Message
336
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Mon Nov 8, 1999 6:54pm
Subject:
Species/Color
Hope
this might answer what you were asking... hope it helps... Here in the US, we
usually see three main species/groups as far as Land Hermit Crabs go.
1)
"PP's" or purple pincher crabs are distinguished by a large crab that
has a purple to bluish color to it. Their legs are various colors, but we
normally see them in reddish and brown tones. They are the most common of the
species available here. The purplish claw sets them aside from the
others. They have beady looking eyes and their legs seem to fold
into the shell when retracted. FMR distributes PP's...
2)
"Reds" pretty much describes the species. They are deep red to a
light orange in color... the Reds have the same characteristics as the pp's...
except the red tones are all over including their large claw.
3)
"E's" or Ecuadorians...don't tell 'em, but they are my favorites!
Usually harder to purchase in the US... and require additional attention...
These guys come in all colors, tones, shades and they are little 'speed
demons'! They are SO VERY ACTIVE and run in all directions at once! The can go as
fast backwards as the can frontwards or to either side. "E's" are
more easily noted by their larger and elongated (oval shaped) eyes (as opposed
to the tiny 'beady' eyes of the previous two) Their legs seemt o cross over
their large claw as opposed to the folding of the others. They seem
to prefer very naturalshells and do not usually change shells as often as the
others... Some say their large claw is more triangular than the others and that
their legs look more muscular. These are the guys that I have done a
vast majority of my personal observations with and I have helped counsel FMR on
some of my findings.
With
the several hundred species of Land Hermit Crabs, I am sure that there are
many, many other
sub-groups
amongst the three categorical groups I mentioned as being the most common over
here. The crabs most seen in Australia are probably closer related to the
"E's" (Ecuadorian)in relation to description and special
needs.
The
"Reds" and and "PP's" are considered to be more hearty and
easier to care for.... the "E's" while they may look stronge, it is
difficult to see them through a good molt. I have quite a few of these fellas
and through a great deal of worry,observation, research, application of theory,
I have been able to see a great deal of success with successful molts within my
"E" colonies... a year or so ago people couldn't keep them 'going'
very long without death.... now I ammable to see light at the end of the
tunnel... and luckily the stigma against these little guys is less
negative. Happy Crabbing and Good Luck.... CLD
=====
Kritterlandusa.... Home of Some of the Happiest and Greatest Little Creatures
of God.... Gone but far from forgotten: SKRIPER, DUKE and KING,
along with the others waiting at the Rainbow Bridge!
Message 419
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Thu Nov 18, 1999 3:48am
Subject:
Fwd: Some answers for Diana
The crabs the new store I found called "medium" were what
other stores we selling as "large".
This is often true... there is no universal method that sizes a
crab... People use common items such as coins, fruits, nuts, sports balls, etc
to refer to sizes.... i.e.: 'smaller than a dime', about the size of a walnut,
softball sized...and so on... My two fifty plus range from 'blackeyed pea size
to a large fist size'....
Would it be possible for you to post some pictures of the different
species somewhere. Sometimes it is really hard to identify stuff from just
written descriptions. Might help everyone with questions about what
species we have.
Diana, if you have trouble with the three main grouping of
crabs...REDS, PP's and "E's" from written descriptions your head
would be spinning with the two hundred plus some species of hermit crabs.
Within these three large groups there are too many variations for you to assume
a picture could identify what you have. there are sites out there that you can
get an idea of what some of the more exotic crabs might look like, but unless
you are a researcher, trying to id a common crab is near ly impossible. that is
why we try to refer to the MAIN groups that we see and deal with.... All crabs
that are tan are not always "E's... if their large claw is bluish/ purple
it is considered a "PP"... "Reds" the simple color...
"E's' come in all shades.... but the EYES are their telltale feature....
and the manner in which the cross their legs over their claw... You will just
have to trust us on these facts...and ask if you are uncertain... Most picture
I have seen of folks crabs are seldom clear enough with close-ups, etc. without
getting a more detailed description of the eyes and retraction into a shell....
