First things first: you cannot just own one hermit crab. Despite their name, they are social creatures who need other hermit crabs to have a fulfilled, long life. So if you want one, you at least need two!
Hermit crabs are heavily mistreated pets who are frequently taken from their natural habitats on beach coasts and put into the hands of children who tend to neglect their needs and ultimately, kill them. Despite typically not lasting a year in captivity with most care, hermit crabs can live to be 30 years old.
To properly take care of hermit crabs and let them live a full life, there are many basic necessities that most aren’t aware of- lets get into them!
TANK SET UP:
At minimum, you need a 10 gallon tank for 2 crabs. If you decide you want more crabs, you need to increase the tank size by 5 gallons for every crab you add.
Hermit crabs are found in tropical beach environments, so this needs to be imitated in their tank. This will be done by having half the tank filled with soil substrate and the other with sand. At least 6 inches is needed to allow them room to burrow, tunnel and molt.
LIGHTING AND HEAT:
Crabs are nocturnal but still need daytime heat to warm the ground that they burrow and sleep in. Their natural habitats are anywhere from 70 degrees to 90 degrees, but the heat lamp should never exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Due to being nocturnal, they do not need light during the night, but they must still receive heat. This can be done by providing a heating mat under the tank that will keep the soil warm.
They don’t necessarily need a hot and cool side like most tank animals do, but having it set this way can make it easier as a care taker and allow the crabs to move to whichever temperature feels better to them.
CLIMBING, BURROWING AND HANGING:
The soil and sand in their environment need to be minimum 6 inches deep. This allows them the appropriate space to dig and burrow. They need this soil to molt, as they will stay submerged for the 1-2 week molting process because molting makes them vulnerable.
They also require hanging and climbing space. Hermit crabs are natural climbers and love to be active. Be sure to have hammocks, artificial plants, rope and other features that can be used to climb. To ensure safety, make sure they have the ability to climb from one fixture to another as well down to the ground from any of these fixtures. This is another reason deep substrate is important, so if there is a fall, they won’t be harmed.
SHELLS, SHELLS, SHELLS
You must provide an adequate amount of crab shells for your crabs. They molt their shells to grow frequently, and without shells to grow into, they can die or they will fight and kill other crabs for the shells they want. You can find crab shells in the wild or in stores, but you must clean them. This can be done by adding the empty shells to water and boiling them to kill off any bacteria before adding them to the habitat. There must be a range of shell sizes available, from small to extra large.
FOOD AND WATER:
FOOD:
Hermit crabs are scavengers in the wild. They will eat pretty much anything that they come across that is vegetation. In captivity, however, they do need a good supply of healthy, fresh foods to make their lifespan as long as possible. They can be fed a variety diet of different fruits and vegetables, as well as various grains, nuts and berries, and even supplements like crushed oyster shell, cow bone and even worm castings.
WATER:
Hermit crabs must have 24/7 access to fresh water and salt water. Due to their costal habitat, they require both forms. The fresh water dish and salt water dish should be large enough for the crabs to submerge in. This will allow them to clean themselves and keep their shells moist and healthy. You will need to buy fresh water and salt water conditioners to provide these.
Aside from drinking and bathing, hermit crabs also require rain in their natural habitats. To imitate this, you must mist their tank daily, around night time. This will moisten empty shells and create a humid habitat that their natural environment has.
BEHAVIOR AND HANDLING:
BEHAVIOR:
Hermit crabs, as mentioned, are very social creatures among other hermit crabs. Towards humans, however, they are very shy and view us as predators. It will take time, even years, to develop a trusting relationship with their handler. To develop this trust, you can start by feeding them and putting water in their bowls while they are out, to get them used to seeing your hands and learn that you are not a threat. As you do this, you can start trying to hand the crabs food- such as coconut shavings or slices of produce, and see if they will take it.
The behavior they have among each other is interesting to watch. They communicate by barely-audible clicks and by moving their antennas in specific arrangements.
Although they are most often nocturnal, there are some crabs who like to come out during the day and snack and then return underground. Crabs can vary in habits just as humans do- so don’t be surprised to see your crabs act differently than others or go against the ‘norms’ of crab behavior.
