5 Great Climbing Toys for Hermit Crabs
Climbing toys for hermit crabs are an essential part of a hermit crab’s habitat. These toys provide them with the opportunity to engage in their natural behavior of climbing and exploring.
Hermit crabs are naturally curious creatures and need stimulation to thrive in captivity. Climbing toys not only provide physical exercise but also mental stimulation for these fascinating creatures.
Climbing Elements in a Hermit Crab Habitat are ESSENTIAL to their Good Health
In the wild, hermit crabs live at the ocean’s edge, in coastal areas with trees, rocks, mangroves. The ends of their legs are sharp and used to effectively climb most anything they can grip onto. They use their strong claws to secure and hold tight, and can often be seen in the wild napping up in tree branches.
In captivity, hermit crabs are often kept in small enclosures that lack the natural elements they need to climb and explore. This is where climbing toys come in.
Climbing toys (they aren’t really “toys”, more like “elements”) provide hermit crabs with the opportunity to exercise and maintain their overall health. Climbing also helps them shed their exoskeletons, which is a crucial part of their growth process.
Without proper climbing opportunities, hermit crabs can become stressed, bored and listless, and are likely to develop health issues.
When hermit crabs are confined to a small space without the ability to climb, they are often observed as looking and acting “depressed”.
5 Great Climbing Options for Hermit Crab Habitats
There are lots of climbing elements suitable for hermit crabs, both natural and artificial. Driftwood, rocks, and branches when clean and secured within the habitat make excellent climbing elements. There are also many artificial options include plastic or resin structures, wood ladders and bendable vines that hermit crabs love to climb on.
1. Driftwood
Driftwood is an excellent natural climbing toy for hermit crabs as it mimics the branches they would encounter in their natural habitat.
Make sure to measure before buying (or bringing home) driftwood!
If collecting from nature, make sure it’s super clean and free from any hitchhiking parasites before placing inside the habitat.
2. Tree Branches
Branches can be placed vertically or horizontally in the enclosure to create different levels and pathways for the hermit crabs to climb on.
Tip: find a good piece of wood that can wedge from the bottom of one corner of the enclosure to the top of the opposite corner, allowing your hermit crabs to use more of the open vertical space in the habitat.
3. Rocks
Rocks can also be used as climbing surfaces, providing different textures and heights for the crabs to explore.
Tip: vertical is always better… surface space should be kept open as much as possible. But anything vertical WILL get climbed on, so make sure it’s super secure and won’t fall over! These Penn-Plax rock formations allow for burrowing underneath which is GREAT for hermit crab habitats.
4. Wood Ladders
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5. Bendable Vines
Artificial climbing toys designed for hermit crabs often come in the form of plastic or resin structures that resemble trees, rocks, or other natural elements.
Tip: bendable vines come in lots of lengths, as well as grey, green and brown. Consider twisting two together for more stability.
What Else Will Your Hermit Crabs Climb On?
In addition to driftwood, rocks, and branches, and other climbing toys, your hermit crabs will climb on most anything else you place inside their habitat!
Coconut hideaways make excellent shelters for small to medium sized hermit crabs, and they WILL climb on top! These don’t, however, provide enough climbing activity to really count.
They will also climb on any plants, shells, and virtually anything else they can. This means its important to secure anything that they can climb on that could shift or fall, causing harm.
It’s a great idea to add landscaping to your hermit crab habitat, like adding moss and plants. While these elements won’t provide enough activity to count, your hermit crabs WILL climb on them! Here’s my post on Hermit Crab Habitat Ideas for Landscaping here.
Other Climbing Toys for Hermit Crabs
Hermit crab pet supplies in most pet stores is a very small section with very limited products to choose from.
Guess where the best habitat supplies are for your hermit crabs… it’s in the REPTILE section! There, you’ll find more options for everything from water bowls to bendable vines and wood branches in a size that’s more suitable for hermit crabs to climb on.
Besides wood, most resin or plastic climbing toys are considered safe for hermit crabs, if they are found in the reptile section. Why? Reptile habitats also require humidity and plenty of water, so the products made for this niche generally also hold up to hermit crab habitat required parameters as well.
Make sure to stay away from metals as they rust and degrade quickly in that type of environment, and some metals can become toxic.
Safety Considerations for Climbing Toys for Hermit Crabs
When choosing and using climbing toys for hermit crabs, there are several safety considerations to keep in mind. It is important to ensure that the toys are made from safe materials that will not harm the hermit crabs if ingested or can otherwise be toxic.
Things to avoid:
- Metals
- Fabrics
- Anything possibly treated with chemicals or pesticides
- Anything that will easily mold, degrade, or deteriorate in humidity or near water
It is also important to regularly inspect climbing toys for any signs of damage or deterioration and replace them if necessary.
