subject: 8 Tips For The Perfect Hermit Crabs Habitats [print this page] For some reason, hermit crabs tend to steal all the attention when it comes to pets in the crustacean family, and all other crustaceans seem to just be dinner. When we make the decision to bring home hermit crabs as a new pet, there are considerations you will want to make to care for them in their new hermit crabs habitat.
In the wild, hermit crabs are born in the ocean and float or swim to shore shortly after in search of a new shell to make their own. The hermit crabs habitat then usually consists of a more sandy, warm, and humid environment in the tropics.
The hermit crabs habitats are no exception when they are pets. You will want to do your best to recreate this warm and tropical environment to make your hermit crabs happy and healthy. There are eight basic elements that need to be provided to your hermit crabs habitats, which are as follows.
1. Hermit Crabs Require Warmth. Remember that hermit crabs are from more tropical parts of the world, so you will want to maintain their hermit crabs habitats at a warmer temperature than your home, between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use a heating lamp from above their habitat or a heading pad adhered to the bottom of the hermit crabs habitat. Be sure to use a temperature gauge to ensure proper temperatures throughout the day.
2. Hermit Crabs Require Higher Humidity Levels. Because hermit crabs come from more tropical environments, along with higher temperatures, your hermit crabs are accustomed to higher humidity levels as well. Ensure your hermit crabs habitats are humid. This can be accomplished by keeping their water dishes full and misting the habitat frequently. Approximately 70 percent humidity levels are appropriate for your hermit crabs habitats.
3. Create a Natural Environment in the Habitat. Because hermit crabs tend to be more active in the night time hours, you might not want to keep their habitat in your bedroom. Be sure to place the hermit crabs habitats in areas with plenty of fresh air and light. The actual cage can be either plastic or glass, and be sure to use a background on the back of the tank that resembles their natural habitat.
4. Hermit Crabs Require Proper Substrate. Hermit crabs require proper substrate in their habitats to allow them to crawl, dig, and bury themselves, all of which are natural practices of the hermit crab. Sand is the most popular substrate for hermit crabs habitats at a depth of between one and two inches.
5. Hermit Crabs are Escape Artists. You will want to make sure your hermit crabs habitats is tightly covered from the top, as your hermit crabs are escape artists. Using a lid also helps to regulate temperature and humidity levels.
6. Ensure All The Essentials for the Hermit Crabs Habitat. Hermit crabs require both a salt water and dechlorinated water dish, rocks or dry wood to crawl on, and especially multiple painted and natural shells of various sizes for them to make as their new home as they outgrow their existing shell.
7. Hermit Crabs are VERY Social Creatures. Despite the name, hermit crabs are actually very social creatures and thrive on the company of other hermit crabs in the wild. They are more comfortable in groups of three or more, so make sure you adopt enough hermit crabs to properly replicate the natural environment of your hermit crabs habitats.
8. Hermit Crabs Require a Proper and Varied Diet. Hermit crabs require different nutrients to maintain proper health, which can make the difference between healthy and unhealthy hermit crabs. Be sure to add lots of calcium and carotene rich foods in their food dishes like corn and carrots.
Once you are able to put these elements together for your hermit crabs habitat, maintenance and care for these creatures is relatively simple and fun. Be sure to keep the habitat clean and substrate replaced a few times per month. Have fun building a relationship with your hermit crabs.
