We went to PA for Sandfest 2012.
While there I foolishly bought three Hermit Crabs as a gift for my six yr old grandson. He's all boy and fascinated with bugs, insects, etc. and I thought he would enjoy having these little guys.
What they neglect to tell you when they sell them is that these guys require a complex habitat, specialized care and a strictly monitored environment.
My fault (partially) for not researching them before buying. In my mind I expected to provide basic essentials and clean their place of residence when needed.
No, no, no.
They require strictly regulated temperatures, humidity, diet, De-chlorinated water for sterilizing everything that they eat, touch or breath, a real sea salt water mixture for bathing,a certain mixture of sand and substrate, an aquarium tank large enough to hold all of their "stuff", 3-5 extra shells for each crab (for changing into), two dishes for above mentioned waters, food dishes, (natural shells), climbing toys, hiding decor, heating, two lighting fixtures (one daytime, one night time) and preferably automatic timers or specialized equipment in order to keep you from losing your sanity while trying to keep their housing at the correct humidity and temperature as they need for their survival.
By the way, NONE of this stuff is cheap.
I have had animals all of my life. Horses, dogs, and everything in between.
These little guys have a complex and demanding lifestyle.
And it surprised me more than with any other creature that I have ever had.
I guess I was a little shocked by all of their complexities.
Right now, I feel pretty foolish about my ignorance.
I don't normally get myself into such things.
I thought that with all of my (almost 60) years on this earth I should be so seasoned and wise.
Wrong again!
Of course I have taken all responsibility for their care ,there is just no way a kid could care for them. Maybe an extremely responsible teenager, but, I'm not so sure about that...
Well, it's my own doing and I will give them the best care I possibly can.
I have to say that I am furious that these creatures are callously sold by these beach stores for a profit and are more than likely are dying by the hundreds from lack of proper care because the buyers aren't given the knowledge. There are probably many more that are being discarded and left to die.
People who are buying them do not know how much care and expense is required for their upkeep and IMO are being totally duped by these sellers.
The Humane Society or Animal Rights should push for a law that at least requires that the sellers have to publicly post a notice in large print of their care requirements for their survival before purchasing them.
They do give you a sheet with some info once they have completed the sale.
I read it on my way home.....
My little guys are fortunate that I brought them home with me. I take the responsibility for getting them and we are in this together. I will give them what they need and must have, even though the expense has more than quadrupled over the amount of their original cost.
They are pretty fascinating little guys and sometimes very comical. Pretty darn cute, for such an odd little creature.
Yes, I have gotten attached to them in these few weeks.
I've read that they can live up to 20-30 years with proper care and a little luck.
Wish all of my dogs did.......
To: The Islander,
GET A CONSCIENCE AND TAKE SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS!!!!
Stop killing these creatures for a profit while duping your customers.
Sincerely,
Concerned read more