SETTING UP A HERMIT CRAB TANK

[@KristenLeanneVlog]

Happy Saturday!! I am filming some content today. I have BEEN CRAZY BUSY running Arctic Fox so I haven't been able to upload here as much as I'd like, but that's being sorted out right now. Check the description box for some super great links and information on crab care. I am still learning, it's a never-ending process. Do your research and do the best you possibly can. We live in a day and age where we have every piece of (true or untrue) information at our finger tips. The sites I've recommended have a wonderful reputation and I would trust them when it comes to caring for these little guys.

[@GeekyGeckoCreations]

I think this was like my very first animal ever haha! =D Thanks for the vid! =D

[@KristenLeanneVlog]

@@GeekyGeckoCreations Most peoples! haha

[@GeekyGeckoCreations]

@@KristenLeanneVlog thanks for the reply, u r a big channel to get back to the small fishies haha =)

[@howdypartna]

Please take out the green moss bridge if you haven’t already. It’s dyed and crabs will eat moss and they can possibly die from doing this. Use tan sphagnum moss only please.

[@mariarangel7406]

Hi if you live near a roses or dollar tree i recommend buying fake foliage for them to climb on and natural choala wood(i think thats how you spell it lol) and you can find them for cheap prices at Petsmart. Im so glad that you got them and do you take name suggestions? If not maybe next video youll say the new names 😊 For foodwise organic coconut shavings are good for a treat and ive been going to a store named Exotics and Aquatics that have a good variety of food for hermit crabs and it seems to make my hermit crabs healthy and ive had them for at least five years now. Also good luck on caring for the little active guys/gals and on the journey of watching them grow and their unique behaviors 👍

[@poisonxgirl]

I cannot believe they crack their shell open & just throw them in that container with the painted shells! So upsetting 😢

[@homemama1001]

I know its horrible

[@grossliz1995]

So not only does it hurt the crab, but destroys future homes for other hermits. I have rescues and have accidently purchased shells that were too small for them. I like to take them to the beach with me and put them back in the ocean.

[@LorisHartland]

Your tank looks great! Hermit crabs passing away after getting them/rehoming them is a huge thing that doesn’t get talked about a lot. They are such delicate creatures and you’re right their history of being taken from the wild is awful but adoption is great! Good luck with them & I’m sure yours will love their new tank. ❤️🐚

[@wowfeistywow1741]

Hi Lori!! I am a subscriber on your channel and I can’t wait for your next post!! 🤍

[@abigailplays5140]

I love your channel ❤️

[@ErasTourThings]

I ❤️ your channel

[@KristenLeanneVlog]

For the record, every time I say "PPS" method, I mean PPDS! 😩 Post Purchase Death Syndrome

[@savvycrafts239]

Haha it’s ok some people refer to it as PPS for post purchase stress!

[@DeannaWillistonOFS]

Right? Because it’s the PPDS avoidance protocol. Nothing like making it easy. 🤣

[@michelacasey7116]

Try using sphagnum moss for humidity instead of sponges to prevent bacteria growth!

[@atyeet9527]

Thank you for the tip

[@toxxicrose]

Yes! And with sphagnum moss, let it soak for approx 2h-this gives it enough time to absorb water and stay moist without absorbing the moisture from the air! Once soaked, squeeze out excess water and it’s good to go! They stay super moist with this method

[@meobviously5453]

Thx for the tips!

[@nina04181999]

Ho Hermie rescuer, rehomer and owner here. The three shell rule is only really good once your crabs are a bit larger to make sure it's still deep enough. Small crabs ideally need 6+ inches of substrate thats a 5/1 or even 1/1 ration of sand to EE.... so keep that in mind once you move them into their new enclosure after quarantine. Also that substrate doesnt look nearly moist enough. Even if its temporary and a thin layer it needs to be moist for them. Hermits breath from modified gills and if it's not humid enough they will slowly suffocate. Up the humidity by using a glass lid, putting bubblers in the pools, having a moss pit, and wetting your substrate. Also when moistening the EE, sand mixture, use salt water as it will help keep down bacteria and mold. Just for lord's sake dont use sponges. It's a pet peeve of mine because youd have to ideally sanitize them every single day just to keep them from being a health hazard to the crabs. Male sure they are getting enough calcium so they dont cannibalize and rotate their protien and veggies and such. They're scavengers and will tend not to want to eat the same thing twice because they'll think its left over and steer away for their safety. Make sure theres enough places for them to hide from each other right now because it will be vital for them to destress, especially for those that tend to want to destress by digging if your not providing that according to PPDS method. Dark areas can help. While a humid hut may do some major good for them. Theyre picky little buggers bit definitely amazing little friends to have once given proper care.

