Ode to Hagrid...

Well, not really. For two reasons. One, I don't write poetry and Two, I don't sing, out loud. Ever. But I do love to talk about my hermit crab Hagrid. I just love him. He is a land hermit crab, also know as a Purple Pincher. I got him almost two years ago during a trip to Panama City Beach, Florida. I have no idea why I wanted a crab, nor did I have any idea the huge amount of time and effort it takes to keep these little "hermies",as they are often referred to, alive. Trust me, it takes time and effort.

When we first got Hagrid, well, when I first got Hagrid, I thought he was this cute little crustacean that would live on in the tee tiny little cage that the store sold him in. Well NO. That small plastic container is nothing more than a carrying cage which is grossly inappropriate for a Hermit Crab Habitat. Oh, no, Hagrid lives, and thrives I might add, in a 10 gallon terrarium fitted with half a foot of sand substrate, shells, climbing toys, water food, humidity reader and thermostat.

Most of the sand I actually brought back from the beach. You should have seen the looks I got from people as I gathered wet sand off the beach and packed it into a ziploc bag. He needs distilled water, water conditioner, special all natural food, fruit, and salt water. I have two books, several web sites and an online store that I utilize which specializes in food and shells. He needs at least three shells as he seems to want to change his wardrobe at least 2-3 times a week. Also, he has moulted two time already and has grown from a 1/2 shell, when I bought him, to an 1 1/2 inch shell. It is getting more and more difficult to find natural shells for him to grown into, hence the specialty stores on line. Sad but true.

His favorite snack is a coconut piece or a "Crab Cookie". He also loves dried pineapple and citrus pieces. He does not seem to care for vegetables as much. Who can blame him, I prefer coconut too.

He has escaped from his cage twice now. The first time we found him behind the television in the den. The second time we found him surrounded by six incredibly lazy and useless felines staring at him as he tore across the living room in route to the television again. I finally got the good sense to put a wire top on his cage so he can't get out. And believe me, he has tried.

Tim refers to him as "the bug". I chose to believe this is Tim's loving pet name for my little crusty baby, however I don't think Tim care for him as much as I do.

Anyway, that is the life of a Hermit Crab owner. Hope y'all have a great week!