How Much Does Hermit Crab Food Cost? A Budget-Friendly Guide

As a new hermit crab owner, you may be wondering how much you should budget for food. Hermit crabs are inexpensive pets to acquire, but providing proper nutrition is essential for their health and happiness. In this article, I’ll go over the different types of foods crabs eat and give price estimates to help you plan your budget.

Commercial Crab Food

Commercial crab food specifically formulated for hermit crabs is the staple of their diet It contains a blend of ingredients to meet their nutritional needs Here are some popular options with price ranges

• Pellet food – $3 to $8 for a 4-8 oz container
• Powdered food – $4 to $10 for a 4-8 oz package
• Canned or pouches – $2 to $5 per 5-6 oz can/pouch

For one or two small to medium crabs, budget about $10 to $15 per month for commercial food Buy the smallest package size available to ensure freshness.

Pros: provides balanced nutrition, convenient
Cons: can be higher cost per ounce than other options

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce makes a healthy supplement to commercial diets. Good choices are leafy greens like kale, broccoli, fruits like mango, papaya, banana, and coconut. The cost will vary based on what you buy but expect to spend around $3 to $5 per week.

Wash all produce and cut into small pieces before feeding. Remove uneaten fresh foods daily.

Pros: natural, adds variety, low cost
Cons: labor intensive to prepare, spoils quickly

Protein

Protein sources like dried insects, cooked lean meat, and seafood provide important nutrients. Here are typical costs:

• Dried mealworms – $5 to $10 for 1/2 pound container
• Cooked unseasoned chicken, beef, or fish – $0.50 to $1.50 per serving
• Dried shrimp – $7 to $10 for a 2 oz bag

Budget $5 to $10 per month for supplemental protein foods. A little goes a long way to add variety.

Pros: supports muscle growth and exoskeleton
Cons: risk of spoilage if left overnight

Wood

Natural wood offers enrichment and fiber. Safe woods are oak, maple, birch, and cholla. You can find suitable pieces around your neighborhood for free. Pet stores also sell packs of assorted wood shapes for $5 to $10.

Each piece will last for weeks before needing replacement. Budget $5 to $10 every 2-3 months for supplemental wood.

Pros: long lasting, low cost, eco-friendly
Cons: specialty woods can be pricier

Treats

For occasional treats, consider foods like honey, dried coconut, peanut butter, popcorn or trail mix. Small portions of these foods add diversity. Treats cost between $0.25 to $3 per serving depending on the item. Allocate $5 per month for treats.

Pros: adds excitement, highly palatable
Cons: potential for overfeeding if given too frequently

Calcium

Powdered calcium supplements support exoskeleton growth. Expect to pay $5 to $10 for a bottle that will last 6 months or longer.

Pros: vital for health, affordable
Cons: remember to replenish before running out

Food and Water Dishes

You’ll need a few small, shallow non-porous dishes for food and treated water. Ceramic and stainless steel bowls are good choices. Expect to pay $5 to $10 for a set of 2-4 dishes.

Pros: long lasting, easy to clean
Cons: breakable materials like ceramic can chip

Estimated Monthly Total

• Commercial crab food: $10 – $15
• Produce: $15 – $20
• Protein: $5 – $10
• Wood: $0 – $5
• Treats: $5
• Calcium: $0 – $5
• Dishes: $0 – $5 startup cost

Grand total per month: $35 – $60

The monthly cost to feed one or two small hermit crabs generally ranges from $35 to $60 depending on diet choices. This affordable budget provides a varied, nutritious diet.

With a little planning, you can keep your crab well-fed without breaking the bank. Focus purchases on staple commercial foods, supplemented with lower-cost fresh foods. Shop sales and buy in bulk when possible. Mix and match food items each week to provide exciting variety while maximizing nutrition.

Monitoring portions is also key to avoid waste. Offer just enough food for your crabs to finish each meal. Remove uneaten fresh foods promptly.