HANDLING:
Once you have gained trust and are able to handle your hermit crabs, it is important to remember: they are crabs. They have claws and pincers that can feel like nothing or can break the skin, depending on the size of your crab and how comfortable they are with you.
To begin handling your crabs, you should start by wearing a sock or glove on your hand. If you feel a pinch it is really important not to instinctively drop the crab or move your hand erratically, which this is why it is also important to hold your crab close to a surface in the event that they do tumble or you drop it.
Hello there, I found your site by means of Google at the same time as searching for a similar subject,
your website got here up, it seems to be great. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hello there, simply became alert to your blog via Google, and found that it
is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels.
I will be grateful for those who proceed this in future.
Lots of folks might be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
My web page Look At This
I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.
Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A few of my blog visitors have complained about my website not
operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?
My homepage … Click here
Generally I don’t learn post on blogs, however I
wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and
do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite nice article.
Take a look at my web blog: Technologie avancée
What’s up colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you desire
to say on the topic of this piece of writing, in my view its in fact remarkable in support of me.
Here is my web site: Internet Security [http://www.fundable.com]
I always emailed this blog post page to all my associates, for the reason that if like to read it next my links will too.
My web blog – Lignes de production d’occasion
These are genuinely wonderful ideas in concerning blogging.
You have touched some good things here. Any way keep up wrinting.
Here is my blog post … agen slot777
Не упустите шанс осуществить задуманное!
Мы предлагаем выгодные кредиты с низкими ставками и быстрым
одобрением.
– Авто, квартира, бизнес – мы поддержим ваши планы!
Заполните заявку онлайн, и наши специалисты свяжутся с вами.
Займ в ФинМолл онлайн-заявка в Воткинске
Car Insurance in Las Vegas Nevada delivers important coverage for drivers in the event that of collisions or even damages.
Lots of people conserve Car Insurance in las vegas insurance Companies Vegas Nevada by purchasing all around and matching up quotes.
Some service providers provide price cuts for bundling Car Insurance in Las Vegas Nevada with
various other forms of insurance coverage. It is crucial to evaluate your Car Insurance in Las Vegas Nevada policy regularly to guarantee
it still meets your needs.
Angonoka Tortoise For Sale order tortoise online
My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of
the expenses. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
I have heard fantastic things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts
into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!
My page; useful link
It’s awesome to visit this site and reading the views
of all colleagues concerning this paragraph,
while I am also eager of getting familiarity.
My page: sex kich duc
I am curious to find out what blog system you’re using? I’m having
some small security issues with my latest blog and I would like
to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?
Here is my blog … Related Site
whoah this weblog is fantastic i love reading your posts.
Stay up the good work! You know, a lot of persons are looking round for this information, you can aid them greatly.
Feel free to surf to my web-site: BOKEP INDONESIA
Yes! Finally something about کفش طبی ارتوپدی زنانه.
Hi to every , because I am really keen of reading this weblog’s post to
be updated on a regular basis. It carries pleasant stuff.
My web-site – بهترین کفش طبی مردانه در ایران
You’re so interesting! I don’t believe I’ve truly read
through anything like that before. So good to discover someone with a few
original thoughts on this issue. Really.. many thanks for starting this up.
This site is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit
of originality!
Look into my web page; AK47 Adios Premium Liquid Incense 50ML
I visited various blogs however the audio feature for audio songs current at this web site is
actually excellent.
Also visit my blog … Game Master Hub
I’ve been tracking your blog for quite a while and finally decided
to leave a comment to commend you for the fantastic
work you do. Keep it up!
my blog; Boomtown Slots
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and
I will be waiting for your next write ups thank you once again.
Feel free to visit my homepage :: online pokies
В таблице, указанной выше, обмен trc20 на монобанк приведены примеры списков пункта обмена валют.
What an thought-provoking and meditative write-up!
I ought to say , your analysis of this vital matter was
authentically exemplary.
The breadth and nuance you brought to
the discourse was outstanding , casting new
understanding on the intricacies at hand .
I discovered myself agreeing as I scanned through your proficiently constructed
assertions . The way you were equipped to refine the central points
excepting simplifying was notably exceptional.
