Message
50
From:
SKRIPEand DUKE <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Fri Oct 8, 1999 11:45am
Subject: Re:
FMR Hermit Crab Food
A
couple other alternatives might be checking online places like Sea Shell City
at:
http://www.seashellcity.com/
Or
you can call Kathy at FMR and give her your zip code and she can give you some
names of stores around you that carry FMR products! Their number is
1-800-535-2722. They are there from 9-5 EST M-F. If you would rather check via
the mail, their mailing address is: fmrpets@gte.net . FMR does have a website
at: http://www.fmrpets.com where you can go and view the items that are
available. FMR does not sell to the public, but at least you can make a 'wish
list'.
We
have over two hundred little guys and mine LOVE the FMR Treat and Food. Dawn is
right.... they are the best and the smell is not offensive like many of the
other products out there that are based with dried shrimp, etc. A good solid
diet with a commercial food is a good thing, with fresh fruits, plain popcorn,
crackers, etc. as a suppliment. We grind all the commercial food in a food
processor to make it easier for my guys to handle... my smallest are the size
of a blackeyed pea up to fist sized jumbos.
Once
a week, we cut up all kinds of fresh fruit (in very small pieces), such as:
kiwi, papaya, mango, seedless grapes, strawberries, plums, nectarines,
peaches,banana, fresh coconut, pears,apples...offering them a choice of six or
seven choices. It is amazing how even the tiny guys will 'attack' a small piece
of the offerings and chow down! My Ecuadorians make up about a third of the
population and are the biggest fruit eaters of the fellas.
Happy
Crabbing and Good Eatin' for your little creatures of God!
Don
---
Mgilmo1969@a... wrote:
From:
Mgilmo1969@a...
Where I live (Massachusetts) it seems
that the chain pet stores like Petco don't carry it. I've found it at a few of
the > independant pet stores. I contacted FMR about finding more stores that
carry it and they told to simply ask the manager to order it for me. I haven't
done that yet, but it's something you could try if it's not in the stores
around you.
BTW, FMR has a
web site with a care page.
http://www.fmrpets.com
Dawn G.
Message 115
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Mon Oct 18, 1999 2:40pm
Subject:
Members from the U S
Hi Folks,according to our membership roll (of those who completed
the information on their profile) well over two-thirds of the membership is
from the United States. Vanessa, of course, is from Australia, and I am from
Alabama. I am assisting Vanessa as a moderator of "Hermies'.
Kathy from FMR (Florida Marine Research) has also joined our
community. You will see MANY references to FMR as they are the tops in the U.S.
as far as crab care goes. They sell most of the crabs that are sold in the pet
stores across the U.S. and some other countries. While EVERYONE can benefit
from the e-mail and web-page offering from FMR, we in the States, also, have
the benefit of a toll-free number to call and speak with a 'real live person'
(usually Kathy!)about crab care and related topics. Via e-mail you can send a
note with your ZIP CODE and get a list of stores in your area that sells FMR
Products. (FMR does NOT sell to the public) You can check out their webpage and
view what products the have and download a crab care sheet.
Phone:
1-800-535-2722
Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm Eastern
Standard
Time
.......................................................
E-mail:
fmrpets@g...
.......................................................
In regard to using foam board, I used it while doing my studies
with the undertank heaters and nocturnal light bulbs and CONTINUE to use it. It
is a mainstay year round. I found that I could MAINTAIN a much better and
consistent temperature level with the three-sided insulation than without it.
As far as the crab problem, the lethargic behavior is indicator of
many maladies... stress from bacterial problems, temp levels.... and yes,
molting. But without more information, it is almost impossible to determine.
Did you call Kathy at FMR? As posted several times, a call when you FIRST
notice a problem can usually result in news.... but anytime a situation
lingers, it is more difficult to work with. I cannot say this too many times!
On the phone, Kathy can ask a few questions and with the proper answers she can
access what the problem might be and suggest remedies.
