By Emily C on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 5:40pm
If you are looking to adopt more crabs into your family, re-home the crabs you have, or sell crabs on our page, then this is the guide for you. It will be compiled into three parts to highlight the steps you should take for whichever section applies to you.
I want to re-home my crabs.
No matter the reasoning, we want to help you make this possible. We also want it to be done safely and as easily as can be, for all parties involved. Please follow these simple steps to start the process on finding your crabs a new home.
1. Make a post in our group, and state the following things: Where you are located, how far you are willing to travel, if you are willing to ship [and who pays the cost of shipping, you or the adopter(s)], what comes with the crabs (if anything) and is it free or is there a cost, what species are the crab(s), how large are they (shell size is helpful), how long have you had them, if any crabs are molting at the moment, and when you need them re-homed. Photos are not required, but extremely helpful and recommended. You are not expected to list why you are re-homing your crab(s), but you can if you wish to. The more information you can provide, the better, so that we can find a compatible home for them. It is highly advised that you do NOT charge for the crabs themselves, minus possible shipping costs, but you are allowed to sell their tank and supplies.
2. After posting, please check our group map (Group Map: http://bit.ly/1821H8u) and tag any/all of the people in your area that you are able to. You can also PM any admin, preferably Lacey Ann Vermeulen.
3. Please be open and respectful, but it would be great if you would request photos of the potential adopters tanks, as well as more information about their care. If you would like to, you can have them PM an admin for you having filled out the Emergency/Adoption Survey posted below so we can see that the home is a safe choice.
4. Please be timely and courteous. If you set up a time and date with an adopter, please be available, especially if they are traveling to you.
5. Once the crabs leave your hands, they become the adopters crabs. It could be possible that the adopter chooses to not keep in contact with you or share photos even if you want them to. HCO and the Admins can not be held responsible for this, and you have to be alright with the chance of this happening (50/50). It is recommended that you be absolutely sure that you want to re-home your crabs.
Tip: We are not the only crab group out there, you are more than welcome to post your crabs elsewhere to help them find a home. This includes the Hermit Crab Association "like" page on Facebook.
I want to adopt new crabs.
If you are looking to add more crabs to your family, please follow the recommended steps below. We would love to help you find some in your area!
1. Through HCO, we hope to assist with some adoptions. Please PM Lacey Ann Vermeulen or any other admin with the following information:
Name -
Location -
Closest Major City -
Phone Number -
How far you're willing to travel -
How big your tank(s) are -
How many crabs you're willing to take in -
What Type Of Crabs you're willing to take -
Pictures of your tank(s) -
2. Check the group (you can even search!) for any adoption posts, there may be some in your area looking for a home. Please be expected to be asked for question about your care and tank(s), including photos, filling out the Emergency/Adoption Survey and possibly even being spoken to by an admin if requested. It it all a simple process, we promise!
3. Remember to check your local (or surrounding cities) Craigslist for crabs in need and be prepared to possibly have to pay a fee. You can also check local garage sale posts in Facebook groups.
I want to sell/buy crabs.
The selling of crabs in HCO is outlined below (Writing Credits: Lacey V). We will be strict about this.
Sellers
- Sellers must first contact an admin with pictures of the selling tank and how big the tank is, along with tank conditions and how many crabs per gallon.
- Sellers must describe how they will be shipping the crabs.
- Overnight shipping only.
- No international sales (USA ONLY).
- Must be paid via Paypal.
- Only two avoidable deaths through shipping allowed, after this you will not be allowed to sell.
- Live animal arrival guarantee.
Buyers
- No international sales (USA ONLY).
- Must fill out a buyer application, which will include pictures of your tank(s).
- Must be paid via Paypal.
- Overnight shipping only.
Admin will make a post on the behalf of the seller telling the group who is for sale. Buyers can then fill out an application, and if application is approved then the buyer will be put into contact with the seller. HCO has no responsibility in the business transactions.
Emergency/Adoption Survey
1. What type of enclosure is your crabitat, and how large is it? Can you describe your lid?
2. What all does your substrate consist of, and how many inches tall is it? Is your substrate moist? If so, with what kind of water?
3. What type, if any, of hygrometer are you using to monitor your humidity and heat? What do you average? Where is it located in the tank?
4. Do you have any heat sources? If so, what kind?
5. Do you use moss? If so, what kind?
6. What type of waters do you have available, and are they treated with a water conditioner? What is your water source? Are your crabs able to fully submerge, shell and all? Please list all brands associated with your pools/water treatment.
7. How many crabs do you have, and what sizes are they?
8. If you do not have a photo of your crabitat, can you please explain what it looks like? Do you have hiding spots, climbing opportunities and other decor? What kind of decor?
9. What type of diet do you feed, and do you follow any safe or unsafe lists? Which sources are you using and where are you getting your foods?
10. What type of interaction do you do with your crabs? For example, do you ever take them out of their enclosure? If so, what for?
11. How new are your crabs and how did you obtain them? Have you ever lost any? If so, can you explain what the issue was, if known?
12. Do you have multiple extra shells available for your crabs to change into? If so, what types are they and are they the correct sizes?
13. Have there been any sort of fumes or chemicals near the crabs?
14. What does your tank maintenance include, and how often do you do it?
15. Is there any other information you feel would be helpful for us to know? Either way, please describe in clear detail what your issue(s) is.
* Written by: Emily C