subject: What Not To Give When Feeding Hermit Crabs [print this page] Although feeding your hermit crabs can be an enjoyable and relatively easy experience, there are certain precautions you will want to take to ensure happy and healthy hermit crabs.
Because hermit crabs are susceptible to many microbes and certain infections, sterilization of your hermit crabs environment and food is especially important. Remember that your hermit crabs will be living in a more tropical and humid environment, which can also breed certain types of microbes, so sterilization is that much more important.
There are a few steps to take while crafting your hermit crabs diet. When feeding hermit crabs, take the following warnings into account.
Stay Away from Tap Water. Tap water is chlorinated purposefully in our water sources to remove harmful bacteria. Unfortunately tap water and chlorine specifically is harmful to your hermit crabs, and will result in deterioration of your hermit crabs shell and will also result in the slow deterioration of the skin. At times, the blemishes we see can be the beginning of an infection from fungi or algae.
Stay Away from Artificially Flavored Foods. When feeding your hermit crabs, stay away from foods that are not organic or have added artificial flavors. Such pesticides from non organic produce and artificial chemicals will reduce your hermit crabs health in no time. Obvious foods not to feed your hermit crab include potato chips or other snack foods.
Stay Away From Organic Foods with Copper Sulfate. Copper is an essential nutrient when feeding hermit crabs, but sometimes the mineral is present in foods as copper sulfate. Copper sulfate is very toxic for your hermit crabs health. Other options when feeding your hermit crabs include leafy green vegetables containing the oxalate enzyme, which binds with the calcium mineral to assist your hermit crab throughout their molting process.
Stay Away from Hot or Spicy Foods. When feeding hermit crabs, steer clear of hot and spicy foods. Your hermit crabs will appreciate most whole foods without added spice, as hermit crabs have different taste buds than humans. Feeding hermit crabs spicy foods will do significant damage in your crabs digestion system.
Stay Away from Refined Sugar and Table Salt. It is not a good idea when feeding your hermit crabs to add either table salt or refined sugar. If you feel you want to season your hermit crabs food, you can use a bit of aquarium sea salt, fresh parsley, organic honey, and organic molasses. Generally speaking, your hermit crabs are happy with the natural taste of fresh fruits and vegetables, which have enough natural sugars.
Although this is a short list of the potential diet dangers when feeding hermit crabs, there are a few other points to consider. When washing and preparing fresh food for your hermit crab, use of dechlorinated water is best. You can also boost your hermit crabs health by feeding your hermit crab fresh vegetables containing oxalic acid and zeaxantin. Providing a variety of fresh and wholesome foods for your hermit crab will only result in a healthy and happy crab.
It is important to note that hermit crabs grow constantly, and frequently replace their outer shell or exoskeleton. Feeding hermit crabs with calcium rich foods during this process is very beneficial.
Lastly, it is a good idea to keep your hermit crabs away from exposure to chemicals, pesticides, and perfumes.