[@ShanaLawson]

Aww it looks like the previous owners actually took care of those little guys and decided to give them up once the tank broke. Out of the lot of previous owners I’ve seen you get animals from, I think this one was 100% for their animals at every turn.

[@ilovemyself9565]

Yes they look like they took care of the Little crabs

[@shawnafairchild417]

The hermit crab torture clips were disgusting! It made me so incredibly sad!

[@nittygritty7034]

Love that you talked about the industry before showing the critters. They are so cute, they are so cool, but they shouldn't be pets if thats the industry. Appreciate it so much.

[@baileymarie1562]

I love how open you are to learning about new animals and giving them great homes!

[@RP_76]

Oh my gosh, I would love to talk haha. I got my son one at a carnival 2 years ago and I really thought they were easy. Nope. Subtrate should be half of your tank, play sand and Ecoearth. I have 3 in a 55 g and it is perfect. I didn't realize they needed 2 pools, one with Prime one with Prime and instant ocean. Pools should be deep enough to cover the crab. Lord what else lol. I order my food from Hermies Kitchen, got their heat pad from bean Farm I think. Humidity and heat should always be 80% or higher. I hope I dont sound like a B, these things have become mine because my son wants nothing to do with em. Also look for turbo shells, they prefer them. I order from Naples. Also order the Acurite off Amazon, great for humidity and heat temp.

[@RP_76]

No sponge! They breed bacteria.

[@KristenLeanneVlog]

@@RP_76 thanks for your input! I read 100 different things about sponges and other care items. That does make sense about the sponge. I hear they eat sponges?! Is Naples on amazon? Hats off to you for taking over such wonderful care of your little guys! I use Instant ocean for the salt water pool. I'd like to get some pools going with bubblers in the near future. I'm trying to shift some things around in my animal rooms bc there's not enough space up there. lol

[@RP_76]

@@KristenLeanneVlog no Naples isn't on Amazon. I use to admin a FB group on hermit crabs lol, that's how into it I got 😂 Friends think I'm nuts. Yes they will eat the sponge, people think they need them to drink and they dont. Prime is available on Amazon, I also buy Shangum moss on Amazon too. I have so much to say lol, when ordering their food make sure you get some worm castings, they LOVE it. I spend about 25 on food and it lasts quite awhile. I also give them regular food including meat, just need to be careful. Also once you order shells and receive them, boil for 5 mins in prime treated water and then dunk in instant ocean treated water.

[@RP_76]

Also not trying to sound like a know it all! I just know how confusing Google can be and wanted to help💕

[@_athaca_]

@@RP_76 I don’t think you sound like a know it all! All you’re information is really helpful! I don’t have any hermit crabs but out of days of research when I had wanted some, I think I’ve already learned more from you than I did in any of my research!

[@martusblartus]

i feel really bad for the crabs and their original owner, given how much they cared about the crabbies to send you a detailed letter. i hope you sent them update pics about their new home!!

[@aycegarfield1291]

You can make it deeper towards the back of the Viv, thats what I do with mine, you do want them to be able to burrow deeply so when they molt the others wont be able to find them and disturb them. You do want the substarte to be able to hold the shape when you squeeze it. They do fight for shells so make sure they have plenty, 3 each is a rule (slightly larger, smaller and about same size). They are big climbers and will climb pretty high up. The food variety of food is really good but they don't eat a lot so you don't need that much food. I have magnetic ledges to put the food in, they're usually for cresties but work well for these guys. Spagnum moss is great for humidity and they'll snack on that, you can even scatter chia or sunflower seeds about so they can have fresh growing plants to eat as well. They love to pull the hairs of coconut shells as well, that keeps them pretty occupied. Be careful when you buy anything with bamboo, lucky bamboo is toxic to them, a lot of climbing stuff have them on them. It does look like a really good set up atm

[@seeingificangetto300subswi4]

when being moved to a whole new home you cant put the sand to high or else they will get scared and hide and wont be able to see if its ok ad soon will starve to death sorry if i sound like a no it all or a b

[@JasperCatProductions]

Absolutely wonderful. Their home looks so cute.

