Keeping Hermit Crabs As Pets

Hermit Crabs Pictures

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hermit crab with painted shell

big hermit crab

blue legged hermit

hermit without shell

Hermit Crabs Shells

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Hermit crabs are not born with shells. However, over their lifetime they will have many shells to protect them from predators. Hermit crabs shed and their exoskeleton and require a new and bigger shell. In nature these crabs can select shells that come in a wide variety of shapes, and sizes.

Natural Shells

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The blue-legged hermit crab does not grow very large. They are easily spotted with their bright blue legs. They are great scavengers and help keep tank algae under control. On occassion they have been known to kill and eat snails.

Blue-Legged Hermit Crab

Temp range of the tank should be between 75-84 degrees F.

Hermit Crab Habitat

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It is important to mirror a natural environment for your hermit crab pet. Providing a cage they can climb is best, they love to climb! Bear in mind that they are found on the beach, a typical floor covering for their home should be sand. In keeping with their behavioral characteristics the crabs enjoy digging and burying themselves. In nature hermit crabs live in a tropical climate so unless you live in a warm place year round it is important to provide a heater. A certain amount of humidity in the air is crucial to the health of your pet. Some ways to maximize the humidity in your terrarium are by adding a natural sea sponge that is soaked with water, misting your hermit crabs with a spray bottle and finally adding a small water dish.

Hermit Crab Facts

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Most hermit crab pets live on average of a couple years
They are nocturnal which means they move around more at night than during the day
Hermit crabs cannot breed in captivity as they return to the sea to deposit their eggs
They use their claws for drinking water
Studies are being done to find out why they sometimes make "croaking sounds" ( maybe a form of communication)
It's best to purchase a cage they can climb, hermit crabs love to climb!

Hermit Crabs Video

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Keeping Hermit Crabs-Feeding

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Provide a constant and varied diet. Steer clear of of marketed foods, as it has many preservatives, such as copper sulfate, which can harm the wee hermit. Hermit crabs are scavengers by nature and will eat almost anything.

Do not give them to eat anything spicy, hot or containing preservatives.

They love shrimp and silversides that are fresh, bloodworms freeze dried krill, etc., and other seafood.

Go to your local fish market and get a head of fish if you have several hermits. You can put all the crabs in a large tank or a clean large Rubbermaid storage container (clear, without a lid, or cover with large holes cut in it) toss in the fish head, and a bowl of water, and leave them there to eat for a couple of hours.The smell can be very strong, but crabs will thank you!

They also eat raw meat or if you cook give them non marinated meat

They love fresh fruit and will go bonkers over coconut shavings. Try to find a natural grow but if you can make sure to wash the fruit thoroughly before you cut.

They also eat natural peanut butter on whole wheat toast, boiled eggs, egg shells (boiled), popcorn (plain, unsalted, no butter). Don't feed your crabs the same thing twice. Mix a little. Remember, they eat what they find in nature.Remember change their food almost every day / night. Hermit crabs love to bury their uneaten food, and this can cause mold and is messy.

Avoid anything from Allium plants (onion, garlic, etc.).
ORNAMENTAL FOOD & WATER SHELL DISH-MD 2P