The site I found the "how to" was actually on Yahoo!answers: Can I put a new hermit crab in w/ my old one?
The best answer:
Yes you can introduce new crabs into established colonies.
I just introduced 3 little ecuadorains in with my purple pincers both large and small and there was no world war three. I have a large tank so this may have a lot to do with it.
In the past there have been some little scuffles but being social animals this is expected.
The first thing I would do is isolate a new crab in your isolation tank. You don't want to introduce a sick crab in with your other pets. I kept my Es in isolation 3 weeks giving them lots of time to moult or change shells if they wanted to. And it gave them enough time to settle in to their new habitat.
In the isolation tank give the crab lots of shells to choose from and get rid of that nasty painted shell ( I'm so happy you know how bad they are). Give the animal salt and fresh water and lots of fresh foods. Peanut butter does wonders with new crabs. The big thing is you want to make sure the crab is eating and drinking before adding it to the main tank. Give the new animal ample space to hide so it feels safe.
When you feel the animal is healthy enough to move in with the new tank mate give both crabs a nice bath. I rarely bath crabs but this is one of the few occasions I will.
Then introduce the new animal to his tank mate. Do it on a day you can spend lots of time with them. Let them get to know each other. If they get up on back legs and start showing off with their claws that's fine. If one crawls on top of the other and pushes the other crabs shell aside that's fine too. What you want to look out for is digging claws into the shells and trying to get the crab out.
If the crabs want to scuffle just let them. It's easier to let them establish dominance and get it over with then trying to break it up every time they raise a claw. If you constantly break it up they'll keep fighting, but if you let them get it out of their system you won't have further problems.
I just introduced 3 little ecuadorains in with my purple pincers both large and small and there was no world war three. I have a large tank so this may have a lot to do with it.
In the past there have been some little scuffles but being social animals this is expected.
The first thing I would do is isolate a new crab in your isolation tank. You don't want to introduce a sick crab in with your other pets. I kept my Es in isolation 3 weeks giving them lots of time to moult or change shells if they wanted to. And it gave them enough time to settle in to their new habitat.
In the isolation tank give the crab lots of shells to choose from and get rid of that nasty painted shell ( I'm so happy you know how bad they are). Give the animal salt and fresh water and lots of fresh foods. Peanut butter does wonders with new crabs. The big thing is you want to make sure the crab is eating and drinking before adding it to the main tank. Give the new animal ample space to hide so it feels safe.
When you feel the animal is healthy enough to move in with the new tank mate give both crabs a nice bath. I rarely bath crabs but this is one of the few occasions I will.
Then introduce the new animal to his tank mate. Do it on a day you can spend lots of time with them. Let them get to know each other. If they get up on back legs and start showing off with their claws that's fine. If one crawls on top of the other and pushes the other crabs shell aside that's fine too. What you want to look out for is digging claws into the shells and trying to get the crab out.
If the crabs want to scuffle just let them. It's easier to let them establish dominance and get it over with then trying to break it up every time they raise a claw. If you constantly break it up they'll keep fighting, but if you let them get it out of their system you won't have further problems.
I'm going to give it a shot and record their meeting when I actually buy her new friend, hopefully soon. wish us the best of luck :]
Until next time:
Pearl popping~
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