Best Ways to Secure Climbing Toys
When placing climbing toys in the enclosure, make sure they are securely positioned and will not topple over or collapse under the weight of the hermit crabs. It is also important to provide a variety of climbing surfaces and heights to cater to the natural behavior of the hermit crabs.
Tip: if you’re looking to adhere a climbing element more permanently in your enclosure, you may want to consider using aquarium sealant/caulk (comes in clear and black) or Great Stuff Pond & Stone which is an expandable foam and non-toxic (made for fish ponds).
DIY Climbing Toy Ideas
For those who enjoy getting creative, there are plenty of DIY options for making climbing toys for hermit crabs. These homemade toys can be made from safe materials and customized to suit the specific needs and preferences of the hermit crabs.
One simple DIY climbing toy idea is to create a ladder using popsicle sticks or small wooden dowels. These can be glued together in a ladder shape and placed vertically in the enclosure for the hermit crabs to climb on.
Another DIY option is to create a climbing wall using mesh or netting material. This can be attached to the sides of the enclosure, providing a vertical climbing surface for the hermit crabs.
Other ideas include creating tunnels using PVC pipes or creating platforms using small wooden planks. The possibilities are endless, and it is important to use safe materials and secure any DIY climbing toys properly to ensure the safety of the hermit crabs.
How to Choose the Right Climbing Toys for Hermit Crabs
When selecting climbing toys for hermit crabs, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is important to choose toys that are appropriate for the size and species of hermit crab. Smaller hermit crabs may struggle to climb on larger structures, while larger hermit crabs may require more substantial climbing toys.
Consider the overall size of the enclosure and the available space when choosing climbing toys. It is important to ensure that the toys will fit comfortably in the enclosure without overcrowding it.
Additionally, consider the preferences and behavior of the hermit crabs. Some hermit crabs may prefer vertical climbing surfaces, while others may prefer horizontal surfaces. Providing a variety of options will cater to the individual needs of the hermit crabs.
Example: Caribbean Purple Pincher hermit crabs (also known as tree crabs) LOVE climbing UP! It’s what they do in the wild, and it’s what they need to do in any healthy habitat.
Not sure what type of hermit crabs you have? Check out my post “Hermit Crab Types of Pets with Photos” here.
Maintenance of Climbing Toys for Hermit Crabs
To keep climbing toys clean and in good condition, it is important to regularly inspect and clean them. Remove any debris or waste that may accumulate on the toys and clean them with warm water and a mild soap if necessary.
If any climbing toys become damaged or worn out, it is important to replace them promptly. Broken or deteriorating toys can pose a safety hazard to the hermit crabs and should be removed from the enclosure.
Regularly rotating and rearranging climbing toys can also help keep the hermit crabs engaged and prevent boredom.
Enhancing the Life of Your Hermit Crab Pets with Climbing Elements
There are various types of climbing toys available for hermit crabs, including natural options such as driftwood, rocks, and branches, as well as artificial options designed specifically for hermit crabs. DIY options are also available for those who enjoy getting creative.
When choosing and using climbing toys, it is important to prioritize the safety of the hermit crabs. Ensure that the toys are made from safe materials, regularly inspect them for any signs of damage, and secure them properly in the enclosure.
By providing climbing toys, hermit crab owners can enhance the quality of life for their pets and ensure they have a stimulating and enriching environment to thrive in.
Looking for some fun and interactive toys for your hermit crabs? Check out this article on Climbing Toys for Hermit Crabs. It provides a comprehensive guide on the best climbing toys to keep your hermit crabs active and entertained.
From coconut hideaways to rope ladders, these toys will not only stimulate their natural instincts but also enhance their overall well-being.
FAQs
What are climbing toys for hermit crabs?
Climbing toys for hermit crabs are objects or structures that are placed in a hermit crab’s habitat to provide them with a means of climbing and exploring their environment.
Why do hermit crabs need climbing toys?
Hermit crabs are natural climbers and need to climb to exercise and explore their environment.
What are some examples of climbing toys for hermit crabs?
Examples of climbing toys for hermit crabs include branches, rocks, coconut shells, and plastic or wooden ladders.
How do I choose the right climbing toys for my hermit crab?
When choosing climbing toys for your hermit crab, consider the size of your habitat enclosure. Make sure all elements are sturdy and won’t collapse or fall, causing harm to your hermit crabs.
How do I clean climbing toys for my hermit crab?
To clean climbing toys for your hermit crab, remove them from the habitat and wash them with warm water and a mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before returning them to the habitat.
Can I make my own climbing toys for my hermit crab?
Yes, you can make your own climbing toys for your hermit crab using natural materials such as branches, rocks, and shells. Just make sure they are clean and free of any harmful chemicals or pesticides.
Last update on 2024-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API