How To Choose A Healthy Crab by Ookamimeggle
Jul 14, 2010 20:06:55 GMT -5
aussieJJDude, crablet, and 1 more like this
Post by Ookami-Meggle on Jul 14, 2010 20:06:55 GMT -5
HOW TO CHOOSE A HEALTHY CRAB:
When going to choose your first crabs or another crab to add to your family there are a few things you should look for in order to choose a healthy crab. One important thing to look for is that the crab you choose is lively, and isn’t sluggish or hanging out of its shell, or unresponsive to your touch. Also check to see if the crab’s antennae are moving, which is usually a good sign of a healthy crab.
It is also good to look into the eyes of any crab you may be thinking of bringing home with you. Other than falling for their big adorable eyes, you should notice whether or not they are shiny or clouded. Shiny bright eyes are another good sign of a healthy crab.
Crabs in painted shells are often less healthy and active than their natural shelled counter parts, due to the added stress they are submitted to when they are unkindly forced out of their shells and into the painted and often times decorated shells. Many people advise not to buy crabs in painted shells because of this. Though if you do decide to buy a crab in a painted shell he or she will most likely change into a nice natural shell once you get them home.
Another good thing to look for in a crab is that he or she has the majority of its legs left. Instead of a head count make sure to do a leg count, to make sure everyone is there. Many crabs you see will be missing leg tips. This isn’t as worrisome as missing the entire leg, and he or she will most likely repair them self when they are down for a molt. However missing one or more of a whole leg, probably isn’t a good sign of the crabs overall health. Don’t be discouraged if the crab you choose is missing a leg, it isn’t the point of no return, they will also most likely grow the leg back the next time they go down to molt.
Also, it is very beneficial to look for a crab that hasn’t been in the shop too long. Usually crabs that are new to the tank will look a bit better off than the rest. Good indicators that show a crab is newer to the tank are furry or some post molt fuzz left on the crab and the black needle-like toenails on their toes. Both of those indicate a recent molt, which usually means they just molted before they were collect for sale.
Hope this helps you on your quest for your first crab or for a new addition to your crabby family.
When going to choose your first crabs or another crab to add to your family there are a few things you should look for in order to choose a healthy crab. One important thing to look for is that the crab you choose is lively, and isn’t sluggish or hanging out of its shell, or unresponsive to your touch. Also check to see if the crab’s antennae are moving, which is usually a good sign of a healthy crab.
It is also good to look into the eyes of any crab you may be thinking of bringing home with you. Other than falling for their big adorable eyes, you should notice whether or not they are shiny or clouded. Shiny bright eyes are another good sign of a healthy crab.
Crabs in painted shells are often less healthy and active than their natural shelled counter parts, due to the added stress they are submitted to when they are unkindly forced out of their shells and into the painted and often times decorated shells. Many people advise not to buy crabs in painted shells because of this. Though if you do decide to buy a crab in a painted shell he or she will most likely change into a nice natural shell once you get them home.
Another good thing to look for in a crab is that he or she has the majority of its legs left. Instead of a head count make sure to do a leg count, to make sure everyone is there. Many crabs you see will be missing leg tips. This isn’t as worrisome as missing the entire leg, and he or she will most likely repair them self when they are down for a molt. However missing one or more of a whole leg, probably isn’t a good sign of the crabs overall health. Don’t be discouraged if the crab you choose is missing a leg, it isn’t the point of no return, they will also most likely grow the leg back the next time they go down to molt.
Also, it is very beneficial to look for a crab that hasn’t been in the shop too long. Usually crabs that are new to the tank will look a bit better off than the rest. Good indicators that show a crab is newer to the tank are furry or some post molt fuzz left on the crab and the black needle-like toenails on their toes. Both of those indicate a recent molt, which usually means they just molted before they were collect for sale.
Hope this helps you on your quest for your first crab or for a new addition to your crabby family.