[@quinnzelreign8775]

My cousins had a bunch of hermit crabs growing up. They're really good at escaping enclosures. One time when their crabs escaped, one ended up in the laundry basket. My aunt grabbed it, threw the load in the wash and the hermit crab went for a ride. They're surprisingly resilient too cuz it lived through the wash and they had it for another 10 years.

[@t.t2301]

i dont know if that hermit was just super lucky but im glad it still lived a long life!

[@MsJmp1981]

Not sure why but these vids are so therapeutic for me. Love watching you give these animals a better life❣️

[@leathersturf5992]

You are off to an excellent start!!! And Not reading all the comments so please forgive me if this is already said. Mary Akers has been breeding them in captivity for the last 4-5 years if in correct. She’s awesome and it’s extremely difficult. There’s only a handful of people in the world that can get the babies to land. Many keepers get them to breed but rearing the babies is extremely difficult. I get all my help and info from the HCA hermit crab association. hermits can live 30,40,50 even reports of 70 years in the wild.

[@saladnander3690]

This was really nice to watch, I got hermit crabs as a kid before I knew any better about them, and I still have them after 9 years. So I know it can't compare to their natural life and I'll never buy any more, but I try to give them the best life I can and I'm happy when they seem happy.

[@pamicenhour7445]

I'm so happy for these little crabs!

[@brittanyw.5274]

I have hermit crabs that my mom surprised me with a while ago. They're going on 7 plus years now. Got there sal water, fres water, climbing branch and vins from one side to other with bioactive set up. Chia plants are growing. Also moss for humidity works, don't hold me to it but I think I heard that sponges are good at harboring bacteria

[@addisonrichardson1517]

Hey! Your cage looks wonderful I just have one thing for you! Make sure their substrate is constantly staying moist! It makes it easier for them to molt when you are out of the whatever it’s called stage!

[@JonasBrothersFan7242]

Hey Kristen! You’ve inspired me so much over the past few years to extend the care for my animals & do more research on the proper necessities for them. I recently found two abandoned bunnies in a parking lot & thought about you while I spent a week trying to get them into a life trap and safe in my home. I found my first exotic animal vet & set up for spay/neuter. You motivate me so much every day to be a better pet mom. Thank you 💕

[@sdoyle3905]

About their water, I use spring water, not tap, for their fresh water bowl, and mix the salt for salt water fish aquariums to the spring water for their salt water bowl. I use salt water to spray the substrate to keep it moist. The salt prevents mold. I just like the idea of using the more natural products of spring water and salt over the chemicals in treated tap water And that little bottle, plus It’s cheaper. I hope that helps.

[@vanessarobison9152]

These little guys will have such a happy life thanks to you! You should totally consider making a Facebook group where you share more info about all the friends you have rescued! Some of the knowledge you have shared has helped our family with our rescued friends

[@kymberlysteiger8125]

Contact Lori! She will answer all your questions! She’s super sweet and crazy about animal husbandry and especially giving them the best diet possible!

[@kaylaojeda5149]

I’m part of that fb group too! They actually have some hermit crab babies they’ve bred themselves for sale sometimes. They’re super helpful and knowledgeable, I don’t have hermit crabs but I think they’re super interesting to learn about!

[@fredfluffykins7874]

Hermit crabs were the first pet I got at around age eight and showed them in 4h. I enjoyed learning about them and still am. And was able to use 4h as a way to share with others that this little guys aren’t just easy pets. They need so much more that what you expect. They are the reason I’m so into animals and have grown to love researching animals even if I don’t plan on owning them.

[@krazaykris]

I totally feel you. I rescued a pair of jumbo hermies from a local facebook group. The photo the seller posted was of a tank in awful shape (the picture was of a 10 gal tank with a sprinkling of wet sand that looked like sludge, and a hide box. I honestly never saw the crabs in the photos they posted). I was in the same boat as you and had to get my hands on them, but the seller just wouldn't respond to me and it took a couple of friends to help me contact him on Facebook and actually get the crabbies. Like you, I wasn't added to the group until the following day, and by then my crabs had buried under the sand and I haven't seen them since. It's been a month and a half now, but I've found that due to their larger size, they could be under for up to a year. There's just so much to learn about these lil guys, but I'm just glad that I was able to get them out of that situation and into something a lil bit better suited for them. It's not perfect, because anything but actually being back in nature isn't going to be perfect, but I'm just glad I could help them out. I have read multiple times on the Hermie group that sponges are supposed to be bad because they harbor bacteria. Instead, I hooked up a humidifier to my tank and will turn it on to help raise the humidity if it drops down and that has helped me bump the humidity if it gets a lil low after I've opened up the tank lid. Best of luck to you and the hermies.