The longer the situation lingers the lesser the chance of being
able to do much. FMR doesn't charge a penny....and they do this as a service to
us...I would be lost without their support and expertise. CALL THEM! M-F 9-5
EST 1-800-535-2722... times a wastin'! Let us know what you find out! Hope it
is good news.
CLD
Message 372
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Sat Nov 13, 1999 10:16am
Subject: re:
Suggestions for better food acceptance.....another hint from Kritterland!
Fellow
Crabbers:
While
discussing 'food' and other related topics, let me reiterate the importance of
using a good commercially made crab food for the 'mainstay' diet for your
crabs. I realize that many folks are limited to selections of the varieties
offered in your pet stores. I know my guys 'turned up their noses'
(sic)at many of the odorous ones such as those by Tetra and Terrafauna... heck,
these offended my sense of smell too! FMR is one company that has solved the
'eating' problem for me and many others. The FMR Food and Treat have
a pleasant smell and that seems to agree with my two hundred and fifty plus
guys!
Believe
me,in the beginning, I tried the products made up of the dried shrimp and other
by-products. My guys did eat a small amount when that was all I had to offer....
but that offending odor! Luckily, I found the FMR products early in my days of
crabbing. Crabs don't eat a great deal, but they seem to eat more of
these products than others. We use these as a base for their daily diet...
offering 'special goodies' of fresh fruit, veggies, snacks etc. to suppliment
their regular diet! The results have paid off with happier and
healthier crabs at Kritterlandusa!
I
do not add addition moiture to the 'food', but I do 'grind' up ALL the FMR
products and chop up and 'mince'the fresh fruits and treats because my colonies
consist of various sized crabs living together and the teeny ones are better
able to handle the smaller bits of food... The big guys seem to like to eat
more, too, as they don't have to do all that work breaking up larger pieces of
the food. The addition of the water probably would help dissolve and breakdown
these larger pellets...in the same manner as the grinding down process used for
a similar purpose/reason. I have to purchase our food and treats in
bulk, because of the number of fellas we have to feed... Thank goodness our
guys have their own 'food processor' for the grinding task. (I know
that Jenn and some others have been using this process of breaking down their
foods.) They have used other methods to break up the pellets...and
but they have also discovered a better acceptance of the food and witnesssed
theor guys eating 'more'. Jenn can better explain her process... of doing her
'grinding', but a simple ziplock baggie and a jar or rolling pin can
net the same results. (food in bag... a couple of 'rolls' with the jar or
rolling pin...and presto... finely 'crushed' food ) This might be a suggestion
or remedy for your food eating problems. It has worked for
us! Happy Crabbing from CLD and
Kritterlandusa! CLD
Message 418
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Thu Nov 18, 1999 3:47am
Subject:
Fwd: CLD's Soapbox....and all....
Diana brought up several good points that we need to address
here! ONE DO NOT take everything you read as gospel! FMR
has a care sheet at their site.... READ IT!! It is updated on a regular
basis. It has been note that thinks are learned each day about crab
care.
The purpose of this forum is to get out the best possible
information to all crabbers.... The FMR CARESHEET has a statement:
"Stress is the most common problem seen with hermit crabs.
Ramifications of stress are lethargic crabs, and those which leave their shell
without returning to it. If this happens please call FMR."
This is most important! ASK before taking action yourself!
Tetracycline is a VERY RAW NERVE in the minds of most seasoned crabbers... it
is a drug...Many of the items in the FAQ on the FMR site are from older notes
and Kathy has stated many many times to ASK FIRST! The problem is that the
person who was working on the site did not put it 'under construction' and left
some things opened...then abandonded the site, unfinished... and without the
needed passwords for Kathy to correct or close down the site until corrections
are made. I am trying to write about the problems with tetracycline use and
will post it asap.
