Here is how to take care of a hermit crab, focusing on creating a suitable environment and meeting their essential needs.
Caring for a hermit crab involves providing a proper habitat that mimics their natural environment.
A well-set-up terrarium (often called a crabitat) is crucial for your hermit crab's well-being. Size matters – a larger tank allows for more space and easier maintenance of humidity levels.
Habitat Essentials:
- Tank: Start with at least a 10-gallon glass tank for a couple of small crabs. Larger tanks are better for multiple or bigger crabs.
- Substrate: A deep substrate is needed as hermit crabs love to bury themselves to de-stress, molt, and regulate their temperature and humidity. Use a mix of coconut fiber and play sand, keeping it consistently damp. The depth should be at least 6 inches or 3 times the height of your largest crab.
- Water Dishes: Provide two non-metal dishes deep enough for your crabs to submerge themselves in: one with dechlorinated freshwater and one with saltwater (using marine-grade salt mix). Include pebbles or sponges to help smaller crabs climb in and out.
- Hiding Places: Offer shelters like half-logs, coconut huts, or plastic caves where they can retreat and feel secure.
- Climbing Structures: Hermit crabs love to climb! Include structures like driftwood pieces or mangrove roots within the aquarium to provide some entertainment and exercise. Other options include plastic plants, coral pieces, or netting secured to the tank walls.
Maintaining the Proper Environment
Controlling the environmental conditions within the terrarium is vital for your hermit crab's health.
Temperature and Humidity:
- Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C). Use an under-tank heater (UTH) mounted on the side or back of the tank, not underneath, to avoid drying out the substrate. Monitor temperature with a thermometer.
- Humidity: Hermit crabs require humidity of around 50-70%. They need this high humidity to keep their gills moist and to breathe properly. If the air is too dry, your hermit crab might become inactive and suffocate. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. You can increase humidity by misting the tank daily with dechlorinated water, covering the tank with a lid (like a glass lid or plastic wrap), and ensuring the substrate and water dishes are properly maintained.
Here's a quick look at key environmental ranges:
| Requirement | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 75-85°F (24-29°C) |
| Humidity | 50-70% |
Feeding Your Hermit Crab
Hermit crabs are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet.
- What to Feed: Offer a mix of commercial hermit crab food (ensure it does not contain harmful ingredients like ethoxyquin or copper sulfate) and fresh foods. Safe fresh foods include:
- Fruits: Apple, banana, mango, coconut
- Vegetables: Carrots, leafy greens, broccoli
- Protein: Cooked unseasoned meat/fish, dried shrimp, bloodworms
- Other: Unsalted nuts, popcorn (plain), calcium sources (cuttlebone, eggshells)
- Frequency: Feed them daily, removing uneaten food after 24 hours to prevent mold or spoilage.
Providing Access to Shells
Hermit crabs do not grow their own shells; they find and inhabit discarded ones. Providing a variety of correctly sized shells is absolutely essential.
- Why Shells? They need shells to protect their soft abdomen. As they grow, they will need larger shells to move into.
- Variety: Offer several shells of different sizes and openings for each crab. Ensure they are cleaned and safe (boil them in dechlorinated water). Popular shell types include turbo shells and land snail shells.
Other Care Considerations
- Social Needs: Hermit crabs are social creatures and do best when kept in groups of two or more.
- Handling: Handle them gently and minimally. Allow them to explore your hand if they are comfortable, but never force them out of their shell. Always wash your hands before and after handling.
By providing a spacious and properly equipped habitat, maintaining correct temperature and high humidity levels (as required by their gills), offering a balanced diet, and ensuring a good selection of shells, you can help your hermit crabs live healthy and active lives.
