Do hermit crabs really need the extra exercise?

Questions about designing a terrarium.
hermie_lover3542
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Re: Do hermit crabs really need the extra excersise?

Post by hermie_lover3542 »

Well I agree and disgree with taking out of the cage to play or leave them in

reason why you should let them roam:

In the wild they roam freely, not being in captivity with about a couple feet of space. Also they can explore which is play time for them! (just keep an eye on them!)

reason why you should keep them in the cage:

It's nice and humid and your house will feel like an iceburg! Also they have toys and stuff!

I'm torn on what to do let them roam or not!
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Sterwick
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Re: Do hermit crabs really need the extra excersise?

Post by Sterwick »

Well in average room temperatures and humidity you shouldn't let your crabs excercise for very long, you could buy a rubbermaid (you may want to see the thread from the addiction forum: http://hermitcrabaddiction.net/forum/in ... pic=3423.0 then they can excercise for longer periods. At the end of the day, it is your personal decision. I personally let them crawl round my hands for a couple of minutes, I then put them back into the tank and watch them.

Stevo.
My names stevo These are my hermies: mangon, enco, cocon, theforestgiant. RIP sheldon and tobasco, may you forgive the humans who were treating you in those appaling conditions in the petstore.
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ladybug15057
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Re: Do hermit crabs really need the extra excersise?

Post by ladybug15057 »

Hmmm, seems one must login or be a member to read the link Sterwick, most forums and information is open to all nowadays...

"The topic or board you are looking for appears to be either missing or off limits to you."

But even a rubbermaid container unless some form of heat is provided will not keep the hermies warm for prolonged periods of time in the winter in some homes that are cooler.
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emmac350
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Re: Do hermit crabs really need the extra exercise?

Post by emmac350 »

That's why I don't exercise the crabs if the temperature in the house is under 72F. When I have them in the exerciser (Rubbermaid) for more than an hour or two (during deep cleans) I make sure to spray the air in the room they're in to help with that (although the humidity around here is usually in the 50s).
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CrabbyJo
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Re: Do hermit crabs really need the extra exercise?

Post by CrabbyJo »

The only time my crabs are out in their exerciser pool (a small plastic kiddie swimming pool with climbing toys in it) for an extended period of several hours is when I'm doing a deep clean. At that time I'm usually boiling shells, pebbles from their water bowls, and climbing toys, so there's plenty of humidity and heat in the air from that. :)

I agree with Emma, they never come out to exercise if the temp is below 72. Sometimes I'll bump the house heat up a degree or two just for them. Spoiled crabs. :) I also mist over their pool frequently during those times.
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