Hermit Crabs

Hermit Crabs

As multiple hermit crabs can be kept together in a 10 gallon or larger habitat, and they do not require daily handling or socializing outside of their habitat, hermit crabs can make an excellent pet for the pet parent that doesn't have a great deal of space or extra time to devote to a pet. Hermit crabs are quiet but social pets that can be entertaining to watch interact with each other and their environment. Hermit crabs do still need specialized care and attention however, and should be fed a high-quality commercial hermit crab food as well as treats such as vegetables, non-citrus fruits, nuts, seaweed, brine shrimp or fish flakes.

Hermit crabs should always be provided with carotene and calcium supplements, such as a cuttlebone, as well as fresh, clean, chlorine-free water. Although hermit crabs may prefer to drink from a sponge over a dish, both fresh and saltwater should be provided in shallow bowls. Your hermit crab habitat should have plenty of décor for climbing and hiding, as well as an assortment of new, larger shells for when your crab grows.

Humidity should be kept high by daily misting by bottle or a misting machine and they should have a warm to cool gradient with an under tank heater. Although hermit crabs don't need UVB, lighting should be provided 10-12 hours for a day/night cycle.