4 Steps To Mating Hermit Crabs
Above and beyond the regular task of caring for pet hermit crabs
, taking the extra step of attempting to mate hermit crabs can be an exceptional challenge. Many carefully planned steps need to be taken with lots of preparation to ensure a successful mating of hermit crabs. Before you start the process, I think it is safe to say that the most important step is to make sure you have a male and female hermit crab. Although it can be difficult to tell males from females, without this first step, you do not have any babies. It may be best to visit your local pet store and consult with their knowledgeable staff to ensure you have proper crabs to start the breeding process.
There is some speculation out there in how to differentiate the male crabs from the female ones. Some say you can tell the difference in sex by the skin color, hair on their body, and size of their claws. Regardless of the criteria you use to make this selection, you will want to make sure your new parents to be are in top physical condition and are very healthy eating a natural diet under your new care.
In the wild, hermit crabs lay their eggs in the ocean near the sandy beaches and attach them to plankton, so when attempting to recreate similar natural environments for your crabs, you will need to create as natural of an environment as possible, which means creating a little ocean of your own.
While there are no guarantees in breeding, adhering to the following steps for the best successful chance.
Creating a Salt Water Tank. Remember that in the wild, hermit crabs lay their eggs in the ocean, so you will want to make sure you create an adequate environment for them to feel comfortable enough to lay their eggs. This can be accomplished either by a salt water tank or you can use an outside pond, which many say is more natural for the crabs to mate.
Creating Waves. In their natural environment, both the crabs and eggs are used to the waves of the ocean. This is considered a more natural environment for them. To achieve waves in the aquarium or pond, simply purchase a wave machine either on the Internet or at your closest pet store.
Establishing Proper Water Temperature. You will want to duplicate water temperatures from the tropical regions of the world, which is between 70 degrees and 80 degrees. If the temperature is not between 70 and 80 degrees, your crabs may become more ill and not mate.
Establishing Moonlight. Remember that hermit crabs are nocturnal creatures, and thrive in the evening time. For this reason, you will want to invest in a moonlight bulb to give the appearance of moonlight and the evening time. Hermit crabs typically breed during the evening hours.
When you are complete setting up the perfect environment for your crabs to breed, you will want to reintroduce your lucky pair back together. Do not worry if they are in the tank or pond a few weeks before feeling comfortable enough to mate, as it may take this amount of time. Similar to the mating process of other animals in the animal kingdom, you will see some strange activity, and only when they start to act more normal, will the mating process be completed.
Continue to offer your male and female hermit crabs plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and brine shrimp. Keep a close eye on their water and food dishes to ensure no mites or fleas. Also be sure to keep very small hermit crab shells on hand for the new babies as they will need small shells too.
It is a challenging, but rewarding process to breed hermit crabs. Once all these steps have been completed, wait at least 4 more weeks for the eggs to hatch. Enjoy mating hermit crabs and best of luck.
by: Jessica Peloski
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