Hermit Crabs 101
7 Basics to Know First!
Keeping hermit crabs as pets can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to know a few facts first. Hermit crabs do have some very specific needs, and if not cared for properly can lead to health problems and death. Here are the 6 most basic things to know first about hermit crabs, which can lead to many years of healthy happy pets.
Hermit crabs, what are they?
Hermit crabs are small crustaceans that live in shells. Land hermit crabs are sold around the world within the pet industry and several species can make good pets. However, it’s important to note that most land hermit crab species can’t survive for long in captivity, so it’s best to leave them at the beach and in the wild, when you see them in their natural habitat.
Hermit crabs are popular pets for many reasons including:
- they are quiet pets
- they require a relatively small amount of space
- no need for landlord or condo association approval
- you can go on short vacations without worry
- you can feed them the healthy foods you eat
- they are quirky and active (mostly at night) and fun to watch
Know what Species of Hermit Crab!
There are many species of land hermit crabs found all over the world. But there are only a handful that can be kept successfully as pets. The most common species in the U.S. is Coenobita Clypeatus, also known as the Purple Pincher, Caribbean Hermit Crab, Tree Crab and Soldier Crab. It’s arguably the easiest species to care for, and they can live as pets for up to 30 years.
Other species of hermit crabs have more strict habitat specifications that need to be met in order for hermit crabs to live just several years. For these reasons it’s CRUCIAL to know what species of hermit crab you plan to adopt, before bringing them home. We recommend sticking to the Purple Pinchers when possible.
Habitat Basics
In the wild, hermit crabs live in tropical and sub-tropical areas along coastlines. They require a warm, humid environment within certain parameters in order to remain healthy. A 20 gallon tank or terrarium is the recommended minimum size enclosure for two small hermit crabs. They will need space to climb, burrow, and explore. Make sure the enclosure has a lid (that also allows airflow) because hermit crabs are notorious escape artists!!
See my post on Hermit Crab Habitat Set Up here.
Food and Feeding
Hermit crabs are scavengers and omnivores, so they need wide variety of foods to stay healthy. If you eat healthy at home, feed them tiny portions of the foods you eat: unseasoned meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, raw nuts (crushed up).
Make sure to avoid salt, pepper and other seasonings, and never feed your pets processed foods as they most often contain preservatives that can be harmful. It’s also a good idea to have a commercial hermit crab food available, and to use several days a week and to use as a vacation food.
Here are lots more ideas on what to feed hermit crab pets, here.
Water is Crucial
Hermit crabs require access to both fresh and saltwater. Never use water directly out of the faucet… too many chemicals! Use a fish detoxifier to remove the chemicals first. Or use RO (reverse osmosis) or distilled water. Here’s more information on water for hermit crabs, here.
Molt or Die
Hermit crabs molt (shed their exoskeleton) many times throughout their lives. They must have deep enough substrate on the bottom of the enclosure to burrow and feel safe from other hermit crabs as they molt. It’s important to provide substrate that is most similar to that which they live and burrow in, in the wild. A mix of natural sand and coconut coir makes a great substrate; find more tips and information on hermit crab substrate, how deep it should be, and more tips here.
Signs of Health Issues
Hermit crabs are relatively easy to care for as long as their basic needs are met. Most common causes of health issues and death: lack of safe water, lack of nutrition, not enough good fitting shells, overcrowding. Did you know? Hermit crabs need vitamins too!
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Last update on 2024-05-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API