>Seems I've read somewhere that the larger crabs were easier to
keep healthy.
Not sure what you mean here... the term 'easier to keep healthy'...
Good common sense motivated crab care usually dictates the health of crabs...
if they are in good shape when you 'adopt' them. Now taking care of various
sizes... Not always true...that one size is 'easier'or better than the
others... The big guys do not molt as often but their molts are more than often
much more stressful than those of the smaller guys....who molt more
frequently... Much of this hoopla is personal preference... sort of like sand
verus gravel... There are folks who love the settled personalities of the large
crabs and others who prefer the antics of the babies. I love my teenie guys as
much as my jumbos... older guys are usually/generally more 'laid back' and less
active.... and usually have more gentle dispositions... when handled and made accustom
to 'human touch'... The little guys are the 'fun' guys on a whole with all the
action..
Many people are afraid to tackle raising "E's"... but
they have been my personal challenge to improve their chances of survival...
They do require a little more care and attention to their care, but the results
of my work has been well worth it!
Hope this helps some.... more about the special needs for your
"E's" later....
Happy Crabbing! D
Message
440
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Fri Nov 19, 1999 4:24pm
Subject: re:
NOODLE the "E"
Hi
Melissa:
Looks
like you did well with identifying your guys... from the pictures it looks like
you 'done well'! (Good shots of the 'eyes'..) While those 'oval', oblong eyes
are the best indicators of an "E"... another give away is how they
retract within their shells.... A PP or Red fold their legs in, around the
larger claw as the Ecuadorian will 'cross' his legs over their larger claw...
Ecuadorians are also known for being more active/HYPER and their ability to
'run' in all directions (seemingly at the same time)... Some say they look more
muscular and their large claw is more 'angular' than the more oval shape of the
others.
About
a third of my brood are "E's" and they are real little speed demons....
and actually seem to be more outgoing than some of the other guys.... they seem
to thrive on extra attention. The "E's" seem to love fresh fruits as
a treat... to go along with a good basic commercial food diet....
In
relationship to say a golf ball, or quarter or another universal object... what
size is Noodle? How about Speedy? My smallest guys are "E's" the size
of a blackeyed pea...to ping-pong sized.... and the Reds and PP's range from
the size of a blackeyed pea to fist sized jumbos...
Good
luck and Happy Crabbing! CLD
---
"Melissa A. Britton" mab43@p... wrote:
Hi everyone..
I've noticed a
little bit of difference between
Noodle's eyes
(I know someone said that Ecuadorians have more "oblong" eyes, and
I'm not sure what's meant by that) and Speedy. Can
someone please tell me by looking at them if Noodle is indeed one of these
Ecuadorians?
Noodle:
http://home.cwru.edu/~mab43/CuriousNoodle.jpg
Speedy:
http://home.cwru.edu/~mab43/CoralBuds.jpg
Thank you so
much!
Yours, Melissa
Message 707
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxxx>
Date:
Tue Dec 21, 1999 4:03pm
Subject:
Re: ID of Crabs
I'm doing some research, and was wondering if anyone out there
knows the scientific names for Ecuadorians &
"Reds". If anyone out there knows, please write me back!
Ecuadorians are: Coenobita Compressus
"Reds" from my understanding are 'grouped' with the
Coenobita Clypeatus
Message
859
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Thu Jan 20, 2000 7:18pm
Subject: Re:
Twins, Triplets and plexiglas.....
Vanessa
and Christa:
We
have several sets of twins too! Plus a set of triplets to boot! TWEEDLE
DEE--TWEEDLE DUM, ME and (my) SHADOW... SPECK and SPOT... DASH and DOT... are a
few of our little 'twin' sets! SAM and SAM TING and HIM TOO are the
triplets....(S.T. in honor of Christa's SAM TING) All of our multiples are
little hyperactive Ecuadorians.
