Beginner's Guide to Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs can live for years if given the proper care. They are ideal pets for individuals who cannot spend a lot of time with another type of animal, such as a cat or dog. Beginners must know some basic facts like where to keep the crabs and how to keep them warm.

  1. Supplies

    • A 14-inch aquarium with a glass top is ideal for up the three crabs. The crabs need to live in temperatures between 78 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a heat mat on the bottom of the container, or position a small lamp with a low-wattage bulb above it to keep the temperature steady. Cover the bottom of the aquarium with 2 or 3 inches of clean, dry gravel, cat litter or wood shavings. The bedding must be changed every six weeks or three to four times a year depending on how many hermit crabs are in the tank. Place pieces of driftwood or large sticks in the home to give the crabs something to climb and explore.

    Food Source

    • Hermit crabs pellets are sold at pet supply stores. If the crab's claws are not big enough to pick up pellets, crush the pellets into a powder. They also need daily treats of fresh food, which can be chopped fruit, corn flakes, shredded coconut and broccoli florets or kale.

    Alternate Shells

    • Always have at least two larger shells per hermit crab in the tank so the crab will have an option when it's ready to move. Hermit crabs cast off their outer shells typically twice a year. When this happens, isolate the crab for up to six weeks as their bodies are soft and at risk of injury from being handled or from another crab. Do not touch them during this isolation unless it is absolutely necessary. Don't remove the shells the crabs discard. They will eat them for necessary calcium.

    Safety Measures

    • Many household chemicals are poisonous to hermit crabs. Do not use sprays, such as air fresheners, deodorants, hair spray, or furniture polish near their cage or in areas where they play. Residue from carpet fresheners or cleaners can also kill your hermit crab. They can be played with on clean tile or linoleum floors. Hermit crabs require high humidity to prevent dehydration or suffocation. Put two shallow, non-porous heavy bowls in the aquarium. Fill one with regular water, which the crab will drink and will also maintain the humidity. Fill the second with salt water, which the crab will use for bathing. Use an aquarium dechlorinator to eliminate chlorine in the water.

    Mood

    • Hermit crabs are happiest when they have another hermit crab in the cage. They may develop stress from loneliness, temperature swings or from being dropped. A stressed-out crab may discard its shell and walk around without it, or act more sluggish than normal. Overcrowding can also bother a crab. While the crabs enjoy company, they may fight over available shells. If a crab loses a leg in the process, it will grow back when the crab molts.