[@myzoo2856]

This is so crazy two days ago I literally just rescued a hermit crab and I was literally looking at your channel wondering when is my favorite pet you tuber going to post and then you post a video about what I just did

[@jaclynmachado6019]

Omg I was thinking the same thing! When is a big name influencer going to get into hermit crabs & help spread the knowledge that us in the crabber community have. Its finally here & im so happy its Leanne, she is amazing! Btw its also amazing to see other crabbers posting. Sometimes I feel alone because I don't know anyone personally who are as into them as I am. People think its cool but weird.

[@kristaduke7528]

I love that you always help animals in need, you inspire me so much and I love that you are always super open and honest about everything! I really wouldn't recommend sponges for hermit crabs though, they can grow harmful bacteria and make your hermit crabs sick or even kill them. I'd recommend misting in the morning and afternoon to keep up humidity🥰 I can't wait to see more of your cute little dudes in the future🤍🤍

[@izzyperkins3312]

i got mad when i first saw this.. but i realized the fact that you’re discussing why you shouldn’t own one is something that i love

[@reese4207]

I cant tell how big the tank is but for 5 hermits crabs you should have at least 50 gallon tank. Feel free to check out our instagram @happy_hermits_ to get lots of tips and tricks as well as the care that they need!

[@eclipserandall9717]

My local petbarn has a bunch of hermit crabs stuffed into a tank that isn't big enough, one climbing frame, tiny pools and only petstore hermit crab food :( I've been researching for months and finally convinced my mum to let me take in two crabs. I will be getting a vivarium within the next few weeks but have most of the stuff ready for it. I will be creating a bioactive enclosure for them, so at least two of those crabs will have a home to thrive in. I'm so excited. My animal Instagram is @clipseycreatures if anyone is interested in seeing the final setup and following my pets lives. I currently have a Peachface Lovebird who had his wings clipped by the previous owner, who is now happy and flight trained, a baby budgie with beak malformations, fish, a cute fluffy puppy and for my 18th birthday (May 2022) will be adopting a Bearded dragon. This is just the beginning, I'm working towards rehabilitating more animals and working in an animal sanctuary.

[@autumnscarlett116]

I have 4 crabs there 3 years old and in a 55gal if you want any info I do have a lot of knowledge, also sponges are useless and they just collect a lot of bacteria but you have a really good start! Alot better then ive seen.

[@CrochetHermitCrabsCrafting]

Can we have an update video on your hermit crabs?

[@samwright8599]

I love your rescues. Its comforting knowing there are people who want give animals a good life xx

[@Unknown-fb4fr]

Watching this makes my heart happy. Looks like a great tank, better than what I can provide. One thing, no sponges. They don't need it at all.

[@bezelleblanc2580]

If you haven't already I'd recommend purchasing some worm castings from etsy, mine eat that up like it's going out of style! I also don't recommend sponges because those can get moldy which isn't great for the little guys.

[@tegsbanana]

I am SO GLAD that you make sure to give your hermies the best of care! I see so many young children on KZbin that are just buying hermit crabs. And while I AM young, I have done research for years and I make sure to give my hermie the best care!

[@moondog7694]

Hermit crabs walk long distances every day. They need a wheel. I've heard a hermit crab keeper say their crabs use the upright/vertical wheel more than the disc/almost-horizontal one, although they do use the horizontal disc wheel a little bit. Nobody is mentioning the hamster wheel with the half climbing logs attached to the inside so they can grip them with their claws. I've also seen a hamster wheel with a plastic canvas (looks like a mesh grid used for embroidery) attached to the inside so their claws won't slip. I saw the first modded hamster wheel in the tank of that Crab Central Station lady being interviewed, Madsen or whatever her name is. Make sure you put the electric heating pad on the side of the tank above the substrate and not on the bottom of the tank, because when your hermit crab digs deep and stays there to molt, s/he'll get baked if the heating pad is on the bottom! S/he can dig when s/he feels to hot, because it's cooler deep in the dirt.

