Good afternoon, I'd like to say "hello"

DavidW · Post by **DavidW** » 24 Feb 2015, 13:28

I'm David. My brother-in-law (it's my wife's brother - we'll call him "Ray") surprised my wife and I with a purple pincher for our 6 year old son for Christmas Eve 2014. He also got one for his 7 year old daughter. We all opened our gifts together on Christmas Eve.

The crabs mesmerized us. They were so cool! Of course, Ray had the basic mall kiosk setup and explained how easy it was going to be. "You just spray them with this water." he said. "It's like training them."

So I tote the little crab dude home and set him on the table that night. We're all tired, and we have to go to my family's house on Christmas Day.

When my family meets up the next day, we talked about the gifts the children received the night before.

Upon hearing that my son is now a proud hermit crab owner, a certain member of my family remarked "Oh, well, that's just something for him to watch die."

Oh f#%*ing hell no you did not just say that.

I have been pouring over crab care websites since that night. I have gathered both my son and my niece's crabs (His crab's name is Pinchipus Crabicus I, her crab's name is Princess Peanut Butter Cup) and provided them with a more proper environment. We have a long way to go, but they appear to be content for now. It is my determination that they will live, and not die early. I want to learn as much as possible and try to provide these creatures with all the amenities I can (but funds are limited). Thank you for any and all help, and I am genuinely excited to be able to discuss these matters with people who care and take interest in these unique creatures.

Unlike some people with whom I spend Christmas.

-d

appps · Post by **appps** » 24 Feb 2015, 13:46

Well you are in the right place to learn.

Sadly your relative is right in a lot of cases, pretty much everything they tell you at the pet store is wrong most of the time so not too many survive. Yours got lucky though it seems as now you will know how to really care for them. :-)

Feel free to share your set up so far in the tank section and we will see if we can give you some affordable ideas to get it set up properly.

emmac350 · Post by **emmac350** » 25 Feb 2015, 22:00

Welcome! I'm glad that you are taking such an interest in your child's gift (I do hate when people give animals as gifts - it forces the recipient to pay money to fix the setup and maintain it...it's like saying "Merry Christmas! Here's something you're going to have to spend YOUR money on!"). Hermit crabs aren't the most mainstream pet to have by any means but they are interesting little guys. You already seem to be doing a good job since they're still alive two months later...a lot of crabs don't even make it this long.

There's a ton of info on the forum and in the Crab Care section - please feel free to ask if any of it doesn't make sense. Welcome again!

ladybug15057 · Post by **ladybug15057** » 02 Mar 2015, 08:44

Welcome to HCP!! I'm happy to see you have found us! There is so much good information within this site, and a few seasoned crabbers who will help as much as they can if they/we can. There are a few different ways of successful crabbing, secret being finding one that works for you and your son.
Hermies as a gift.... oh goodness I remember when my daughter was given her first hermies as souvenirs. We were told "Don't worry, they'll die in 2-3 months. Went to the pet store for info, and as already mentioned wasn't much help at all. Then we went to the library and found outdated info, and finally got online and found a group that was more than willing to help. (THANK GOODNESS!!!!) Proud to say, it has been 14 going on 15 years this June and we have majority of of our original hermies. Of the 6 that were first given, we have 4 left, but our total hermie household is 82.

Again, welcome to HCP!

appps · Post by **appps** » 02 Mar 2015, 13:35

Sort of sidetracking but OMGoodness! I had no idea you had that many! That is a collection and a half!

DavidW · Post by **DavidW** » 10 Apr 2015, 22:07

They are still fine and kicking. In fact, Pinchipus switched shells last night. No limbs lost or shell rot to be noted. I'm planning on getting them a larger tank this summer.

Ginger · Post by **Ginger** » 12 Apr 2015, 19:18

Thats great news DavidW! Feel free to keep us updated, and ask ANY related questions you may have

Ginger.

DavidW · Post by **DavidW** » 07 Jun 2015, 04:43

Cleaned the cage out thoroughly today. Both my little buddies are healthy and energetic. Told that certain family member that the crabs said "hello". Yup.

emmac350 · Post by **emmac350** » 07 Jun 2015, 09:18

Glad to hear your crabs are still doing well - you're up to 3 months, almost 4 now, right? You've already outlasted the majority of impulse-bought crabs, so good job!

appps · Post by **appps** » 07 Jun 2015, 11:02

Lol I'm sure telling them was very satisfying :-)

Good afternoon, I'd like to say "hello"

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