tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91065225294203639892024-03-13T08:10:34.414-04:00Kilimanjaro's HermitsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-8460765135407424872014-07-01T23:03:00.000-04:002014-07-01T23:04:46.810-04:00Southern California, Hermit Crabs, and More!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhKKtdwIav4/U7N2ZFXbsUI/AAAAAAAAAvw/-4wFUtKWrAI/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhKKtdwIav4/U7N2ZFXbsUI/AAAAAAAAAvw/-4wFUtKWrAI/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZhKKtdwIav4/U7N2ZFXbsUI/AAAAAAAAAvw/-4wFUtKWrAI/s1600/IMG_2494.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hey!<br />
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I know it's been a really long while since seriously posting as I was on hiatus during my freshman year at college. I traveled 2,129 miles from my hometown in Pennsylvania to sunny Orange, California to study creative writing and French. My what an experience it has been! I've gotten to explore Southern California, meet a ton of amazing people, and enrich my life with a quality education learning about the things I love.<br />
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During my freshman year, my parents decided to accept the challenge of caring for my hermit crabs while I was away. They've done an excellent job and I couldn't be
happier. This summer I get the chance to give my hermit crabs the
necessary TLC they need from me and then I'm back to Southern California
for my sophomore year. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRM8RvzJFPs/U7N2DNdAYkI/AAAAAAAAAvk/HcHz2TgMyq4/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRM8RvzJFPs/U7N2DNdAYkI/AAAAAAAAAvk/HcHz2TgMyq4/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a>In the next few days, I will be posting some crabitat pictures and maybe some shots of my crabs if they are out and about! In the meantime, I am glad to be back and regularly posting. I hope you all will enjoy what's in store for Kilimanjaro's Hermits.<br />
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Love and Happy Crabbing,<br />
Rob (Kilimanjaro)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-88572158937612981932014-05-14T19:02:00.002-04:002014-05-14T19:02:39.193-04:00Suggestion BoxHello crabbers!<br /><br />It's me, Kilimanjaro. I know it has been a really long time since I have posted. I have been studying Creative Writing & French in Southern California and have been away from my crabs for the year. Rest assured, they are in good care with my mother back home. :)<br /><br />This blog was recently brought back to my attention, so I plan on doing an update post when I go home for the summer to show you the crabitat and which of my crabs are still with me. In the meantime, I thought it would be a good idea to see what people are interested in reading about so I can start posting again.<br /><br />If you're interested in a specific topic or would like to see something on the website, email me at wearecrabby@live.com! All ideas are welcome.<br /><br />Keep it crabby,<br /><br />KilimanjaroUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-16535797571326644572012-08-22T05:45:00.000-04:002012-08-22T05:47:01.673-04:00Good Hang Outs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vt3XPRmEDA/UDSniiVp0UI/AAAAAAAAAtg/ouJ8NKnt4ek/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vt3XPRmEDA/UDSniiVp0UI/AAAAAAAAAtg/ouJ8NKnt4ek/s1600/IMG_1449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Vt3XPRmEDA/UDSniiVp0UI/AAAAAAAAAtg/ouJ8NKnt4ek/s400/IMG_1449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In a well set-up crabitat, it is important to have many things: a freshwater pool, a saltwater pool, moist & deep substrate, extra shells, and plenty of places to climb and hide. While the former are all things that are vital to your crabs survival, good hang outs where your crabs are able to be instinctively crabby make the crabitat fun for both you and your crabs.<br />
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Let's face it. Sometimes, keeping land hermit crabs lacks the action that having other pets does. They don't really do much and unlike animals like dogs or cats, they don't really prefer to play or interact with human beings.<br />
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In order to make a crabitat fun, it's important to provide your crabs with a form of exercise that is stimulating to their natural instincts. In the wild, land hermit crabs are often referred to as "tree crabs" because they prefer to climb up in trees and other places during the day.<br />
