subject: 6 Simple Steps To Build Hermit Crabs Habitats [print this page] Building a habitat for your hermit crabs is very fun and exciting, and requires a bit of planning and thought before diving in and introducing your hermit crabs to your home. Usually when we think of crabs or other crustaceans in the house, we think Saturday night dinner, maybe paired with a nice steak, but in this case we are talking about pet hermit crabs and their habitats.
Proper planning and introducing the right elements to your pets cage will ensure a happier and healthier hermit crab for the long term. Generally speaking, it is best to understand and then replicate to the best of your ability the crabs natural habitat, as they thrive under these conditions. Their natural environment is that of the warmer and more humid tropics, with sandy beaches, warmer temperatures, and increased humidity.
Just follow these six simple steps when assembling your hermit crab cage and you will have healthy and happy hermit crabs, which in turn will make you and your kids happier.
1. Humidity. Since hermit crabs come from warmer places around the globe, like the Caribbean and other places around the equator, they are used to more humid conditions. Not only do they enjoy a humid environment more, they require it. These crabs have gills in which to breathe, so in order to obtain oxygen properly and breathe comfortably, they need a moist and humid environment to draw in their gills. This also keeps their body moist which is important. Just keep plenty of salt and fresh water in their bowls and the natural evaporation will do the rest.
2. Temperature. Because these crabs are from warmer and more tropical parts of the globe, they appreciate having a warm habitat. This requires either a heating pad stuck to the bottom of the cage, which regulates the tanks warmth, or a heating lamp to be placed at the top of the cage. In either case, you will want to ensure the habitat is between 70 and 80 degrees to mimic their natural habitat.
3. Natural Habitat. Hermit crabs are mischievous creatures that love to be curious and crawl around, both in captivity and in the wild. This is why its important to give your hermit crab plenty of items to keep busy, such as drift wood, coconut shells, or artificial jungle plants to hide and keep busy. A climbing background also makes them feel like at home. Also be sure to keep a saltwater and fresh water bowl filled with a sea sponge so your crabs do not drown, along with a bowl of fresh food.
4. Shells, and Plenty of Them. Because these types of crabs are not born with shells, they look for new shells, specifically sea snail shells, to carry around. These fighters have been known to wrestle to the death for eachothers shell, so it is best to keep plenty of spare shells in the hermit crabs habitat with different sizes and openings so you do not have to deal with competing crabs.
5. Substrate. In the wild, these crabs love to bury themselves in either dirt or sand to hide from predators, and also to molt when the time is right. Giving your crabs proper substrate in their habitat helps them to feel right at home and comfortable enough to dig, bury, and crawl around, just like they would in the wild. For pet crabs, you can use either sand from your pet store or coconut shavings.
6. Lots of Crabs. Hermit crabs are most comfortable among other crabs and are very social creatures. It is critical when building your hermit crab habitat to have many crabs in your tank. At a minimum you will want three crabs in a 10 gallon tank. This will keep them happy and will be more enjoyable for you to watch all the mischief.
Once you are done with these simple steps, you can sit back and just watch your little crabs. Taking a bit of time to build the perfect hermit crab habitat will give your crabs more enjoyment and give them the feeling they are in the wild.