[@lauratheswagqueen7289]

I am soon getting a hermit crab But not that I am an expert but I have done lots of research and I suggest try cutting up the blue berries and all those little fruits you put in, Hermit crabs take small bites and if the little fruits like that are cut up smaller it makes it a little easier 🙂

[@samanthaybarra9967]

I had no idea about the hermit crab industry. This was so informative!!

[@lauran4784]

I made mistakes too. There is a lot to learn about the molting that they do too! I had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. Since you didn’t talk about the molting and the special requirements for that, I would just recommend learning about that too. I think that’s how mine died was I didn’t have what they needed. Good luck & I look forward to seeing your updates on these guys!

[@avamc3901]

when i got my hermit crabs we went to this little shop that actually cared about the crabs, all of their crabs are not taken from the wild. they where ruscure hermit crabs from people who didn’t want the crabs.

[@Beauty23girl]

If you haven’t found out yet sponges get moldy and don’t help humidity that much. If you look into bubblers for your pools they help with the humidity so much. I have one in each off my pools and it keeps my humidity up above 70% easily. There’s a bunch of KZbin videos that can help show you what supplies you need to make it. Plus it adds air into the tank :) good luck with your Hermmie’s! I’m sure they love the tank you made it looks awesome!

[@theresaprice310]

What I like about you is how much you care for these little animals thank you 🦀☺️

[@Backyardgoldies]

I recommend getting some Turbo shells! They have always been a favorite for all my hermit crabs. The shape is perfect for them and u can even find some really pretty ones that are all natural :)

[@AmourAnnette]

Love their new home! Thank you for rescuing these little guys :)

[@ellierae3448]

They are so small!! my hermit crabs are in small conch shells, so it is weird seeing them this tiny. I use moss for my tank, not sponges. But if you want to use sponges just change them out often so they don't have too much bacteria on them. I also use lots of different seashells in their tank, they like to eat them like cuttlebone. The food that you are using looks great! One of my favorite things to do for my crabs is to grow chia seeds in the tank and put leaf litter (that is hermie safe) all over the tank for them to eat.

[@uselessusagi]

Make sure when feeding that you don't feed the same thing within a 7 day period. Spaghnum moss works so much better for holding humidity. I would also be careful of the grapevine close to the water as it may mold eventually. I love this setup, and adding substrate to the exoterra you can do more in the back instead of at the front. Seachem Prime is the best water dechlorinator cause it rids the water of heavy metals while keeping the minerals in the water still, it also turns ammonia to ammonium which gills can process much easier. It's so concentrated you need less of it (2 drops per gallon)

[@Dividiuum]

Love that you were able to rescue these little guys. I know based on your socials that you’ve had them for a minute, but I have a few suggestions. Firstly, those sticky analog gauges are awful for so many reasons. They are notoriously incorrect, and the sticky part can stick to reptiles and harm scales. All in all, best to avoid those. I would recommend getting an acurite, specifically the white one that can be calibrated. I have several in my tanks and they are awesome!! I would also recommend using HVAC foil tape to seal in heat and humidity, as opposed to a sheet of tinfoil. It does a much better job. Hope this was helpful!

[@parisinthe30sx]

Just wanted to say, my friends neighbour breeds hermit crabs(she doesn't breed that many) and she did say it's very hard to get them to reproduce in captivity. Also, sphagnum Moss instead of sponges as they harbour bacteria. Making a little ocean on the corner of the tank would be cool. They need fresh and salt water. She made her tank look like a beach, and the tide pool is freshwater

[@mamashanshan2772]

Now I’m ready to rescue them also! They are the cutest! Me and my brothers had them when we were growing up( many moons ago!!), we always had different shells in there for the critters to “ try the size of their personal choice/fitting”!! Me and my grandkids have a couple bearded dragons we rescued, my oldest granddaughter has a hermit crab!! Pretty sad how pet stores are with the animals, I’m unsure if even all their employees know what the animals go through.... ( I’d bet they don’t tell them this part). I’ve had animals/mammals my whole life, always adopted them, the only animals I’ve bought at pet stores were fish. Glad I did, they grew always and feel now like I did rescue them in a way as well. Thank you for all you shared, this gave me an insight for those cute critters!!

