How can I feed my hermies with something long?(hand feeding)

[Carrie]

When I had to hand-feed Claude the Clawless... I started out w/ honey on a toothpick. But I was afraid I might hurt him w/ it since he was pretty small. He also didn't like the toothpick b/c it was very invasive, having a toothpick stuck right under you where you're vulnerable. And honey was just way too sticky for a base with which to hold food. Eventually I got a tiny paintbrush, smallest one I could find... and after some trial and error learned how to powder up food (like shrimp) and dip the toothbrush in water, and then pick up some powdered food on the end.

As someone previously said--always let the crab smell the food w/ its antennae beforehand. That gets that whole "I'm hungry and there's food" thing going before you 'paint' the food on the mouthparts. Hold the paintbrush there for a minute b/c the crab will 'lick' more food off of the brush. Water doesn't make the food stick to the brush for very long... and it's easier for the crab to remove the food, too.

Of course a crab w/ claws will possibly block your efforts. Claude even learned to do so w/ his front legs right before he almost molted.

Toothpicks work but I think they're scary... the paintbrush is much softer.

-- peace over ike --

[Mr.Crab]

When I had to hand-feed Claude the Clawless... I started out w/ honey on a toothpick. But I was afraid I might hurt him w/ it since he was pretty small. He also didn't like the toothpick b/c it was very invasive, having a toothpick stuck right under you where you're vulnerable. And honey was just way too sticky for a base with which to hold food. Eventually I got a tiny paintbrush, smallest one I could find... and after some trial and error learned how to powder up food (like shrimp) and dip the toothbrush in water, and then pick up some powdered food on the end.

As someone previously said--always let the crab smell the food w/ its antennae beforehand. That gets that whole "I'm hungry and there's food" thing going before you 'paint' the food on the mouthparts. Hold the paintbrush there for a minute b/c the crab will 'lick' more food off of the brush. Water doesn't make the food stick to the brush for very long... and it's easier for the crab to remove the food, too.

Of course a crab w/ claws will possibly block your efforts. Claude even learned to do so w/ his front legs right before he almost molted.

Toothpicks work but I think they're scary... the paintbrush is much softer.

-- peace over ike --

Thank you so much. All of your posts are so long and helpful

[Jedi_Sena]

I agree, you really give careful instructions with a lot of detail! I appreciate that too!

[Carrie]

I appreciate you guys saying that. I think we're a scientific and loving bunch of crabbers, here on Wai's Forum. You guys have all helped me out, too. I didn't know about the importance of protien. Since I started the chicken drumstick weekly ration my gang's been getting bigger. Minor crisis for Arwen, who needs a new shell... but she's picky.

Power's been out for 2 days and just came back on. We had HURRICANE IKE here in the Midwest somehow, Category 1 winds - the rain. *whewwwww*

I was going to take the crabs to work b/c they were getting inactive w/ the lack of heat. Got pretty cool out.

-- I DON'T LIKE IKE! --