6 Tips For Proper Hermit Crab Care

Hermit crabs are fantastic pets for kids and adults alike

, and are fairly easy to care for as they are pretty low maintenance too. Like any other animal though, hermit crabs do require a certain basic level of care to maintain their health and happiness, and many parents are not exactly sure the best ways to care for their hermit crabs.

Hermit crabs require much attention for their overall care and healthier growth. To maintain proper hermit crab care, be sure to adhere to the following six tips.

1. Temperature. Remember that hermit crabs came from more tropical environments, usually either from the Caribbean or from places around the equator. They require warmer temperatures, but not too hot, than is usually found in the United States. This is why it is important to have either a heading pad adhered to the bottom of your tank or a heating lamp above the cage to keep temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees. You can also purchase a thermometer so you can ensure proper tank temperatures, which will keep your crabs happiest. It is also best not to have their cages near windows so that they are not exposed to direct sunlight or drafts.

2. Humidity. Since these little guys come from more tropical places, their environment is not only warmer, it is more humid. Since hermit crabs have gills in which they breathe and extract oxygen from their environment, they require a humid environment in their tank. Humidity keeps their gills moist and gives them the ability to breathe easier. To maintain a humid tank, you can easily keep salt water and fresh water bowls filled with sea sponges to allow evaporation, as well as daily misting with a spray bottle.

3. Diet and Food. Hermit crabs love a variety of foods to eat. You can start with pellet commercial foods which is a good start to their diet, but remember they enjoy variety and treats just like you, so give them foods rich in nutrients, carotene and minerals such as carrots, apples, grapes, strawberries, and even meat and bread. Be sure to offer bite sized pieces to them that will fit in their claws.

4. Habitat. To properly care for your crabs, you will want to make sure they are in a tank large enough for them to crawl around. After all, this will be their home for the rest of their life, so why not make it as exciting for them as possible. Be sure to include a saltwater dish and fresh water dish, as well as a third dish for their food. You can purchase supplements from your local pet store to modify the water to suite their needs. Also give them lots of things to climb over like coconut shells or driftwood. This combined with a climbing background will give them the feeling like they are in the wild.

5. Bathing. Your crabs will need a bath approximately once per week, but no less than twice per month. It is easy to care for your crabs. Just take a bowl and place your crab in one inch of lukewarm water. When they crawl into their shell and come back out, they will have cleaned the inside of their shell from debris and other things that get stuck in their shells.

6. Shells, Shells, and More Shells. Hermit crabs require lots of shells in their tank to be able to move from one shell to another. Providing many shells for them to choose from reduces competition over specific shells and makes them feel more comfortable and in their natural environment.

It is easy to care for your hermit crabs so long as a few simple steps are rigorously followed. Caring for your crabs using these tips will help keep your crabs happy and healthy for years to come.

by: Jessica Peloski

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