Posted by aviate on March 19, 2003 at 17:39:36:
I just want to know a few things.
I have had hermit crabs in the past as a child, but did not know the correct way to care for them. I have a new crab, about 3 inches or more, and I want to be sure he remains healthy. A lot of people have the crabs and they dont last long. I assume its due to humidity problems. HOW do I retain moisture in the tank? People say not to spray the tank because it will get moldy. What are the options? All the books and websites say to be sure its humid, but how to get it that way? I have a clam shell water dish with sponge in there, and I have been wetting a washcloth and hanging it in the tank, but I am afraid that will wind up getting mildewy or allowing the crab to grab it and climb out. Our house is always at least 72 degrees for our other pets so I dont have a heater for the crab.
He is not the equadorian crab so I dont have saltwater in there, can I place a salt wheel (for hamsters) in there, or is it unnecessary? His treat food does have sea salt in it, is that enough?
Also, if I want to take him outside, weather permitting, can he be out of his tank to walk in the grass for a while as long as its warm and he has access to water (supervised, of course) ?
I tried to get on your message board to post this but couldnt.
I have birds, fish etc. so I am not new to more delicate exotic pets, but want to do this right.
Thanks!