PLEASE READ THE FMR CARE SHEET!!! I know new crabbers get anxious,
as Diana has, but more harm can come of over anxious actions than waiting for
some clarifications from seasoned crabbers. Some of the best, seasoned experts
are members of this group... and through some areas of agreement might differ
in some cases of procedures, you have the opportunity to tap some of the best
resources available for successful crabbing. Patience is a key word...
successful crabbers learned to walk from crawling... and learned to run from
the experiences of walking...
There is no way a new crabber can weed out the poor advice and try
to absorb all the good stuff out there. Knowing TOO much hurts as much or more
than just using good old common sense until you can seek out the right answers.
There is so much misleading information and facts out there. As
was/is the situation I warned poor Diana about with the disease statement. She
immediately took the bull by the horns and got things straight! Some
of us know how many 'bum' raps our litle guys get as is.... we need to make
sure that the great things about them far outweigh any negative
ones. This was and is the mission of this community. Hope Diana
will allow some of the experts look over her great project and review it and
will then allow Vanessato make it a part of the community
files. With her diligent work I think it could be quite beneficial
for all of us. More to follow... Happy Crabbing! CLD
Thanks for putting up with my Soapboxin'... but some things get my knee-jerkin'
quicker han others.... Right, Vanessa, Kathy, Jenn, Christa,
Roland???
Message 419
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Thu Nov 18, 1999 3:48am
Subject: Fwd:
Some answers for Diana
"I
observed that the crabs really liked crawling over the hardware screen that had
pieces of sponge, coral and driftwood tied to it."
What
you saw was probably one of the FMR inserts that they sell of
critter carriers and tanks... They are sold in several sizes. (see
below) A creative, attractive product which which enhances the the
starter sets. It allows the pet to have more surface room to roam,
and an area to climb and frolic. The background consists of colored wire on
which is placed natural sponges for moisture, colored coral, and painted
shells. Also available for the 5, 10, 20 gal glass.
Item# 71001
1 Gal Background
Item# 71002
2 Gal Background
Item# 71003
3 Gal Background
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
QUESTION:
Does anyone have the dimensions on a 20 gallon aquarium? I was given a
"big" aquarium by a neighbor and don't have a clue as to its size in
gallons. It measures:
>23
1/2 Length, 12 1/2>Width, 16 1/2 Height. The reason I want to know is so I
can figure out how much a regular>aquarium top for this size would run me.
Oh
course ten gallon tanks are considered STANDARD size tanks.... Other size
usually cost more and the accessories do run higher. Twenty gallon tanks can be
regular or 'long'... Your best and easiest bet would be to call a pet store or
aquarium shop and give them the dimensions... Companies who make the
glass-hinged tops have guides that they can use to tell you exactly what you
will need...most larger stores keep the 'general ' sizes in stock... Jenn had
an older model glass/metal aquarium and some modifications had to be made for
her to be able to use a glass hinged top. In most cases now, finding a stock
piece is not that costly.... and very much worth it. Still puzzled about your
condensation problems....Are you not propping the top open some and or
benefiting from the venting of the top? Sounds as if there is no ventilation
going on.... use a piece of sponge, cardboard, bottle cap, etc, to prop a
'corner' up for air circulation...it should not have that 'sealed' effect that
you want in a plant terrarium.
Also,
how could I adequately sterilize something this big? Would washing it out with
bleach water hurt if I let it air dry before setting it up for the crabbies?
Since
you know that crabs are most sensitive to cleaning fluids and soap powders,
etc. These are all big No, No's..... We use a good old NATURAL cleaning
product... VINEGAR.... Plain old white vinegar to 'wash' and lots of
rinsing.... In the bath tub.... with a 'show hose'.... it is soooooooooo easy
and the aquarium comes out sparkling.... Just another one of those
Kritterlandism 'borrowed' from the from the annuals of Heloise!
Also,
I thought FMR didn't ship to the public. How did you get crabs from an FMR
store?
Diana,
the same as you.... An "FMR Store" simply means a store that carries
FMR products.... Like the ones Kathy sent you to...
