It can be fun to keep hermit crabs as pets since these lively little crustaceans can be very entertaining, however it is essential that one knows how to care for them properly. As with many other types of animals, if they do not have their particular needs met, they can easily become sick and even die. The best place to start before getting such a pet, it to learn about the animal's nature and requirements.
Hermit crabs are crustaceans which have become adapted to live on land. Unlike other animals in this group, they have a thinner exoskeleton and therefore must find discarded shells to use as a protective covering for their delicate bodies. As they grow, they look for a new, larger shell to replace the previous one. Several extra, suitable shells should be provided for them in their habitat.
They also go through a process called "moulting" twice each year. It involves the shedding of their old exoskeleton to make way for a new one. As their new skin is tender, the crab should not be touched during this time. Quite often they will bury themselves in the sand or gravel on the floor of their tank to protect themselves at this time. Most often they will eat the old skin, that contains calcium.
A suitable diet needs to be supplied on a daily basis. The best food for these creatures are pellet which have been specially formulated to meet their dietary needs. They can also be given some human foods as a special treat such as coconut, corn flakes, and apples. It is important to remove any food which has not be consumed after 2 days so it doesn't pollute the habitat.
There should be 2 water dishes provided in the tank, one for drinking and one for bathing. The bathing water should have sea salt added to it and the drinking water needs to be either distilled or dechlorinated. The dishes should not tip over and be deep enough for the crabs to submerge in but not too deep as they could drown. Water must be changed daily.
The most suitable housing for these animals is a glass tank of at least 10 gallons, which can comfortably accommodate up to 3 crabs. The floor of the tank should be covered with shavings, sand, or gravel and there should be several objects they can climb up on or hide inside. A glass lid can help maintain the humid environment crabs require in order for their gills to stay moist for respiration. A hygrometer can be used to measure the humidity.
Temperature is important as well, since these animals originate in tropical climates and require a certain amount of heat. It is necessary to use a heat source such as and under-tank heater, heat-mat, ceramic heat emitter, incandescent bulb, or fluorescent bulb. There should be a thermometer affixed to the tank to make sure that the temperature is kept in the 78.8-89.6 degrees Fahrenheit range.
Hermit crabs don't like to be alone and do better with companions, but too many can end up in fighting and aggression. Keeping their home clean, feeding them and giving them fresh water daily, and carefully maintaining their humidity and temperature are all necessary for these pets to thrive. Proper care will keep them healthy and increase their longevity. As they become accustomed to people, these naturally timid creatures, gradually become more sociable.
Hermit crabs are crustaceans which have become adapted to live on land. Unlike other animals in this group, they have a thinner exoskeleton and therefore must find discarded shells to use as a protective covering for their delicate bodies. As they grow, they look for a new, larger shell to replace the previous one. Several extra, suitable shells should be provided for them in their habitat.
They also go through a process called "moulting" twice each year. It involves the shedding of their old exoskeleton to make way for a new one. As their new skin is tender, the crab should not be touched during this time. Quite often they will bury themselves in the sand or gravel on the floor of their tank to protect themselves at this time. Most often they will eat the old skin, that contains calcium.
A suitable diet needs to be supplied on a daily basis. The best food for these creatures are pellet which have been specially formulated to meet their dietary needs. They can also be given some human foods as a special treat such as coconut, corn flakes, and apples. It is important to remove any food which has not be consumed after 2 days so it doesn't pollute the habitat.
There should be 2 water dishes provided in the tank, one for drinking and one for bathing. The bathing water should have sea salt added to it and the drinking water needs to be either distilled or dechlorinated. The dishes should not tip over and be deep enough for the crabs to submerge in but not too deep as they could drown. Water must be changed daily.
The most suitable housing for these animals is a glass tank of at least 10 gallons, which can comfortably accommodate up to 3 crabs. The floor of the tank should be covered with shavings, sand, or gravel and there should be several objects they can climb up on or hide inside. A glass lid can help maintain the humid environment crabs require in order for their gills to stay moist for respiration. A hygrometer can be used to measure the humidity.
Temperature is important as well, since these animals originate in tropical climates and require a certain amount of heat. It is necessary to use a heat source such as and under-tank heater, heat-mat, ceramic heat emitter, incandescent bulb, or fluorescent bulb. There should be a thermometer affixed to the tank to make sure that the temperature is kept in the 78.8-89.6 degrees Fahrenheit range.
Hermit crabs don't like to be alone and do better with companions, but too many can end up in fighting and aggression. Keeping their home clean, feeding them and giving them fresh water daily, and carefully maintaining their humidity and temperature are all necessary for these pets to thrive. Proper care will keep them healthy and increase their longevity. As they become accustomed to people, these naturally timid creatures, gradually become more sociable.
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