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By installing plenty of places for your crabs to climb, you're ensuring that they're able to act out their instincts and get a good form of exercise. It is also fun and exciting to watch them climb and hang out. I love to sit and watch my crabs climb around in the crabitat!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zeO27QnpXt4/UDSqFoWpgbI/AAAAAAAAAtw/PMhomWe3xxg/s1600/IMG_1467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zeO27QnpXt4/UDSqFoWpgbI/AAAAAAAAAtw/PMhomWe3xxg/s320/IMG_1467.JPG" width="320" /></a>There are many awesome ideas that you can use to put a little more climbing space in your tank! Corner shower caddies (with suction cups) offer a great second level that takes up minimal space. You can put moist moss, extra shells, or a hidey place inside. Driftwood, cork bark, grapevine, or cholla are great pieces that are perfect for hermit crabs to climb on while adding a natural look to your crabitat. Many online stores offer hemp nets and ropes. Fake vines and plants sold at pet stores are another great alternative. Finally, many aquarium pieces double as a hiding spot and a place to climb!<br />
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When it comes to decorating a crabitat, the options are unlimited! With a bit of creativity, your crabitat can be transformed into a place that is healthy and fun for your land hermit crabs. Finding that perfect hang out spot for your crabs might be a bit difficult, but with time and a bit of patience, you'll soon manage to craft a tank that keeps you and your crabs busy and enthralled!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-11387088198088850342012-08-20T20:59:00.002-04:002012-08-20T20:59:45.428-04:00Viola at Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here is one of my Viola hermit crabs, Monster, climbing happily!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-51533068983449561312012-08-19T21:11:00.002-04:002012-08-19T21:11:56.179-04:00Shinto Loves Maple Leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's a video of one of my Purple Pinchers named Shinto eating a freshly harvested maple leaf! He is always the first one to come and eat.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-38770267677035139882012-08-18T04:18:00.003-04:002012-08-18T04:19:21.448-04:00Building Trust<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRSCNXrXBOw/UC9POzvMLXI/AAAAAAAAAs0/xsX5XYrpsCE/s1600/IMG_1407.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRSCNXrXBOw/UC9POzvMLXI/AAAAAAAAAs0/xsX5XYrpsCE/s320/IMG_1407.JPG" width="320" /></a>Tonight I was fascinated by the amount of trust some of my hermit crabs have learned to place in me. Now whether or not this can be truly called "trust" is a matter of debate, but we can certainly affirm that some land hermit crabs learn that the crab caretaker is not a threat to their safety.<br />
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It was very late and the fluorescent lights were switched off and I was watching the crabs with my room light turned on. The crabitat was still rather dark, but the Violas that were out and about were able to see me. Shinto, one of my Purple Pinchers, was also able to see me.<br />
<br />Shinto is very trusting of me. He often comes out when I am taking pictures and he seems to enjoy watching me from inside the tank. When I place my hand in the crabitat, he no longer cowers away or hides in his shell. He simply sits there and goes about his business.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk6QKxqb4M0/UC9PT2RcwoI/AAAAAAAAAs8/QmiS4e1v3fo/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk6QKxqb4M0/UC9PT2RcwoI/AAAAAAAAAs8/QmiS4e1v3fo/s320/IMG_1348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The Violas used to be very skittish around me, but now they are starting to warm up! One of my Violas, Manhattan, was watching me as I was watching her. I decided to put my hand in and drop a few pieces of organic oat cereal into the crabitat. After I dropped the pieces in, she went running right to the cereal and started munching!<br />
