How to Take Care of Your Hermit Crab Pet

Hermit crabs make fun low maintenance pets that are full of personality. With proper care, these little crabs can live up to 20 years! While they don’t require a ton of hands-on care there are some important things you need to do to keep your hermit crab healthy and happy. Read on to learn everything you need to know about setting up the perfect habitat and caring for your new friend.

Choosing the Right Crab

There are over 800 species of hermit crabs, but only a few make good pets The most common species sold in pet stores are

• Purple Pincher Crabs One of the most popular species known for their large front claws. They grow up to 5 inches.

• Ecuadorian Crabs: Tend to be smaller, only growing to about 2.5 inches. They have red bands on their legs.

• Caribbean Crabs: Grow around 3 inches and have bright red legs.

No matter what species you choose, pick an active crab that is moving around the tank at the store. Avoid crabs that are missing limbs or seem to be hiding in their shell. Ask the pet store how long the crab has been there – you want one that is newly arrived.

Setting Up the Perfect Habitat

Hermit crabs are tropical creatures who need high humidity, warm temperatures, and plenty of space. Here is everything you need to create a comfortable home:

• Tank: Get a 10 gallon tank for 2 small crabs, and add 5 gallons for each additional crab. The tank should be glass or acrylic.

• Substrate: Use a mix of play sand and coconut fiber, at least 6 inches deep. This gives them material to dig and burrow in.

• Humidity: Keep the humidity around 75-80%. Use a hygrometer and mist the tank daily.

• Heat: Maintain a temperature of 75-85°F. Use an under tank heater designed for hermit crabs.

• Decor: Add climbing toys, plants (real or artificial), rocks, shells, and hiding places. Make sure decor is crab-safe.

• Water: Provide both fresh water and salt water, filled deep enough for shell submersion. Use dechlorinated water.

• Food: Shallow dishes for pellets, fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, and calcium powder. Scatter throughout the tank.

• Shells: Supply extra shells so they can change as they grow. Make sure shells are natural, not painted.

Feeding Your Crab

Hermit crabs are omnivores and scavengers. Feed them a varied diet with a mix of commercial foods and fresh options:

• High quality pellet foods and powders with calcium

• Chopped veggies like carrots, spinach, and sweet potato

• Fresh fruits like mango, berries, and melon

• Unsalted nuts, seeds, dried seaweed

• Tiny pieces of lean meat, fish, or egg

• Calcium powder like eggshells to help grow their exoskeleton

Remove uneaten fresh foods within 24 hours before it goes bad. Provide new food every 2-3 days and scatter it throughout the tank. Make sure to give them both their salt and fresh water as well.

Caring for Your Crab

Hermit crabs are relatively low maintenance, but there are a few things you need to do for their health:

• Spot clean the tank as needed by removing poop, old food, etc. Every 4-6 months, replace all the substrate.

• Slowly get your crab used to gentle handling. Go at their pace and avoid squeezing their abdomen.

• If your crab burrows under the substrate for weeks, don’t disturb them – they are molting! Leave them be until they emerge.

• Monitor for signs of stress like lack of appetite. If needed, move to an isolation tank while they recover.

• Watch for strange behaviors that could indicate illness. Take to a vet if you are concerned.

• Socialize your crab by getting 2-5 more crabs. They like having buddies!