How to Take Care of a Hermit Crab

The only thing easier to care for than a hermit crab is perhaps a pet rock. Hermit crabs require very little from their owners to live a fulfilling, if somewhat isolated, life. You can take care of a hermit crab with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

  • 10-gallon aquarium with screen top
  • Sand
  • Driftwood, shells, plastic plants and other hiding places
  • Shallow water bowl
  • Water conditioner
  • Heater (optional)
  • Humidity gauge
  • Food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the hermit crab̵7;s home by placing about 3 inches of sand on the bottom of the tank so he can tunnel about. Adorn the tank with driftwood for him to chew on and play with, shells and a couple of plastic plants.

    • 2

      Give him daily water from a freshly cleaned bowl but make sure to treat the water first to remove chlorine. Pet shops sell chlorine remover and you̵7;ll only need a very, very small drop.

    • 3

      Feed the crab small chunks of meat, fish and even fruit and vegetables. They will not eat a lot, so make sure that food does not lay around rotting in the cage. You can also supplement your pet's diet with store-bought hermit crab food.

    • 4

      Place the cage out of direct sunlight but in a place where it will always be at least 72 degrees F. If that̵7;s warmer than your home, you can get a small bottom heater for his tank.

    • 5

      Keep his cage humid. This can be done by placing a natural sponge in a dish of water near the heater or in the corner of the tank. You can check the humidity with a gauge, also sold at pet stores, to make sure it̵7;s at least 70 percent. The tank should feel tropical and moist.

    • 6

      Clean the tank by raking through the sand when necessary, rinsing off plants and other ornaments.