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Trust can take some time to build with hermit crabs and it often happens after many months or even years. Some crabs may never be too keen on trusting the human hand, but others seem very ready to learn that we do not pose a threat. It's nice for them to be able to expect food when I'm around!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-26609528286860317762012-08-17T22:20:00.001-04:002012-08-17T22:20:52.710-04:005 New Ecuadorians<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mUjWN92wRM/UC77WkDPZcI/AAAAAAAAAsc/ks2n3qSraxE/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mUjWN92wRM/UC77WkDPZcI/AAAAAAAAAsc/ks2n3qSraxE/s320/IMG_1439.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zSYmX_5ntY/UC77XSCEKQI/AAAAAAAAAsk/l564GkoahAQ/s1600/IMG_1441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zSYmX_5ntY/UC77XSCEKQI/AAAAAAAAAsk/l564GkoahAQ/s320/IMG_1441.JPG" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today I welcomed five new Ecuadorian hermit crabs to my clan. I had intended only to buy three, but they all were so cute that I ended up deciding to get four, and then eventually I had settled for five because I couldn't leave this little cutie there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This one to the right I named </span><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Papillon</i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. She is a female.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This little bugger at the top has no name yet, and the other three have already buried down into the substrate!</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-1608632151162218102012-08-16T20:29:00.002-04:002012-08-16T20:30:18.475-04:00Making a comeback!<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Hello, everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I a<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">m going to resume regular blogging here on Kilimanjaro's Hermits! Stay tuned for updates, crab care articles, and more.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here is a small update for now. The 55G crabitat is currently home to 9 hermit crabs: three Purple Pinchers, three Violas, two Ruggies, and an Indo! I am planning to add some new Ecuadorians to the crabitat soon.</span><br />
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Here is the current set-up of the 55G crabitat. I got rid of my two filtered pools because the crabs continuously dislodged the filters, causing them to spew water out into the tank and making a soppy mess out of the substrate!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAA3BlaMmi0/UC2PpCcwxVI/AAAAAAAAAsA/k_6ldFwAFHA/s1600/IMG_1352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XAA3BlaMmi0/UC2PpCcwxVI/AAAAAAAAAsA/k_6ldFwAFHA/s320/IMG_1352.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28DdDojELxk/UC2PuaOrNmI/AAAAAAAAAsI/9czJ9b0B3TE/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28DdDojELxk/UC2PuaOrNmI/AAAAAAAAAsI/9czJ9b0B3TE/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> The two pools now are equipped with airstones and I do weekly water changes. Everyone has been very active lately, save the four crabs who are molting. I included a picture of Shinto with this post! He is looking gorgeous as ever.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-79669599419503759812011-10-09T20:07:00.002-04:002011-10-09T20:11:13.981-04:00Mako Finishes His Molt<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itMBzA2zYWk/TpI3fWjKhDI/AAAAAAAAAr4/VivBSMSFCZo/s1600/IMG_9922.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661648693326677042" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itMBzA2zYWk/TpI3fWjKhDI/AAAAAAAAAr4/VivBSMSFCZo/s320/IMG_9922.JPG" /></a>Mako recently came up from what I believe to be his 11th molt with me! When I first got him, he could fit on a fifty cent piece. He is about the size of a tennis ball overall now!</div><div><br />He definitely grew a bit from his last molt, and his coloration remains outstanding. He was moving all about and managed to pig out in the food dish and both water pools!</div><div> </div><div>I was missing seeing his cute crabby face, so I am ecstatic that he is out and about now.</div><div> </div><div>Mako is my oldest crab. I've had him for a little over 5 years now.<br /></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-17498756519105906922011-09-23T12:44:00.002-04:002011-09-23T12:46:04.826-04:003 New Clan Members!<div>Three new Purple Pinchers were introduced into the clan today! They were purchased from my local Petco.<br /><br />The one male is named <em>Judas</em>. He's a medium, almost large sized hermie.<br /><br />The larger female is named <em>The Fame.</em> She's about the same size as Judas.<br /><br />Finally, the smaller female is named <em>Yüyi</em>.<br /><br />Welcome, Little Monsters to Kilimanjaro's clan! :)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-52647197735613133372011-09-17T21:32:00.001-04:002011-09-17T21:33:32.553-04:00On the Menu: Mussel!