Christa...
about the plexiglas thing! You already know that I use plexiglas for setting up
my iso areas within a tank...and why I find it better for my molters. It really
is easier in the cooler months to assure that the temperature and humidity
levels are
more
consistent, just being able to set aside an area for a molter or two. May I
offer a better alternative to a tank divider (which I bought, but seldom used)
It is to buy a sheet of clear Plexiglas and have it cut so you can create the
area that you want to cordon off. Most craft stores and many frame shops sell
it... or you can get a sheet at a place like Home Depot... (they usually sell
it to replace glass in windows...and most places will cut it to your
specifications) Using some clear bookmakers tape or adhesive tape, you can
connect these pieces to 'fit' corners, "free standing" areas...
really any number of unlimited configurations...
Even
though I have several iso tanks set up and ready to go I do prefer to have the
guys 'closer' to their buddies during this time. Last week when my little
BARNEY started to act odd, I 'fixed' him a corner of one of the main tanks just
'in case'... then I actually saw him shimmy out of his exoskeleton! He was not
himself at bath time, but other than that he showed little indication that he
was about to molt..
However,
a few minutes later, right before my eyes, that little guy popped his exo and
like you or I might take a turtleneck sweater off... he slid 'out of' that old
exo... he wagged his antennae and retreated back into his shell...staying
pretty much 'dormant' for a couple of days... I had witnessed a few other
molts, but none so quick and easy as he did it! He is up and around some...
enjoying 'his' sponge...I had a small piece of sponge that I keep wet for the
molters... his 'exo' long gone... his coloring is starting to come back
some...at least it's not Mary Kay pink anymore!
Several
of his buddies sat outside the plexiglas wall looking in on him. As odd as it
may sound, these guys seem to sense when one of their own is 'down'... He had a
'buddy' in with him who also decided to 'do the molt thing' that same
evening... LITTLE BUD was already 'blocked' off in another tank, but I decided
to put he and BARNEY together... I used a mirror on one side (so I could
observe them and not disturb them during this time... WORKS great!!!) and the
plexiglas on the other sides. It was so cute to see their buddies and
well-wishers looking in on their 'downed comrades'! Several of them kept a
vigil right there against the 'wall' looking in on their buddies. This was the
second molt for "LITTLE BUD", but the first for dear little "BARNEY".
... Both fella did well and are up and around but not quite ready to return to
the 'flock.' Am anxious to have both of them out and about with the group real
soon! "BARN" is one of the resident characters in his tank... Plus he
loves Bath Day... Where he can play with/in the fresh fruit and then 'swim' and
play!
Have
six molters in various stages of molt as I type... What FUN! One of our big
boys surprised us with a molt earlier in the week and he is doing great!
I
am glad he just went on and surprised us... as I still worry when my larger
fellas get ready to molt...
If
you decide on the 'section' thing, let me know and I will be more than happy to
explain it further...
Happy
Crabbing!
Don
Message 905
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Thu Feb 3, 2000 10:12am
Subject:
THE BOOK....THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NEWS BULLETIN!
HOT OFF THE PRESS!!!!
"THE BOOK IS NOW OUT"!!!!
***************************************************************
"HERMIT CRABS: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual"
a BARRON book.... by Sue Fox
****************************************************************
This is the book that Kathy, my friend "The 'E' Lady" and
I contributed to last year. i got my copy in yesterday's mail! It really is a
beautiful book.
Sixty four pages of good information on just about everything you
can think of concerning our little fellas... and LOTS of great color pictures.
It is very comprehensive and full of "good stuff'!
May I suggest you check out the link below... it is to the Barnes and
Nobles site. B & N mispriced this publication stating a $3.50 list price
instead of the actual $6.95. They are selling this book for only $2.80.
(Amazon.com also sells it, but their price is $5.91, 15% off the $6.95) Why not
take advantage of this error... It is exactly the same book. I think you will
all be pleased with it.
There are a couple of 'tips' from the folks at ZooMed that go astray from 'advice' recommended by FMR, but we can deal with those later! :) (and as Vanessa might say... *grin*)
Take Care and Happy Crabbing!!
