odd pet questions...
 

I need to know about hermit crabs. Someone bought me 2 and I have no clue what to do with them. Yes, I got a care sheet but it doesn't tell me much, and the girl that has all the advice on them at the pet shop won't be in until the weekend. I'm hoping someone here has them as pets also, or has had them at one time. I'm not expecting much of a response, just thought I'd ask cos I just don't know:confused:

I would like to know....what kind of treats can I give em? All veggies safe? How deep should their water bowl be? I don't want them drowning, and the sponges I have aren't that big for them to climb out on. Should I be wetting the sponges more than twice a day? Do they freak out when I bathe them? Is it really good to let them wander around on the house? I have a cat, so I'm thinking not, but I can set aside time for them in a closed off room if it's necessary for them to stay healthy. What kind of heater is safe for them? How often should I hold them? I know they need to learn to trust their keeper, but I have also heard for some pets too much handling is bad. And lastly, how many spare shells do I need around? I have no clue how fast they grow out of them. Of course any other info, no matter how small is welcome.

Sorry about all of the questions, I'm used to furry pets. I hope someone knows SOMETHING. I don't want the lil guys dying on me, I'm starting to like them...but so far they've just been amusment for my cat.

Crabs can be treated pretty easily with certain over-the-counter body and hair shampoos, such as A-200, RID, and InnoGel. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants, however, can't use these medications. They must use products designed especially for them, such as Eurax.

Whatever treatment is chosen, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment from head-to-toe. Everyone who may have been exposed to crabs should be treated at the same time. It's also important to wash — with very hot water — all bedding, towels, and clothing that may have been exposed, and to vacuum all carpets.

Never had one, but this should help:

http://www.petco.com/Content/Article...&categoryID=13

I never had one but I've seen a few of them and for crustaceans, they're cute little buggers! Quick find out about them so you can be a good mommy to them.

hermit crabs are a rare std acquired from spending too much time alone playing with yourself

Thank you IA and Filmmaker...the rest of you grow the fuck up, morons. You're not funny, don't try.

The like sand. It's close to their natural environment. Beach sand, is what you should use. You might be able to find that at a tropical pets type store.

Yes, monitor their growing rate, and make sure the shells that you have are large enough to accomidate a growing hermit crab. You can get some pretty cool looking shells in the sizes that you need.

So, set up a pretty good size acquarium, lengthwise, put in some sand and wet sponges - how they get their water. I can't remember what to feed them. I hope that you figure that out.

I used to raise them myself. They're fun, but they're really delicate.

Oh, every now and again, barely fill the bottom of your tub and put them in it. (lukewarm...very lukewarm...barely warm) It's sorta like the ocean for them. It's a great way for them to get some play time.

I, for one, would like to hear about their progress. Just be very gentle with them.

They make neat pets.

Also, if Cheeba comes around today, I would almost bet my life that he has something to share.

okay since were on the topic of enviorment...
if you have a dog and he runs away alot what do you use?because last christmas my dog ran away and he got killed(please no mourning)and we use a shock coller and he broke his legs and then we went to the chocker coller and he stayed put a few times....so hwat do you use if your new pup is runnin' away?

I had one that my cat got after and like 4 months later I found it in my basement clinging to a towel still alive.. If I remember right its shell was craked too. Cool huh.

yea sure