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCUTX_esGjc/TnVKNWdIFfI/AAAAAAAAAro/v3T6JW-gNpg/s1600/IMG_9800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCUTX_esGjc/TnVKNWdIFfI/AAAAAAAAAro/v3T6JW-gNpg/s400/IMG_9800.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653506500460025330" border="0" /></a><br />Tonight the hermies are having a mussel boiled in saltwater, mashed papaya, blackberry, rose petals, and a sprinkling of kelp powder. Delicious and nutritious!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-2915402560455347282011-09-17T21:29:00.004-04:002011-09-17T21:31:58.504-04:00Photo Shoot & Young Coconut Trial Results<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq6EtlCii08/TnVJsGFmSQI/AAAAAAAAArg/UFEn4WmTDEI/s1600/IMG_9796.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bq6EtlCii08/TnVJsGFmSQI/AAAAAAAAArg/UFEn4WmTDEI/s320/IMG_9796.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653505929130690818" border="0" /></a>The young coconut was enjoyed by many of the hermit crabs! I think they really liked the gelatinous texture of the coconut because it was easy for them to scrape the meat off.<br /><br />You can see that Indi really enjoyed the coconut! She was scraping away with her little pincher. She is always the first to try new foods, and loves eating.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-76323655560076178312011-09-16T23:26:00.005-04:002011-09-16T23:36:49.599-04:00Young Coconut<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0puJ2iBXpU/TnQTiFvzw_I/AAAAAAAAArQ/vfj3Qcubec4/s1600/IMG_9790.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0puJ2iBXpU/TnQTiFvzw_I/AAAAAAAAArQ/vfj3Qcubec4/s320/IMG_9790.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653164908635997170" border="0" /></a>Normally when I offer coconut for my land hermit crabs, I give them mature coconut. This is the kind with the very hard, dark brown shell that is very difficult to break. The flesh inside is much tougher than that of young coconut as well, and there is less coconut water inside.<br /><br />Tonight, I found young coconut at my grocery store, and I decided to give this a try with my land hermit crabs! The husk was soft, but very difficult to get through. I first drilled holes into the nut in order to get to the water. There was a lot of coconut water inside; it was very plentiful. I drank all of it and didn't save any for my crabs! If you do not like coconut water, you can use it in your crabitat. You can offer it in a small dish by itself, or you can mix dried foods in it and make a paste or smoothie!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxAnpJcBMKs/TnQTmqqeOeI/AAAAAAAAArY/5PWYKL1_t1o/s1600/IMG_9789.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cxAnpJcBMKs/TnQTmqqeOeI/AAAAAAAAArY/5PWYKL1_t1o/s320/IMG_9789.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653164987265202658" border="0" /></a>You'll find that the outer husk is very fibrous and tough, and inside there is a whiter, but otherwise normal coconut shell. Once you've managed to remove the tough outer husk (I had to hit it outside multiple times to crack it, and the pull it apart), you'll find the inside, which is full with gelatinous coconut meat! Very tasty if you ask me. To the right is a picture of the high yield of sweet coconut water.<br /><br />Tonight, I offered part of the husk with some of the coconut still attached to it. My crabs normally go crazy for regular coconut, so I'm eager to report the results of tonight's food trial.<br /><br />Nutritionally speaking, young coconuts are higher in sugars, whereas mature coconuts are higher in protein. However, young coconuts may offer more health benefits, and are known to be very high in minerals and electrolytes, making it great for the blood.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-48578547756813694532011-09-16T14:34:00.002-04:002011-09-16T14:55:22.626-04:00My Land Hermit CrabsIt's taken me a while to figure out who is who among my land hermit crabs. In particular, the Violas were confusing me. However, I managed to determine the gender of a few crabs, and I'm not quite positive that I know who each crab is! This post is an introduction to my current colony.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span>Mako (Purple Pincher, male, 5 years with me!)<br /><img style="width: 461px; height: 307px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/IMG_9857.jpg" /><br /><br />Shinto (Purple Pincher, male, 3 years with me!)<br /><img style="width: 422px; height: 632px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/Hermie%20Clan%209-7/IMG_1206.jpg" /><br /><br />Santino (Ecuadorian, male, 1 year with me!)