Don
Message
915
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Thu Feb 3, 2000 5:51pm
Subject: Re:
Antenna and feelers
Hi
Ken:
The
longer set of antennae below the eyes are the ones they 'feel' around with...The
shorter set are at the outer side of the eyes...and they are the 'sensory
organs' that contain nerves sensitive to taste and smell. Hope this helps!
Happy Crabbing! CLD
--- Beach Kid
beachkid@b... wrote:
From:
Beach Kid beachkid@b...
I tried to
explain to a friend my crab's antenna as to why they have two sets of antenna
but I couldn't remember what the purposes are! My crabs have two set
of antenna, upper and lower.
Does anyone
knows what the purpose of the upper and lower antenna are for? I
know it has something to do with touch and smell but that is all I know.
Thanks for
replying.
Ken Green
Message 948
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Wed Feb 16, 2000 9:12am
Subject:
Re: Ecuadorians and Salt
Rus:
You've got it! What you read is my recommendation for the
Ecuadorians 'drinking' water.... I 'save' the water only for a week at the
most...and make up a 'fresh' batch.
Just make sure you use dechlorinized water/treated water from the
start. (NO Stresscoat treated water for drinking) Happy Crabbing! CLD
---
Rus Wilson ruswilson@h... wrote:
From: "Rus Wilson" ruswilson@h...
Hi
all you crablovers out there...I pose a question to you...
On
Vanessa's care page, I am informed that Ecuadorians require salt,
and that the best way to administer it is as follows:
*Drinking
water: about 1/8th of a teaspoon of aquarium salt (Instant Ocean or
Doc Fishwell are the best) to a quart of dechloronized water. Then add a
teaspoon of this solution to their drinking water.
That's
pretty clear. But how long will this quart of water keep? Should
I keep it in the refrigerator? Am I being stupid (perhaps it
keeps indefinitely?) I just don't want to give them stagnant or
stale water.
Also,
I assume that I add 1 teaspoon of this solution to fresh
drinking water EVERY DAY. Am I correct in assuming this?
Thanks!
Rus
Message
955
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Thu Feb 17, 2000 1:26pm
Subject: RE:
Rus...Questions.... Durn those "E's".....
Rus:
The
'proportions' that you are using are fine. The 'basic' solution is already
fairly 'weak' and the further breakdown is just about right for that 'trace'
amount of 'saline' needed. The Brita filtered water is fine... and true
Stresscoat for bathing and misting only!
Welcome
to the world with the "E's" and their special talents of the
unexpected! They really are masters of the ability to scale that silicon! Great
climbers! Have you seem them try to go in all directions at the same time? As
'speedy' as they are they can go in 'reverse' as fast as they go 'forward' ...
or sideways! You are in for a treat with these fascinating little guys! Today
is bath day at Kritterland and all my "E's" are at their 'peak' of
activity!!!! They can get quite 'vocal' at this time... so we had lots of noise
going on while they sampled all the fresh fruit offerings... kiwi, grapes,
papaya, apple, pear, mango, strawberries, avocado, plum, banana and freshly
grated coconut was on the menu today!
They
are super hyper right now playing around in their various tanks...still 'vocal'
and 'scampering' about... God love 'em! Rus, I, too, love ALL my guys....but
those little "E's"... there is something 'special' about them!
Happy
Crabbing and ENJOY!!!!
CLD
Message 983
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Thu Feb 24, 2000 5:47pm
Subject:
Re: Check out Sherman's Lagoon and MILO, too!
Tom:
Check out "MILO" at this address:
http://www.comicstrips-milo.com
He, too, is a cartoon character of his own fame.... and his
creator, Daniel Sean Kaye, is a friend of Vanessa's...
---
rbound55@a... wrote:
<A HREF="http://www.slagoon.com/charactr/charactr.html">Click here: Sherman's Lagoon Comic Strip</A> or: http://www.slagoon.com/charactr/charactr.html
Not
sure if links are accepted through the list - but I just did research
on the comic strip - seems like it's been around since
92! Here's a nice pic of the cast - The hermit crab's
name is
Hawthorne.....
Tom!
