and a small amount of food. However, due to stress, crabs are unlikely to eat during travel.

Wrap the storage container in blankets to maintain darkness and warmth. Adding damp moss can provide a source of moisture. Ensure that the storage container is placed on a stable surface, such as the car's boot or the footwells. The safety of your crabs is paramount, and placing containers on car seats can be hazardous if they fall off.