It’s apparent you’ve dedicated a significant effort of effort
into studying this matter .
This post has presented me plenty to ponder and has prompted me to reconsider specific aspects of
my individual viewpoint .
I appreciate you taking the time to convey your proficiency –
entries like this are incredibly invaluable in advancing the
greater discussion .
I eagerly await reading additional your content in the future
to follow. Kindly maintain the superb efforts !
Feel free to visit my website :: micro gaming boulanger
Aw, this was a really nice post. Finding the time and actual
effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot
and don’t seem to get anything done.
Have a look at my web-site: pinco казино официальный сайт
I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else encountering problems with your website.
It appears as if some of the text in your content are running off the screen. Can someone
else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
This may be a issue with my web browser because I’ve had this happen before.
Kudos
Feel free to visit my blog: sex au my
I have read some good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting.
I surprise how so much effort you place to make this kind
of magnificent informative site.
Check out my webpage :: 房屋裝修
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously believe this website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll
probably be returning to read through more, thanks for the information!
my web-site: Visit Website
I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth enough for me. In my view, if
all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you
did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.
my blog: Main profile
Greetings! I know this is somewhat off topic but I
was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one?
Thanks a lot!
Stop by my webpage: data toto macau
I just like the valuable information you
provide for your articles. I will bookmark
your blog and check once more here regularly. I’m
slightly certain I will be told plenty of new stuff
right right here! Good luck for the next!
Here is my webpage: gluco 6 pills
World’s Best Hotel And Luxury Hotels HiOP
This article presents clear idea for the new users of blogging, that really how to do running a blog.
Here is my web site; Marquita
Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us
have developed some nice procedures and we are looking to swap strategies with others,
be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Also visit my blog post :: opening IDF files
Great info. Lucky me I found your blog by accident
(stumbleupon). I’ve bookmarked it for later!
Here is my web page :: led projector screen
I all the time emailed this web site post page to all my friends, since
if like to read it then my links will too.
Have a look at my website; sex co trang
Highly energetic post, I enjoyed that bit. Will there be a part 2?
my web blog: gangbang indo
Writing Your Affiliate Home Business Plan 에볼루션 영상
Howdy! This post could not be written any better!
Reading this post reminds me of my good old room
mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Here is my blog post: nagano tonic sale (en-naaganotonic.com)
Ahaa, its good conversation concerning this piece of writing at this place at
this webpage, I have read all that, so now me also commenting at this place.
My blog post :: iq blast pro review
Superb, what a website it is! This web site provides useful data
to us, keep it up.
Here is my blog post :: gold price
Hello there, I discovered your site via Google at the same time as looking for
a related matter, your website got here up, it looks great.
I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply changed into aware of your blog via Google, and
found that it is really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels.
I’ll be grateful if you happen to continue this in future.
Lots of other folks will be benefited out of your writing.
Cheers!
Take a look at my site – prodentim candy
Gentlemen’s Club 울산
Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if
blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience.
Any help would be enormously appreciated!
Take a look at my web blog … aviator predictor download
I’m curious to find out what blog system you have been using?
I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and I would like to find something more risk-free.
Do you have any suggestions?
Review my page :: sarang777
Nice respond in return of this difficulty with real arguments
and describing the whole thing concerning that.
Stop by my blog: Insulation board
Right here is the perfect website for everyone who would like to
find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa).
You certainly put a fresh spin on a subject that has been written about for a
long time. Great stuff, just excellent!
Also visit my web-site казино пинко
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I’m quite sure I’ll learn a lot of new stuff right here!
Best of luck for the next!
My page: драгон мани регистрация
Discover Top 10 Travel Destinations 하이오피주소
Las Vegas – Luxury Hotels And Resorts 광주휴게텔
Money Loan With No Bank Account – 5 Personal Loan Tips 다바오 홀덤 머니상
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to
assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts.
Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I
achievement you access consistently quickly.
Also visit my homepage; dewapokerqq link
Hello colleagues, pleasant article and good urging commented at this place, I am actually enjoying by these.
Look at my webpage :: sell gold near me