Message
1039
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Wed Mar 1, 2000 8:56am
Subject: Re:
Digest Number 142/ Grooming
Rus:
In
the book HERMIT CRABS A Complete Pet Owner's Manual by Sue Fox she describes
the grooming process of our little guys in a 'behavior' section. This is the
latest book out on crab care and well worth obtaining! She also addresses the
Ecuadorians which has previously not been done in care books. I do not know if
it is in the 'stores' yet, but it is being sold on-line at Amazon.com and
Barnes and Nobles for under the $6.95 shelf price... Something like $5.56 plus
s/h. Enjoy those "E's"! Happy Crabbing! CLD
--- Rus Wilson
ruswilson@h... wrote:
Salutations from Paco and Humphrey, our two "E" crabs...I noticed Humphrey doing something interesting, and I thought I'd report it and ask if anyone else could tell me what I'm witnessing. After his daily misting, Humphrey was crawling about on my hand, and began to "clean" his legs. He would maneover one leg to right under his maxillipeds, and then stroke the last joint or so of the leg lengthwise, towards the terminal "spike," then switch to another leg. He also did the same with his chelipeds. He continued to do this for quite some time. What was he doing? Just cleaning his legs? Distributing some of that oil that they secrete to keep their exo shiny? Just trying to get my attention?
Rus
Message 1141
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Fri Mar 17, 2000 12:19pm
Subject:
Clearing up some MYTHS.....MYTH #1...... DEATH SENTENCES
Okay, let's do a little 'BASIC' hermie FACT application... starting
with the biggest MYTH out there... the death sentence due to the loss of a claw
(or even two)... I hope you won't mention this to any of my guys... as they can
prove you wrong...VERY QUICKLY!!
Some guys may be a little 'challenged' at first, but they soon
adapt to the situation and do quite nicely until that missing appendage is
regenerated!
Hermit Crabs CAN live quite well missing one or even both of their
"claws'.
Why do I know this?
Because I have a dozen or more fellas with these 'challenges'
LIVING among my two hundred plus crabs.
The fact is these claws do have certain functions... the larger
(left)'claw' is used basically for defense and climbing, while the smaller
(right) one is used for eating and climbing. At first i did 'handfeed' some of
the guys missing both claws, but these guys are amazing in finding alternative
ways to eat and drink... IF the crab IS HEALTHY otherwise they usually survive!
It is easy to pass death off on the fact that you are not sure what
the *real* problem is! If a crab starts losing any appendage, there is usually
a problem... in most cases it is because of a stress related factor. These
reasons are usually not from 'attacks' as I hear so often, but because of under-
lying problems such as bacterial growths <from too much dampness in the
tank/wet substrate>; poor control of temperature and humidity levels
<fluctuating temperature levels...poor control of humidity levels>;
dehydration <lack of water>; poor 'housekeeping' <allowing wastes to
'build up', food to spoil, 'mite' infestations>; exposure to odors,
housekeeping sprays, 'fumes'<all things that can jeopardize their
respiratory systems>; a molt gone bad...etc.
What is necessary, to prevent further problems/ deaths, is to
locate and DETERMINE what PROBLEM is causing and creating this stress.
Ninety-nine percent of the time there is an underlying cause... At the first
sign of a crab losing a leg or claw, IMMEDIATE attention should be paid to the
situation and to be as prompt as possible in seeking EXPERT advice!
Kathy at FMR is the best person I know who can usually help
determine the 'soource' of your problem, you can talk to her 'one on one' and
through a few simple questions and answers she can usually assist you and make
the necessary recommendations. Just use good 'common sense' and seek assistance
BEFORE the situation gets out of hand! ... FMR has a 'hotline' toll-free number
<during business hours
ONLY...Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Eastern> for those of you living in the
US... <1-800-535-2722>; a website at: fmrpets.com and an email address
fmrpets@gte.net
They do this as a courtesy and special service to us and are more
than happy to assist you. You have many 'seasoned crabbers out here who are
willing to help if they can if you cannot reach FMR. Many deaths can be
avoided, but only IF the underlying factors can be corrected and resolved. It
is often better to correct the situation and get things 'under control, before
bringing any new little ones into a problem situation...