<br /><img style="width: 377px; height: 306px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/Hermie%20Clan%209-7/IMG_1209.jpg" /><br /><br />Manhattan (Viola, female, 2 years with me!)<br /><img style="width: 482px; height: 538px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/Hermie%20Clan%209-7/IMG_1218.jpg" /><br /><br />Vida (Viola, female, 2 years with me!)<br /><img style="width: 448px; height: 298px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/IMG_9755.jpg" /><br /><br />Indi (Indo, female, 2 years with me!)<br /><img style="width: 367px; height: 267px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/Hermie%20Clan%209-7/IMG_1198.jpg" /><br /><br />Takéo (Ruggie, male, 1 year with me!)<br /><img style="width: 390px; height: 260px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/IMG_9831.jpg" /><br /><br />Verdi (Ruggie, female, 1 year with me!)<br /><img style="width: 402px; height: 297px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/Hermie%20Clan%209-7/IMG_1205.jpg" /><br /><br />Lady Gaga (Viola, gender unknown, 1 year with me!)<br /><img style="width: 282px; height: 359px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/Hermie%20Clan%209-7/IMG_1226.jpg" /><br /><br /><br />Monster (Viola, gender unknown, 1 year with me!)<br /><img style="width: 354px; height: 281px;" src="http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/ad17/schumaker93/LHCs%20-%208-22/IMG_1128.jpg" /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-52376639466806566372011-09-13T23:37:00.000-04:002011-09-13T23:40:18.291-04:00Food Trials: Dragonfruit Results!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OIzgisqUWM/TnAhuWixKlI/AAAAAAAAArA/IGA6RrCcZkc/s1600/IMG_9762.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7OIzgisqUWM/TnAhuWixKlI/AAAAAAAAArA/IGA6RrCcZkc/s320/IMG_9762.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652054612559080018" border="0" /></a>Two days ago, I trialed fresh dragonfruit for the first time with my hermies. I put in a slice and let it sit in the crabitat for two days.<br /><br />The results: the hermies definitely liked it! I saw quite a few crabs come up the food dish and nibble the white part of the fruit. It seemed like they liked it on day two better than the first day, which makes sense because land hermit crabs normally like fruit a little riper than we as humans do.<br /><br />Overall, I think it was a success! This fruit was a little expensive for me, but if you can find it cheap, I would definitely try it with your crabs!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-88131865090787202732011-09-13T02:13:00.002-04:002011-09-13T02:17:11.925-04:00The Tale of the Grasshopper<span style="font-style: italic;">Disclaimer:</span> If you do not like feeding live foods or have issues with killing insects, please do not read this story!<br /><br />Today, while outside in my yard, I found a grasshopper hopping about. I decided to capture him and feed him to the hermit crabs due to some members of the <a href="http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com">HCA</a> feeding different live insects and having good results.<br /><br />I have an entire jar of freeze-dried grasshoppers. Unfortunately, my hermit crabs don't always go crazy for these. They may nibble at a leg here or there, but they never devour them... like they did tonight with the live grasshopper I put in!<br /><br />To subdue the grasshopper, I captured him in a jar and froze him for ten minutes or so. This slows down his metabolize severely, but doesn't kill him. After he's been out of the freezer for a little, I put him into the crabitat, and he slowly started regaining his mobility. He didn't even have time to start walking before the crabs started munching.<br /><br />The grasshopper was completely torn apart! There are legs everywhere, the body is severed in half... these hermies really went to town on this bug! That said, my hermies really seemed to enjoy Mr. Grasshopper!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-31079268355845052162011-09-12T22:22:00.003-04:002011-09-12T22:30:18.706-04:00Papaya<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfvtMf-mMAw/Tm6-q1vPw4I/AAAAAAAAAq4/nbx1XFrdE_4/s1600/IMG_9761.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px; height: 267px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651664225585578882" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfvtMf-mMAw/Tm6-q1vPw4I/AAAAAAAAAq4/nbx1XFrdE_4/s400/IMG_9761.JPG" border="0" /></a>Looking for a delicious and nutritious treat for your land hermit crabs that they're sure to love? Why not try papaya?