[@elizabethholley9110]

You remind me a lot of myself. Always trying to help animals, I love it. You're so great

[@kayleebrown3073]

I would recommend to get a few turbo shells just so they have other shell shape options 🙂

[@allisnelson]

There are a very few captive breeding programs!! LHCOS (I think that’s the right order of letters) has been working really hard at this! And, honestly, that’s the way forward. People are still going to want them. This gives us an opportunity to keep them more ethically.

[@KaitlynSallee]

They look so happy in their new cage! 🥰

[@cswhitwell]

I love your tank set up, looks like a fun place for the hermies. Also love that you are adopting. I've had hermit crabs for the past 3 years. Definitely get with that Facebook group, especially the moderators. They will help you with links and tweeking your tank, all in a very encouraging and positive way. One thing I have learned, no sponges. They tend to breed bacteria. Also dark leafy greens need to be cooked before giving to crabs. Once again, the moderators of that Facebook group can explain they why's behind the things that are recommended. Also, Mary Akers is part of that group and she has been successful in breeding captive hermit crabs and has an adoption program for people to adopt her captive bred babies!!!!

[@cswhitwell]

You can add moistened hermit crab safe moss to increase humidity. Another great youtube channel to check out is Crab Central Station.

[@brandidawn2491]

You are such a great person Kristin. I love these animal videos and think you are such a great resource for people wanting the types of animals you have. ❤️❤️

[@savvycrafts239]

Mary Akers is a super awesome lady who actually has captive bred hermit crabs for sale! She’s successfully bred her crabs for 2 years and is doing it again this year!

[@janesassaman8062]

I have found my hermit loves his coconut hut. It is one that has a little ladder and is typically used for birds. I also use small paint liners as the pools since they are cost effective and can be easily sanitized. Plus they have a slope which you can lay rope on

[@averymorgan4892]

I wouldn’t put a sponge in. Sponge grow a lot of bacteria. I’ve learn this when I got into tarantulas. There are better options like mosses. I don’t own any hermit crabs so I don’t now if moss would work. But please don’t use a sponge.

[@kristenwilson2344]

I would recommend Crab Central Station they make really good videos! I also recommend not feeding peanut butter. You do not need a sponge just have some moss. Sponges just harbor a bunch of bacteria. If you want to learn more about hermit crabs I recommend going to CrabCon 2021. It’s online this year so you can do it at home. For salt water I personally use instant ocean and it works really well. For shells I recommend watching Crab Central Station’s shell guide. Happy crabbing!

[@mitchellsmith5658]

Love your channel so much but may I ask what happened to the iguana you rescued? I’d love to see an update on him/her xx 🥰

[@teeganthompson7393]

This is late but I do recommend heat mats over heat lamps… I also recommend not using sponges cause they grow many bacterias… I have saved 4 hermit crabs from fairs etc… and have also used the pps method and found great results… good luck! 👍🍀 😊

[@savvycrafts239]

DEFINITELY put the shells in some kind of container! Crabs love to climb so access shouldn’t be an issue for a typical crab. They love to bury loose shells and the end up lost and unused! They’re such silly creatures. I’m so glad you did and are continuing to do research, they’re such misunderstood animals.

[@heliaaxis5823]

Hermit crab shell exchange is so cool. They line up in order from smallest to largest and exchange shells.

[@katewolff6770]

Thanks for talking about how terrible the hermit crabs industry is, too many people have no idea. Some people have successfully bred them in captivity, almost exclusively hobby owners who just put in a TON of effort to make it happen

[@RoseNoel19]

I love this channel so much .

[@jackandlindsey7663]

Usually people keep the extra shells in a bin or somewhere separate so the smells stay clean and off the substrate so the crabs can move into a clean home. It’s also recommended to boil new shells.

[@grindeyyyyy]

With tarantulas, to hold in the humidity, we take the mesh off exoterra and use a drilled up piece of perspex

[@jdrphotography5034]

I don’t suggest using the rope( I don’t remember what it’s made of ) climbing/ basking thing I had one in my hermit tank and it molded after a week or two

[@rikaann6651]

Crab Central Station is also a really great resource. They are actually active in breeding in captivity and have had some success.