Message 833
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Sun Jan 16, 2000 6:52am
Subject:
Re: (mail order crabs)
Jim:
Sorry to hear that you lost APOLLO. It is always difficult to lose
a little buddy...
May I offer this suggestion...
Call Kathy at FMR (1-800-535-2722... Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm Est) or send
her an e-mail (fmrpets@g...).
Either way, give her your zip code and she can give you the names
of stores in your area that FMR sells to... Many of the 'mail order' places
that do sell crabs on-line do not ship crabs out when it is so cold. Also, I
think you might be happier and more satisfied if you are able to chose your own
guys.
Personally, I have never ordered any crbs this way, but know of
others who have. I have heard very mixed reports and feelings about their
satisfaction. Often it takes 'forever' for the crabs to arrive and when they do
they were not alive... though the company usually does 'replace' them, you run
that chance.
Again, some places will not guarantee shipments until Spring... if
you wish to wait that long.
Good Luck and
Happy Crabbing!
Don
---
Jimmy Steimel nyjets80@h... wrote:
>
Hi All,
>
Apollo just died today. Now I'm down to 3 crabs. I'm having trouble finding
crabs in my area. I am considering ordering crabs online. Has anybody done it
before? What are your recommendations?
Message
1143
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Fri Mar 17, 2000 1:50pm
Subject: MYTH
#2.... Tinted/Colored Substrates......
Myth
#2....
Colored/dyed Sands and Gravels....
Where to begin... first of all, the substrates you purchase at
the pet stores are aquarium safe and non toxic. Many colored sands
are NATURAL... not all sand (and gravel) is a neutral tint... If you
follow the instructions on the package you should have no problem whatsoever...
no matter what color of substrate you choose! Many of the 'dyes' that they use
for sand tinting is actually a rinse made of a "Koolaid" solution
...unsweetened of course! (Interesting note: some distributors use
this solution to 'tint''natural' shells...)
Many
a crabber like myself has chosen the colored and tinted substrates that are
sold in pet stores without one ounce of a problem, due to any 'dye/ chemical'
reaction or 'toxic reaction'... Simply not true! Just from good common sense, I
would never use or recommend any self-colored/tinted substrate... stick with
the 'commercial' stuff!
***
Just a little 'tip'... is is recommended that ALL substrates be rinsed off and
allowed to thoroughly dry prior to their use... and that even includes 'play
sand'...NOTE: Recommendation!!
FMR...
Florida Marine Research, has been in the crabbing business for nearly a quarter
of a century ...they are the foremost source of crab information, and crab
care. They are devoted to researching and developing products that are both
safe and useful in the use with Hermit Crabs. If the safety of using 'colored
or tinted' substrate were an issue, I seriously doubt that they would have
developed their own line/brand of very colorful sand and gravel substrates!
Check them out on their website by going to: <fmrpets.com>
You
need not be restricted to the use of a non-colored substrate unless you so
choose... Though your guys probably could care less what 'color(s) you use the
bottom line is chose what you wish for creating an pleasant 'ambience' within the
crabitat.
This
usually means the happier the 'caretaker' the happier the crab...
Happy
Crabbing out there...
Don
P.S.:
The 'deaths' occurred may well have been due to 'underlying' problems... and
should not have been blamed on the colored/tinted substrate. If ever in doubt
about using a particular 'sand', check it out FIRST by giving Kathy a call.
Some sands and gravels you purchase outside of the recommended 'aquarium safe'
ones do have some additives that can cause some problems. They are usually used
for commercial use <making concrete, building material, etc.> and can
contain minerals harmful to our little guys...
"Playsand"
is usually considered 'kid safe' and would not fit into this prior reference.
Best bet... read the label... D
Message 1185
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Mon Mar 20, 2000 2:15pm
Subject:
Re: crab care with stores/ SOAPBOX
Trena:
Though it may be frustrating , keep on
them! Go to the FMR Website and print out both the care sheet AND
the care sheet for retail stores. It seems that PETSMART is one of those ENTIRE
chains that turns a deaf ear... but if all else fails... try doing this...
