Newbie, want to do right thing

[babesbarn]

I will keep this tread open for any discussions regarding my two Hermit Crabs. I did do whatever was suggested regarding disposing of a log that I put in the tank. Keep in mind that Old Crusty who lost his big claw yesterday had several in his original Petco tank. Both Petco tank and Boardwalk pet containers had colorful rocks for bedding only. You are so correct as I did go back and tell the person who sold him to me that those half logs are a "No-No". She looked at me like I had three heads. Then, I looked at the little gauges they sell for the tank humdity and temp. They stick on with velcro and no way was it going to adhear inside a tank that has moisture, so I did not buy it. I will calibrate the humidistat today for accuracy that I am using. It was quite expensive and I use it to keep track of my home moisture level since I have dry heat oil.
Both little fellows seem ok today but I see Old Crusty is "alive and I rolled the cart closer to a window so he could get some added light since he can be seen from the glass. He IS alive and his legs are a bit on the white side but not sure if they were before like that. The condensation inside the tank I thought was helping them maintain humidity since I am using the sustrate T-Rex Jungle bedding. I guess its a wait and see so far.
Both are getting the salt water and quite honestly, once I started using distilled water rather than bottled water, was the only "change" made to them. Temperature in and outside tank is 72 degrees moisture level at 60% per humidistat guage used.

[babesbarn]

Too late for Old Crusty, he is dead . For sure, thought he was alive in the corner but I see some legs off so I picked him up and he fell out of his shell limp. Gone, So I have been boiling his shell and hoping that the other one Spiderman is ok. Probably was sick maybe that is why they did not hang out. Like all creatures of the wild, they do not hang out with sick ones. So before I go out and replace him, I want to see how Spiderman Does. If he eats, survives and is ok, then I will get him a friend. Can't see getting him another crab from the same store if maybe he was sick from the store. If its ME, then I will find out. Won't I?

[ladybug15057]

Removing the ½ log was not the only suggestion made to tweak. Please do read the link in my last post, ocean/sea water as well as the bedding was addressed. Food too was addressed in another thread. When I get time, (unless one of the other crab Crew has time to) will merge all these posts for you together so it is easier for you to follow too.
What was suggested is needed per todays research, knowledge, and experience. It is up to you as to whether you take the advise or continue with your method.

[babesbarn]

Well now i know what the problem was....I was using the soak sea salt. THAT was what the girl in the store gave me. I am going to tell her off! And go back and hopefully my other little guy can drink yet and not die I am going to get Ocean Sea Water Salt Mix. OMG, why do they let anyone work those stores! ?

[babesbarn]

Ok, I am pleased to say that Spiderman Ted seems very ok and in his new shell. Also I went out and purchased Ocean Instant Marine Sea Salt and replaced the soaking salt that probably was what killed Old Crusty. Interestingly, Spiderman Ted backed off from the "sponges" that the soaking salt was on. He chose to drink the distilled water. I think he really liked bottled water when I first got him because he was at it all the time. But when I read that distilled was better, I switched and he goes over to get in it. Right now he is resting buried in (yes, got a humidity gauge) at 80% humidity and 77 degrees inside the tank. I will leave him alone now and you know, he really did not even want the new salt water I put in a dish in the tank. He seems resilient unlike the departed Old Crusty. Now, if he seems to be ok, I will get him another "friend" from the boardwalk this time.
Thank you ALL for the wonderful information you gave me. I called the store and spoke to the manager of PetSmart where is the store I got Old Crusty. I thought it was Petco but it was not. I told the manager that a "chart" would be good to have in the section of where the hermit crabs and reptiles are as a guide. I also told him that it was my opinion that he should TEST his associates who help newbies and customers looking for guidance on setting up a home for the hermit crabs they sell. I said, why not tell the associate to put together all the items that are necessary in a basket and then have someone who KNOWS check to make sure she is correct. I truely feel that the soaking salt was the culprit. I certainly went way beyond to make the crabs happy. Placing a crab in a plastic pint container with holes on top and a small wet tissue, must have been tramatic for the ride to my house. Spiderman had at least a wire cage with stones and a sponge. Thanks for putting my posts together.

[ladybug15057]

It is sad how little pet store employees do know. If you go to PetSmarts site they do have a section for hermie care, but it is under their fish section. As lame as it is, it is more than the employees know. They are suppose to undergo an orientation, but more times than not one is lucky if they fill the water dishes much less know what a molter is.

I will leave him alone now and you know, he really did not even want the new salt water I put in a dish in the tank.

Technically the ocean/sea mix should be mixed in a container and shaken about 12-24 hours so it dissolves prior to offering it to them. How much ocean mix did you mix with how much water?

[babesbarn]

I put half a cup to a gallon of distilled water. Guess I will remove it til morning. But on the substrate, gosh i must have not really read what you said about the Forest blend because I thought it was ok. Looks like once again I will be disturbing the poor little guy to give him some new bedding. Unfortuantely, I have to wait until Labor Day as it is night time and they are closed. I am sure the little fellow would like me to stop disturbing him. But he IS buried in it. Maybe I should put him back in his wire cage for a day or so? Gee, I just can't seem to get it right. So much to know and the package did not say on the Marine Salt to let it "sit". Back to the store tomorrow. Hopefully all will be well.

[ladybug15057]

Sometimes if one posts in a couple different thread some info is lost and why it is encouraged to attempt to keep postings in one area. It also makes it easier for referral too.
No, the wire cage is probably worse due to humidity and possible pests. He needs to have a safe place to destress. He should stay on top of the substrate too so he can adjust. By doing so he can also smell the food which should encourage him to eat a little more.
The information can be overwhelming at first but it does get easier. Make a little check list as to what the musts are... good substrate, proper temp (cool and warm side) and humidity levels, proper foods, proper waters, shelter, and shells. Once the tank is set up then while the hermies have a couple weeks to destress this gives mom/dad time to read a bit more and jot some notes.

[babesbarn]

You know, I feel so sad that I could not just get it right in the first place. I usually do alot of research BEFORE I even think of caring for a pet. But because he was a spur of the moment WIN on the boardwalk, I just got wrapped up in mistake after mistake. I think I will gently disturb the Hemie and place him on top of a coconut shell. He was there before but I think he got tired of being disturbed with furniture being moved around. Tomorrow I will very gently scoop him up to a place to rest while i redo his Home. If he can just bear with me and you too, maybe I can get it right. I did offer him some carrots the other day and he ate some. Thanks for everything. If you ever need advice on West highland terrier care, I am happy to help. I am EXPERT in that! lols, even my Vet has a Westie and comes to ME for ideas for his dog. I have also had in the past, parakeets that talked and all my sons amphibians including two white water frogs that got so tame and big in the water I had to donate them to a elementary school for their 90 gallon tank. lols. So I DO try. And I am a firm believer that this guy wants to hang on! Thanks.

[ladybug15057]

First, it shows you are trying because if you weren't you wouldn't be a member here reading and posting. It is overwhelming at first and it does get easier.
And you're not the only one in your shoes... many of us (including myself) was in that position when we got our hermies. (maybe not winning them.. but) Somebody brought our daughters 6 home from Ocean City as souvenirs in plastic critter keepers. Just give them food scraps from the table, and water. They only live 2-3 months. We went to the library to research a bit and even with the limited research we did oh my... off to the pet store to buy 2 sets of everything. Had a bacteria infection (hermies and tank) first month we had them...10+ years ago. Had lots of bumps at first, and a mishap but we even got to take the persons hermies too that he brought back. All but 2 are still with us today of the original hermies.