Hermit Crabs Eat Mango Tree Leaves
If you’re looking for a new snack to provide to your hermit crab pets, consider leaves from trees that can be found in South Florida and the Caribbean. Hermit crabs eat mango tree leaves and love them, but there are other types of tree leaves they love just as much.
If you want to perk up your hermit crab pets, place a few green leaves from a tropical fruit tree into the habitat. Most likely the leaves will attract attention quickly and get devoured within the day.
What happens when you place a fresh green mango tree leaf in your hermit crab habitat? See below!
Fresh green tropical fruit tree leaves are a TREAT!
Tropical fruit tree leaves are a favorite treat for hermit crabs, especially purple pinchers. Why? These trees are often found near the ocean in the wild, and part of a hermit crab’s diet.
Often we don’t think to feed our hermit crab pets green leaves. But when you do, you’ll realize just how much they love them!
Of course, make sure the leaves are thoroughly washed clean and completely free of any pesticides, mosquito sprays, etc.
Best tree leaves to give your hermit crabs?
Hermit crabs love leaves from tropical fruit trees like mango but also guava, jackfruit and hibiscus (they also love the hibiscus flowers).
They are also known to eat mangrove leaves and seagrape leaves and fruit.
Not all hermit crabs will prefer the same leaves. You may have one that loves the mango leaves, and another that goes nuts over jackfruit leaves.
The most important thing to remember is that HERMIT CRABS GET BORED!
Give them lots and lots and lots of variety. Not only is it great for their health, but it will also provide the stimulation they crave and need.
No access to fresh mango tree leaves?
If you don’t have access to fresh tropical fruit tree leaves, there are some you can find for sale. Local pet stores and online do sell several varieties of dried leaves that hermit crabs typically like. While your hermit crabs may or may not like these dried leaves to eat, they WILL enjoy climbing in them. And you’ll most likely find them hiding underneath a pile of leaves, an activity they will enjoy.
The MOST important thing to remember is that hermit crabs get bored and NEED stimulation and variety. Even if they seem to be enjoying a pile of leaf litter today, they’ll get tired of it in another day or two. So remove leaves, replace leaves, add different types of leaves and keep a healthy rotation going. Your hermit crabs will thank you with their good health and long-lives.