A couple of years ago another friend and I
went after a store in "Boca'... we wrote letters to the headquarters and
the Better Business Bureau...they listened and improved... But locally, I found
that our SUPERPETZ was no better! The conditions were horrible ...crabs in
cedar shavings, no water.. the same feeding dishes used for their rabbits and
hamsters.. I stopped dead in my tracks and demanded to see a store
manager. After talking til I was blue in my face, I was informed that those
were the 'guidelines' from the 'home office'... and they were not allowed to
use 'anything' not 'ok'd' by the 'home office'... yadda, yadda...
I offered to purchased some 'proper
substrate', cuttlebone and choya wood for the guys <Since I was told they
could not use anything that the 'home office' didn't 'okay'..!!> After he
saw I 'meant business' be did listen and allow me to 'supervise' a new set
up... I gave them some FMR Food and Treat... plus care
sheets. After helping set-up the proper environment... I
offered to do some 'inservice 'training' with their employees...You name it! i
left my name and number incase they had any questions... I learned that they
had a 'new order' of crabs due in at anytime... I took the eight fellas that
were living in the poor conditions... We left that store feeling much better...
HOWEVER, the following week I was aghast to return that my 'manager friend' had
abandoned ship and was no longer there and my 'crab environment' was housing
Scorpions! The poor hermies were in a 'wire' cage... luckily there
were only a dozen guys... who came home with me... I knew I was up against a
'brick wall" UNTIL... I solicited the help of my neighbor <who was an
associate editor of one of our larger newspapers> and a friend
<the'consumer advocate' at a local news station> to assist me in a
'threat' to make the less than acceptable conditions PUBLIC knowledge. It only
took one phone call to the store and one to the 'headquarters' and things
quickly changed as far as the care they gave ALL their animals. They
didn't want to be in the 'news' for at all It is a shame such
drastic actions have to take place, but sometimes there are no other
alternatives.
I have found that there is so much 'turn
around' in employees at most pet stores that many are not
employed there long enough to give a d***... most places do not pay
well and have little or no benefits for the hourly employees... so the caliber
of hiree is probably not the best in the first place. The sad thing is the
owners and managers should at least have a knowledgeable BACKGROUND in pet care
for ALL animals and if need be held accountable for the such! mom
and Pop stores seem to be better...
I am very lucky to have a PetSuppliesPlus
store here who has a very knowledgeable owner/manager and a terrific person
'overseeing' the fish and Hermit Crabs division! They know how to treat their
crabs with love and dignity and there set-up would rival most home
environments! Jason keeps his store spotless and Darlene does a
fantastic job with the crabs... Darlene is my crab sitter when I have to be
away and does not hesitate to call if she has a problem with any of their
guys... So luckily there are a few exceptions out there! Thumbs up
to Jason Yates (a true "hands on" franchise owner) and Darlene Parker
(Hermie Momma) for their continuous efforts to see that our guys are treated in
the best possible manner possible! If ever in Birmingham, Alabama
stop by PSP (Hoover location) and stop in an tell the "HI"...and
thanks! Plus they carry everything you need for proper crab care..
if they don't have it on the shelves, they will try to locate it for you! Mom
and Pop service from a chain!
