It seems like a long game of 4 corners =P

[thrasher720]

So I'm a little curious about this behavior. My NurothorVIII(Thor for short) always runs towards a corner of his tank home and lays on the surface there. I would assume this is just him resting for his nocturnal ways. But occasionally he does get up and move. Sometimes i look over from my pc desk to catch him moving at times like 3-5 pm and that's about it. Maybe he moves form his spot gets food sits in his pools then goes back to the exact position while Im absorbed with my c++(programming) work?

[ladybug15057]

Could it possibly be he is reacting to the vibrations of the music?

viewtopic.php?f=55&t=2912&p=23984#p23984

Could be the substrate vibrating under him is reminding him of tropical storms or hurricanes from the past? (or something else?)

[thrasher720]

That's a very interesting theory ladybug. Whats interesting most is that while that may be true, it also seems to be the music that has stirred him from his moveless spells. I would also imagine that substrate viberations would force my other hermit martian to come out from under the sand where he has found refuge for the past 2 days. Perhaps while the viberations were at first strange they may have become frightening or downright disturbing. I will (attempt) to go into the night music less and see if he decides to get up and move around. Also I'm sure if I where to pick him up he'd come out, but i was forwarned somewhere that playing with them when they aren't already moving on their own is a no-no..?

[emmac350]

How long have you had the crabs? If they're fairly new, turning the music down and letting them get used to their new surroundings. If they're new (less than a month in your care), you should keep handling to a minimum.

Hermit crabs feel vibrations from loud music - the last time mine were exposed to fairly loud music (I was in the shower and wanted to hear the music) they started chirping, so I don't think they like loud music much. Crabs like a calm environment the most - they won't be able to successfully molt if they're freaking out about 'weird stuff' in their tank (i.e. really loud noises, temperature/humidity or day/night extremes, etc.).

If you've had the crabs longer than a month, then I would recommend turning the music down or off completely and trying to handle your crabs (wash your hands with soap first). Sit on the floor if you have room, or on your bed, and just set them in your hand with your fingers outstretched (makes it harder for them to pinch you). Be patient - they may take a while. Just let them explore you and where they are - move slowly and intentionally and they shouldn't get too scared. Try to see it from their perspective - they were just in their ideal environment but then got harvested and taken to a pet store. The world is a scary place right now, so try your best not to make it any scarier than it already is.

[Wai]

My hermit crab tanks are in the lounge room, where there's surround-sound for the TV. It might get a bit loud sometimes (but not to the point where it's irritating), but I'm not sure if my hermit crabs mind.

I have an air stone in the salt water pool, which gives off bubbles, thus producing sounds of splashing water. I turn off the air pump at night though. I think it's good to have a tiny bit of "background" sound in the tank, just so it doesn't seem dead silent and lonely all the time.

[thrasher720]

It's not like the music is incredibly loud and im sure the air, and glass of the tank, and desk and printer, and counter the tank sits upon is absorbing most of the viberations. It's not so loud i think that it could harm or dramatically effect them.

[thrasher720]

Last night he was a very active crab and all with music on and everything. So I know it's NOT the music. But I do have a very good idea as to whats creating his lethargy

[emmac350]

So...what do you think it is?

[thrasher720]

NurothorVIII will be ready to start accepting me and its crabitat? Tonight is one of those nights where he longs out at me from his home and i take him out. We don't quite have the bond as most hermit crab owners do where the crab and owner are bestfriends. So I'm wondering how will I know when he'll be happy with the almighty move me out of this tank hand? I take him out to get exercise but that doesn't mean he'll knowto trust me even more does it? he still shys away from my hand. Well not when im holding him midair and he doesnt mind me looking at him. Quick movements scare him though =/

[CrabbyJo]

He's behaving exactly as a crab does.
I don't know about this "bond" of hermit crab owners and crabs as best friends lol.
I think it's all about how YOU feel about the crab, he's not going to suddenly just love you like a puppy or a kitten.
hermit crabs are naturally frightened by quick movements and shadows (they naturally react as if a predator is coming, which is what shadows mean to them, it's instinctual).
One thing you can do is move slowly and talk in a calm soothing voice as you approach the tank and as you reach in to pick him up. Try to give his legs some support when you hold him so he's not dangling in mid air, that is actually uncomfortable and scary for him. Make sure he doesn't fall off your hand or experience anything frightening when you have him out, and keep talking soothingly to him.
Eventually he'll begin to associate your voice vibrations and being picked up with scary things NOT happening to him, and he'll begin to accept it more.
It will likely take a few months, but depends really on the crab. They all have different personalities.

Good luck!