How to care for Hermit Crabs

The Land Hermit Crab makes a wonderful pet. It is friendly, intelligent, odour free and very clean. This crab has evolved to live on land and uses an empty shell as portable home, as well as for protection. Remember, it is a land animal and must not be kept in water.

Housing
Use an aquarium with a cover glass, humidity is essential to the crabs well-being. The floor of the aquarium should be kept dry and can be covered with shell grit, aquarium sand, or in winter coarse saw dust to help them warm. A piece of drift wood or mangrove root looks effective as well as providing a great playground. Land hermit crabs love to climb.

Heat
The land hermit crab is tropical and is best kept at about 30oC Do not let the temperature drop below 20oC Heating can be provided by installing a low wattage globe over the top of the aquarium. A thermometer must be installed to monitor the temperature.

Water
Two bowls of water must be provided; one containing freshwater for drinking, the other containing sea water for bathing. Synthetic sea salt can be used to make up the sea water (1 level tsp to 100ml of water). Ensure the water bowls are sturdy and cannot be tipped over. The water must be frequently changed in order to keep it clean.

Food
A range of foods can be offered including fish pellets, any cereal, bread, shredded coconut and fruit. It is recommended that small quantities are given; this will ensure the food is fresh when eaten.

Extra Shells
The crab will climb out of its shell and put on a new one from time to time. Therefore, a few spare shells should be kept in the aquarium for this purpose. It is essential a slightly larger size one is available to the crab after it has moulted.

Moulting
Like other crabs, the land hermit crab needs to cast off its outer skeleton, usually twice a year. After it has moulted the crab needs to be left alone for several weeks until its new skeleton hardens.

Habits
The land hermit crab is somewhat nocturnal by nature and will sleep during the day. Low temperature and low humidity also sends it into its shell. Warm humid air and the warmth of your hand is usually sufficient to wake it up.

These crabs are long lived and if well cared for will live for several decades. During this time they will become so friendly you will consider them one of the family.


Extra Notes
•Since crabs "breathe" via gills, the proper exchange of oxygen by the crabs depends on the humidity in the air, so if the tank air is too dry the crabs will essentially suffocate.
•A moulting hermit crab can be mistaken to be a dead hermit crab. This is due to the crab becoming lifeless. To determine if it is alive leave for a few days, if it is dead a fishy odour is given off.
•There are three stages to moulting, firstly preparing for moulting, then shedding the exoskeleton and lastly hardening the exoskeleton.
•Before moulting the hermit crab will regrow lost legs – this is a sign that your pet is about to moult.