Maybe one of these days the people at PETSMART will realize that
our Little Creatures of God are
truly worthy of proper care... They are unable to ask for their own
'rights' and needs, but hopefully with continuous 'badgering', offers to
educate, and strong perseverance we can 'speak' for our
buddies. Happy Crabbing and Hope for Better Conditions for our Great
Little Creatures of God! Don
--- almo 2nd email tbean@a... wrote:
Hello,
Does anyone have some suggestions for broaching the subject of how to care for crabs to pet store workers? I was in Petsmart in Minneapolis yesterday (visting the city), and they didn't have enough water for the crabs, no lid, a bright light on them, and live crickets in the tank. What's new, huh? I tried to tell the employee that they needed more water, and she said they didn't need water! WOW. I told her that I have 8 at home, and yes, they do need water b/c of their gills. She didn't say anything and didn't get the water either. I never know how to inform people in the least threatening way. It is so easy to get defensive when people criticize you or your store (even when the criticizer tries to be kind about it). Is there some way to make it easier to hear our very reasonable suggestions and advice on crab care? Or does Petsmart just refuse to listen?? I wish pet stores knew more about caring for hermit crabs. There is so much misinformation and downright abuse, that it really makes me ill. I mean, think of all the crabs that die b/c of human ignorance and stupidity. Sorry for ranting...
Trena
Message
1202
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Tue Mar 21, 2000 12:43pm
Subject: Re:
SuperPetz Chain Petstores/FYI
Axel:
Some
GOOD NEWS!!! The Corporate folks at SuperPetz has just done a big 'promo'
program with FMR and all of their stores... Whether this will be a one time
thing or not, who knows... But right now, things might be a little better...
The two local stores here are unpredictable... but with this latest 'venture'
may be there will be some hope and they will 'wise up' and use FMR as their
MAIN supplier! Cross your fingers!
CLD
--- rkg12@a...
wrote:
> From:
rkg12@a...
>
> Hey guys,
i haven't spoken to ya'll in a long
>
while...but im back now and STILL don't have any
> crabs...i
will get them this summer i hope. Now,
> just to
let you in on a little neato-cheato fact i
> found
out. The chain of petstores known as
>
SuperPetz, has a really big problem with Hermies.
> You see,
often the shipments come in with missing
> legs and
appendages, and a multitude of bugs both on
> the crabs
and in the shells. I find it sad
>
really...but nonetheless...this is just a
>
warning...i wouldn't suggest getting anything as far
> as
Hermies goes at ANY SuperPetz store.
>
> Hope to
talk to ya'll again sometime.
>
Dasvidanya!
>
Sincerely- Axel
Message 1212
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Wed Mar 22, 2000 3:20pm
Subject:
Re: "New" member ? Check out this idea...
Welcome Annie:
You wrote: " Where did you all get your crabs? I
definitely do NOT want to buy anything living from the major chain stores.
....I'm thinking of ordering from the Crabby Crab ...but are they a good
reputable source? ....I have no clue of any areas around here that sell crabs
(that also take good care of them)."
Sounds like you are off to a great start in the quest
of crabbing! Thought I'd offer you a little suggestion...
Luckily, all the chain stores out there are not as bad
as PETSMART! FMR sells directly to many chains, and of course to
area distributors around the country. If you will e-mail Kathy at FMR and give
her your zip code, she will be able to send you the names of stores in your
area (or the closest store near you) that sells their crabs and or supplies.
The only problem is some stores buy crabs from several sources... so there is a
possibility that all the crabs did not originate from the 'halls of
FMR"... Actually, FMR does sell to the Crabby Crab Company... but there is
that 'special something' if you do and can 'choose' your own...
Crabby Crab has an okay reputation... some people sing
their praises... but many have reported that the crabs they ordered were
received dead... not always the fault of CC but due to the manner in which they
were sent... not everyone is willing to pay the extra for an overnight delivery
and we have all experienced some of the problems with the U S Postal
Service. If you could locate a place near by, I think it might be a
more rewarding experience for you to be able to pick and choose your
own little guys...
You seemed to have done your 'homework' concerning your future pets, and you know what to look for in picking a good healthy crab or three or four... Plus, you can be 'nosey' and report back as to the conditions and care of the petstore! Whip out an FMR care sheet and let them know you are prepared! If you haven't done so yet, check out the FMR website at: www.fmrpets.com You and 'print out' both the care sheet for retailers and the one for crab owners. Good luck... Don