From some personal experiences, observations and a great deal of
experience in trying to help others; but, more so from the bottom of my
heart... take a few minutes and stop, reason and think! It really makes for
much Happier Crabbing for all!
Happy Crabbing!
Don
P.S.: I urge each of you crabbers old or new to think
about investing in a good crab care book... there are a few better than others,
many are very 'out of date' but have some good information... One recently
published one I highly recommend is: HERMIT CRABS: A Complete Pet Owner's
Manual...a "Barron book"... written by Sue Fox. Both
Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles offer a discount on online orders... in the
store it costs around $6.95. Sue has some great information in there
plus the pixs are fantastic!
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 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
Message
1227
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Sun Mar 26, 2000 3:14pm
Subject: Re:
Hermies going on vacation? & FMR ##
Good
Luck Diana!
My
guys and I have been apart several times... while I was hospitalized and when
visiting my Mother in Pittsburgh... My "kids" have a great extended
family who try to spoil them in my absence! A friend from years past is their
daily caretaker checking in on them a couple of times a day... watering and feeding
them... taking them out for a little play! I lucked up by getting another
friend who also happens to be in charge of the fish/hermit crab department at
our PetsSuppliesPlus store... She is the'caretaker' in charge of the weekly
baths and general check ups...
Both
these folks work together to make sure the guys are spoiled rotten in my
absence!
As
much as the guys got spoiled, they forgave me and seemed quite excited by my
return! I had a forty five day hospital stay a couple of years ago and really missed
my buddies... with the 'aid/knowledge' of one of my nurses, several guys were
smuggled in to visit me! Those visits always brightened my day!
These
guys will miss you... but will truly be excited by your return home... Hope the
procedure goes well and you will be up and dancin' real soon! Trust me!
All
twenty five of your little ones will be 'dancin' in honor of your return...
they don't forget who the 'real' caretaker is...!
Tell
the 'sitters' FMR is only a phone call away... that is Monday thru Friday from
9 a.m. to 5 p. m. eastern time... ask for Kathy at: 1-800-535-2722!
Best
of luck and Happy Crabbing!
Don
--- Diana
Pederson plantaholic@s... wrote:
> Hi:
>
> My
hermies (now numbering 25) have petitioned me for a week's vacation to their aunt's
house. Since I have agreed to this arrangement, I need the number of FMR just
in case their cousins need to confer with a professional. The hermies may be
visiting as long as a week or more depending on how well behaved they are.
> NOW for
the rest of the story!
> I am having my right knee replaced on Monday. This is a total replacment of both the knee cap and the joint
> itself.
After arthroscoopic surgery revealed I had a complete hole through the knee
(the weight bearing portion is totally gone and replaced by scar tissue) and
little knee cap left, there really wasn't much other choice. Thus severe pain
for a while appears to be the only way to get out of chronic pain.
> My best
wishes to all the crabs. Do yours ever take vacationas apart from you!
Message 1263
From:
CRABLOVER DON <kritterlandusa@xxxxx.xxx>
Date:
Fri Mar 31, 2000 12:40pm
Subject:
Re: Moving crabs to Britain
Trena:
I suspect you might be correct about taking them into the UK. I
know they have very strict quarantine rules and regulations for 'normal'
household pets like cats and dogs. You might try checking now! Whereas a
government agency would be the best source of accurate information... you might
try calling an airlines to just 'inquire'... We do or did have a couple of folks
from the U K that might know more. Kathy at FMR may know of some of the
regulations in regard to 'live' animal quarentines...
If the trip were not so long and some of your guys so big, I'd recommend smuggling 'em... :) D
---
almo 2nd email tbean@a... wrote:
Hello, I may be moving to Britain (from the U.S.) in about
6-9
months. Does anybody know what the customs policies would be for
bringing my little babies with me? I have a sneaking suspicion that they won't
allow them into the country.:(
Trena