<br /><br />This tropical and exotic fruit has very sweet flesh and a musty flavor that land hermit crabs seem to really enjoy. To prepare the papaya, simply cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and feed the inside flesh. You can freeze any leftovers or store them temporarily in the refrigerator.</div><div> </div><div>Papaya is a great source of Vitamin C, folate, potassium, fiber, and is a good source of Vitamins A, E, and K. High in antioxidants, minerals, and other compounds specific to the papaya like <strong>papain<em>, </em></strong>the papaya is believed to promote cardiovascular health in human beings.<br /></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-13391536980019208062011-09-12T04:55:00.002-04:002011-09-12T04:57:10.624-04:00Photo Shoot<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeiYHJGOsZM/Tm3JPm_2DiI/AAAAAAAAAqw/x7E-2g2QSVo/s1600/IMG_1216.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px; height: 274px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651394377423392290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yeiYHJGOsZM/Tm3JPm_2DiI/AAAAAAAAAqw/x7E-2g2QSVo/s400/IMG_1216.JPG" /></a><br />Most of my hermit crabs love to hang near the water's edge. They're always crawling around the saltwater and freshwater pools!<br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-62294916912310960272011-09-12T04:28:00.004-04:002011-09-12T04:34:27.625-04:00Food Trials: Fresh Dragonfruit<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsp642ic6ig/Tm3C49ShZGI/AAAAAAAAAqY/wCqG9LynytM/s1600/IMG_9760.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651387391200552034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fsp642ic6ig/Tm3C49ShZGI/AAAAAAAAAqY/wCqG9LynytM/s320/IMG_9760.JPG" /></a>Today at the grocery store, I came across a fruit I have longed to try. I have a taste for exotic fruits, so I've always been on the hunt for the elusive dragonfruit. Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I found it! It cost me around $7.00 for this little fruit, but it was worth it. Not only had I longed to try it, I had also wanted to see what my crabs thought of it!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7ryO_0lynQ/Tm3C5KmhaNI/AAAAAAAAAqg/x6R-3JQvNDM/s1600/IMG_9763.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651387394774100178" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7ryO_0lynQ/Tm3C5KmhaNI/AAAAAAAAAqg/x6R-3JQvNDM/s320/IMG_9763.JPG" /></a>To prepare this fruit, you cut it once down the center and then hollow out the insides. They're somewhat firm, but yield easily to the scraping of a spoon. Once you have the insides all scraped out, you can dice it into chunks or smaller slices.</div><div> </div><div>The taste for me was somewhat light and kind of similar to a pear or kiwi. The texture is very interesting because the seeds make it somewhat grainy.</div><div> </div><div>I have placed it in the crab's food dish, so we will see how they like it!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fZPeJvJk1M/Tm3C5TIqlgI/AAAAAAAAAqo/RDPc3UbteYo/s1600/IMG_9764.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651387397064791554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9fZPeJvJk1M/Tm3C5TIqlgI/AAAAAAAAAqo/RDPc3UbteYo/s320/IMG_9764.JPG" /></a>Dragonfruit is high in Vitamin C and other minerals, making it a good choice of fruit to offer land hermit crabs. It varies their diet, which is very important in keeping them interested in the food dish! You can find dragonfruit at some grocery stores, health food stores, or Asian grocers.</div><div> </div><div><br /><div><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-79512887869261890962011-09-08T00:49:00.003-04:002011-09-08T00:52:06.134-04:00Photo Shoot<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFI8SM25Wuc/TmhJw4gbVrI/AAAAAAAAAqA/Ibyvlft6gGg/s1600/IMG_1206.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 267px; height: 400px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649846836687230642" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFI8SM25Wuc/TmhJw4gbVrI/AAAAAAAAAqA/Ibyvlft6gGg/s400/IMG_1206.JPG" /></a><br />Shinto loves to come out and observe what's going on through the glass when I'm taking pictures.<br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-80352363001408004612011-09-08T00:30:00.002-04:002011-09-08T00:49:11.327-04:00Tonight's Dinner<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUF0U0cN1hI/TmhFEEaUpyI/AAAAAAAAAp4/aoLnOScpOCI/s1600/DINNER.