[@aliceellsworth5276]

Absolutely awful industry omg!! I am glad you inform the public of this horrid and sickening way these poor creatures make it into the hands of people. Keep it up and please inform and continue the fight for animal rights and quality of life. You are awesome!

[@rachealfinck9979]

That substrate needs to be way deeper and needs to be about 9-10 inches deep so that they can burrow and molt, it also needs to be mixed with sand. Don’t use the sand at the pet store, it’s too fine. Go to your local home improvement store and get play sand like you’d use for a kids sand box. Also sponges are not necessary, if you mix your substrate right it will hold humidity.

[@shelbybonasera3571]

My little sister has had hermit crabs for quite a few years now, they’re so much fun! She keeps their shells in a little bin in the corner and they have no problem getting them out of there. Actually, she says they get them out and just play with them and try them on all the time!

[@Phoenix-sb6hl]

I'm so glad you posted this! I work at one of those cursed pet stores and I TRY my hardest to encourage people to research. I have never bought any of my animals from there, they've all been rescues (three rats, a rabbit and a hamster). I can't answer the question "Well WHY does (company) sell this cage?" Well, you're buying it aren't you? It's hard to show people proper animal care because they see these tiny plastic cages and assume that hey, it's ok because this store that 'advocates' for animals sells it. (I have a deep seeded hatred for the KAYTEE brand). On the plus side, as much as I agree with not purchasing hermit crabs, I will say that I've been impressed by how much people are caring for hermit crabs now! I've talked to multiple people and managed to get them to at least a 10 gallon tank with a heat source and stimulation.

[@jaclynmachado6019]

Hello fellow crabber! I used to work at petco & had those experiences too. I helped so many customers see the light but so many who were just plain ignorant & would not accept my help because they thought i was just trying to sell them more stuff. I was recognized as a hermit crab specialist by my store & even by the district managers in my area but I wish I could have gone higher. I left the job after 7 years. They do not pay livable wages so I had to move on. Keep going, the more people you reach the more lives can be saved. Unfortunately people are going to buy them but maybe if more people are educated then the species won't go extinct. Good luck & keep up the great work 😀

[@fiona0236]

using eggshells or calcium powder is a good sub for cuttlebone ^^ and using sponges can lead to mold issues, having just moss around the tank can help

[@accountsaccounts63]

My local pet stores sells hermit crabs ALWAYS have there natural shells on when they are sold and you are not allowed to buy from them unless you have a photo of your setup or you buy a tank (minimum 1.5 foot), food, sand or what you want for the substrate as well as whatever else you need.

[@serenitydemars1329]

I wanted hermit crabs so badly when I was a kid but once I found out they are taken from the wild I’ve stopped researching and gave up hope on having them. Maybe I’ll get back into researching them and take in a few rescues one day

[@sarah_grace3037]

Beautiful I have something similar a long 20 gal for 4 of my small crabs. They seem to love it. Good job

[@mirawind9126]

One thing you can do with hermit crabs is find cool looking animal safe "shells" some aren't actual shells that are bigger and when your crab grows and needs a new shell they'll move into what you found for them

[@georgiakoffas7519]

Definitely recommend joining hermit crab association has a bunch of care sheets. You should get instant ocean for salt water and prime for fresh. Some things could be changed but you are doing a great job.

[@grossliz1995]

I'm doing the foil method on my tank as well! We don't have central heating so it has been a challenge keeping their crabitat warm enough.

[@Sylis509]

hermit Crabs are so fun... this will be cool to watch them grow!!

[@danniemikeey579]

I found a shell by the sea and took it. It had a hermit crab! I thought all where the same so my husband got me one at the pet shop. Well turns out I ended up with 2 different tanks! Unfortunately I couldn't keep the sea one alive but I've had my land hermit for over a year now. Also found out they don't like being alone so I got 2 more. They immediately melted in their habitat! I'm adding to their enclosure a cute wood stick bridge I made them

[@sophieadams0411]

I love hermit crabs I’ve been waiting for someone to get them

[@aussiejjdude3066]

Dunno if its too late, avoid the sponge. Its mostly a waste of money and does little for humidity. You can offer natural sponge dried as a snack however, if you do have a sponge that you don't want to go to waste. That humidity/temp gauge is terribly inaccurate, most analog gauges are. Ideally you want a digital gauge, which tend to be a lot more accurate compared to analog. (If you haven't already, hermit crab association is another site (also on FB) and worth checking out)

[@laylahollins5080]

Great tank! I would monitor them around the water since they can drown but it looks amazing!

