Beginner Hermit Crab Care

Hermit crabs have become a true phenomenon in the world of animal these days. They have a habit of living in the shells of snails which are heaved away by them after utilizing. As the growing stages of molting continue of hermit crabs, they search for a new shell to fit their size appropriately and suit their new phase of life. Because of their lively nature and intelligent interaction, they make interesting pets. Although, the natural habitat of hermit crabs is ocean, but they can survive in the captivity as well. With proper clean environment provided to hermit crabs and care, they can live around a span of three decades.       

Hermit crabs are invertebrates. They don’t have internal skeleton like vertebrates to be larger in size and sturdier. They consist of an outer skeleton which sheds periodically as they grow. The shedding and recreating outer skeleton is called molting. Every part of their body regenerates except the Gills which are left alone. Hermit crabs are classified into two groups, aquatic hermit crabs and land hermit crabs. Land hermit crabs becomes pet land hermit crabs which are also called soldier hermit crabs, purple clawed hermit crabs and tree hermit crabs.

Taking care of your hermit crabs is the most essential need for their growth. Giving bath to your hermit crab minimum once in a week is an essential part of the hermit crab care. You would require placing your hermit crab into fresh water tank where they will wash themselves. After the bath is done, hermit crab should be dried appropriately. Hermit crab is not a choosy animal for feeding. They eat variety of food which includes vegetables like carrot, squash, potatoes, lettuce and fruits like grapes, figs, apples, raisins and bananas.

They also eat meat, small fish, peanut butter, chicken, turkey, honey, leaf litter, dog foods as well as cat foods too. You would have to dice or sliced their feeds so that they don’t have any problem eating them. Also, it is important to provide them salt and fresh water. The best thing about hermit crab is that they are not picky about their food in this way, the owner won’t have to spend big amount for hermit crabs and care about their feeding that much.

Shells are an integral part in the life of hermit crabs and care it appropriately for their better growth. You would require providing them several shells of various sizes so that they can live in their desired shell. Hermit crabs have tendency of fighting over shells of their likeness so it is necessary for you to provide them good quantity of shells so that no conflicts occur between hermit crabs.

Maintenance of humidity and temperature also plays a vital role in growth of hermit crab and care accordingly so that they stay comfortable in their provided habitat. The temperature requirement of hermit crabs is around 75F to 80F. Fluctuation in temperature could harm hermit crabs health severely.

Hermit crabs make wonderful pet as they fall under coenobitical family. Hermit crabs have hard exoskeleton and 10 feet. Hermit crabs live in the borrowed shell of sea snails most of the time. Direct sunrays can kill hermit crabs and care is required by the owner to look for a place where direct sunlight is unreachable. Hermit crab generally sleeps under the sand so that they can avoid direct contact of sun. Hermit crabs stay happier by living in groups.

Even though they are living in captivity, hermit crabs are an adorable pet to have as they live together. They don’t get exaggerated when their owner holds them on their palms. They are a friendly pet and wont move neither twitch.  It is extremely hard for the owner to know when the particular breed of hermit crabs breeds are molting. Generally, they will begin to act strangely and look different as well.  Three signs of molting process have been acknowledged which are:

  1. Hermit crab’s eyes begins to get cloudy
  2. Hermit crabs starts to dig more than usual.
  3. They may start to consume more water and food than normal.

Calcium is an integral part in food of hermit crabs and care will result in substantial growth at significant pace. During the process of molting, hermit crabs sheds their exoskeleton and regenerates new one in which calcium is utilized. Try to provide them food which has high level of calcium in them so that they stay healthy even after molting and no risk of life occurs. By keeping in mind these important information regarding hermit crabs and care, you can ensure your pet have a long life.

Some other content you might like to look at:

  1. Hermit Crab Shells
  2. Pet Land Hermit Crabs
  3. How to Clean a Hermit Crabs Aquarium
  4. The Cause Why Hermit Crab Shells are Turning White
  5. Signs and Symptoms When Your Hermit Crab Molts