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 240px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649841668742227746" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUF0U0cN1hI/TmhFEEaUpyI/AAAAAAAAAp4/aoLnOScpOCI/s320/DINNER.jpg" /></a>Tonight, the clan is having a baby spring mix salad with blackberries, grapes, river shrimp, rose petals, goji berries, coconut flakes, bladderwrack, and bee pollen!<br /><br />Variety is very important to keep in mind when feeding land hermit crabs. I usually try to offer different foods every night while still maintaining a good balance of foods from each food group.<br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-50592468730124361322011-08-22T02:49:00.003-04:002011-08-22T02:51:30.827-04:00Viola Meet-Up<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqHvKcFElC0/TlH8F-rYgEI/AAAAAAAAApI/JxH0IbB_hXA/s1600/IMG_1146.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; height: 214px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643568987726446658" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqHvKcFElC0/TlH8F-rYgEI/AAAAAAAAApI/JxH0IbB_hXA/s320/IMG_1146.JPG" /></a>Two of my Violas were out and about the other night when they both crossed each other's path. The Viola on the right began pushing the Viola on the left with an open claw.<br /><br />The Viola on the left was trying to retract into its shell while still defend its stance. It was chirping very loud.</div><div><br />Eventually, they both parted ways and everything ended well. It was interesting to watch their territorial showdown!<br /></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-76021549202877717702011-08-22T02:47:00.000-04:002011-08-22T02:49:21.098-04:00Coenobita violascens<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Cprsea_mWM/TlH7v-sjwwI/AAAAAAAAApA/42iW52OBfRc/s1600/IMG_1114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 260px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643568609774256898" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Cprsea_mWM/TlH7v-sjwwI/AAAAAAAAApA/42iW52OBfRc/s320/IMG_1114.JPG" /></a><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-39860328536060790272011-08-20T16:38:00.002-04:002011-08-20T16:43:57.358-04:00The Importance of Bark<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-LqHqdzHE8/TlAbc5ROxEI/AAAAAAAAAo4/uPl_V0oRrks/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 256px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643040516318610498" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x-LqHqdzHE8/TlAbc5ROxEI/AAAAAAAAAo4/uPl_V0oRrks/s320/IMG_1087.JPG" /></a>I have long suggested and promoted a healthy, natural diet for land hermit crabs, but do you know that this includes items that you <em>can't</em> find at your grocery store?</div><div> </div><div>My idea started quite a few years ago, where I was inspired by another crabber to start using things I could find outside to give my crabs. The result was "harvestables", foods that you could go out into the woods and take for your crabs!<br /><br />Today, the focus is bark. There are two types of bark that are favorites in my crabitat: maple and oak. My crabs really love oak bark, and they will munch on the pieces. Bark is high in tannins, as well as many other minerals and good plant compounds. Hermit crabs really enjoy picking at and chewing on the bark, so it's always fun to watch them!<br /><br />To harvest your own bark, be sure to know what kind of tree you're dealing with. If you go to the sidebar at your left, you'll find a "Harvestables" link with all types of trees that are safe. Once you've identified your tree, you can scrape some of the bark off. You may wish to wash it off first, and then it is ready to give to your land hermit crabs!<br /><br />If harvesting is not possible in your area, we are currently selling oak and maple barks at Kilimanjaro's Kibbles!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kilimanjaroskibbles.com">http://www.kilimanjaroskibbles.com</a><br /></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9106522529420363989.post-53735674852521574382011-08-18T21:05:00.002-04:002011-08-18T21:08:48.355-04:00Sunflower Harvest<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYDT581KWs4/Tk23k9e6ItI/AAAAAAAAAow/XXq9kwXdp-I/s1600/IMG_1110.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642367753772475090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYDT581KWs4/Tk23k9e6ItI/AAAAAAAAAow/XXq9kwXdp-I/s320/IMG_1110.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>Harvesting sunflower petals for the store at night time is the safest thing to do, but even then, some busy bees don't rest once the night falls!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1