[@Crystalized777]

Wow I had no idea they treat these sweet creatures so horribly! Thank you Leann, I’m passing this info along to the other moms! These pet stores need to feel some financial pain for supporting that kind of pet breeders🤬🤬

[@almabowman3813]

My 6yo loves these videos!

[@evelynsmith1511]

I suggest making a miss pot to boost humidity, just make sure to search what kind I safe for them

[@alkimtuna3261]

Before the Internet how many of these poor babies went home with people and just lived in misery til they died. I had a crabby I loved so much and did not treat remotely as well as you are doing for yours. How much more we know today than yesterday. 🥺

[@batyalarrivee479]

I miss taking care of hermit crabs at my job! I literally researched about them just to sell them and make sure customers knew what they were getting into. Sadly not all listened and kept them in tiny tanks and shells and never got them bigger shells for when they grow. Then they said they found the crab out of its shell dead next to it and that’s because it was trying to find a roomy shell compared to the one it had. All their organs are inside of the shell which is where also their butt is so when they walk around without a shell too long it’s like you walking with no skin and you just eventually die. I’ve seen a crab switch to back and forth to different shells just because they couldn’t decide what they preferred so that’s why I always recommend to get multiple shells and if you did get some shells from the beach to deep clean them because I sold fresh water hermit crabs that lived on land not salt water. Salt water hermit crabs can live submerged under water and not aver have to come up for air while fresh water hermit crabs live on land under coconut husks and if in the water too long it will die. I also researched how to tell the gender as well lol I learned a lot and I miss taking care of them. They truly are escape artists as well I would find them all over the store because they would figure out a way to climb out using their pinchers. Another thing is having painted shells is actually bad for them because they use acrylic paint and when the paint chips off they can digest it and it could be bad for them and they choose natural shells anyways.

[@April_B.W]

The world needs more Kristens!!!

[@mzrich711]

Instead of using reptisafe use Prime. Reptisafe leaves a algae slime on the water bowl. I also like to have a couple shell shops available. It's easier if the opening is up so they can climb in it. Do not use a sponge for humidity, they can hold bacteria. Instead get a bubbler and put it in the fresh water tank. The tank needs to be sealed to hold in the humidity and a light is not necessary. They are mainly nocturnal. You don't have to worry about them suffocating because they need at least 80% humidity and 80% heat at all times. There can be minor dips in both but want them to be pretty stable. You also need a heat mat that goes across the entire back of the tank just above the substrate. You want to heat the air and not the substrate or you will basically cook them during molt. Don't worry about them needing fresh air because when you open the tank to change food and water they will get fresh air. Also a digital temp/humidity gage is more effective. I got mine from Walmart. It needs to be somewhat in the middle of the tank a couple inches off the substrate. My favorite Etsy crab food shops are HoboHermie, HermitGrub and HermiesKitchen. Also a good measure of how big your habitat is they need 10 gallons of space for each crab. Thank you for rescuing these sweet babies. I have a 75 gallon and 6 crabs. Hoping to add a couple levels upwards.

[@mzrich711]

Also never use Calcium sand from Pet Stores. It can get as hard as concrete and kill the crabs. You can buy regular ole play sand from a home improvement store and it works awesome!

[@dawnfabanich4685]

!! Thanks for posting!! Education is key!! I'm sure your are very busy but thanks for sharing your rescue stories! ❤️❤️

[@nerdwithamouth630]

We don't have those in my country but they look pretty cool. Also, it's great how open about learning you are and how you talk about being responsible when you get a pet. It annoys me so much to see people "rescuing" animals by purchasing them from a pet store and just adding to this horrible industry.

[@jdrphotography5034]

Also don’t use the long holed shells the hermit crabs won’t be able to hide inside the shell properly

[@savvycrafts239]

The D shaped shells are okay, but purple pincher hermit crabs do prefer O shaped openings because it fits their body type better. There are some exceptions. The ‘long’ holes, also called D shaped are perfectly safe but most PPs just won’t like them.

[@angie4755]

So happy you're back making videos!!

[@KristenLeanneVlog]

Thank you so much