So! Two different ladies at the pet store told me that probably the reason Perci died was because of his sponge--that they no longer recommend using sponges in hermit crab tanks because sponges make it too moist and as a result bad bacteria grows. So after deep-cleaning the tank with chlorox, running all the stones and shells through the dishwasher, and baking the sand and wood in the oven for fifteen minutes at 400 degrees, I have put everything back together and installed Mark II, or Twoy, the new crab.
He is adorable--he's about a fifth Perci's size and has a spiky shell, and absolutely tears all over the place. He's a different type, too; whereas Perci was an Ecuadorian, he's a Purple Pincher. I'm hoping he proves a little hardier. I also think he's younger, because he's so much smaller.
Also bought food for the fishies, which means they've gotten extremely affectionate. Any time I sit by the pond they come over in droves to suck on my feet. I love my fish. ♥
Otherwise, I found the kittens (there are only six now), but the mother moved them again this morning so I have to go on the prowl again. I am going to borrow a Have-a-Heart trap from my crazy cat lady aunt to try and catch the mama. Larry moved into the main turkey shed this morning, and he loathes it.
Also,
tulipmonster, I made you a giant paper collage squid but he may be too big to fit into a mailing envelope. Or at least too big to go without costing the rest of my college education. It depends! I am going to ask at the post office to-morrow.