Providing The Best Life For Your Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs make unique, low maintenance pets that can live over 10 years when properly cared for. While small, these little crabs have big personalities and are endlessly entertaining to watch. Their tropical origins mean that recreating a warm beach habitat is the key to their health and happiness. With just a few critical elements, you can give your hermit crab a wonderful life.

Temperature Is Vital

Hermit crabs are from the warm tropical regions near the equator and cannot survive if they get too cold. Unlike humans that maintain a constant internal body temperature hermit crabs take on the temperature of their environment. Their growth metabolism, and immune system begin to shut down once the temperature drops below 75°F. An ideal temperature for pet hermit crabs is 78-82°F.

There are several options for heating a hermit crab habitat:

• Under tank heaters that attach to the side or back of the tank. These raise the ambient air temperature

• Ceramic infrared bulbs in dome lamps over the tank, These heat the air and surfaces inside the tank

• Space heaters or heat lamps in the room. This works for small tanks if the room stays warm.

Get a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the tank. Adjust heat sources as needed through the seasons. Overheating can also be dangerous, so make sure the crabitat doesn’t exceed 85°F.

High Humidity Is A Must

Hermit crabs have modified gills and breathe through tiny pores in their abdomen called ostia. To respire properly, they require very high humidity around 70-80%. In dry air, their gills will slowly dry out causing suffocation.

Ways to increase and maintain humidity:

• Keep substrate moist but not soggy

• Use a mix of playsand and cocofiber as substrate

• Cover most of tank with plastic wrap or acrylic sheeting

• Use large, deep water dishes and change often

• Misting the tank 1-2 times a day with dechlorinated water

• Use a cool mist humidifier or fogger

Get a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Keep levels between 70-80% at all times.

Special Substrate To Tunnel & Molt

Hermit crabs are amazing excavators and will dig elaborate tunnels and caves in the right substrate. This gives them security and areas to destress and molt. Molting is how hermit crabs grow, and they buried underground for weeks while they shed their exoskeleton.

The best substrates are:

• Children’s playsand mixed with cocofiber

• Organic topsoil with worm castings

• A commercial blend specifically for hermit crabs

Avoid gravel, calcium sand, and terrestrial plant substrates as they are dangerous for hermit crabs. The substrate should be at least 6 inches deep, and even deeper is better. Keep it moist by misting every few days.

Food & Water For Health

Hermit crabs are omnivores and opportunistic eaters. Feed them a varied diet including:

• Fresh fruits and veggies – apple, mango, carrots, leafy greens

• Unsalted nuts and seeds

• Baby food fruits and veggies

• Insect protein – mealworms, crickets

• Meat and seafood – boiled chicken, shrimp, fish

• Tropical fish flakes and pellets

They need a constant supply of treated fresh water in a dish deep enough to submerge in. Change this every couple days.

Ocean-like salt water is also essential. Mix with dechlorinated water and marine salt designed for fish. This helps them regulate internal salt levels.

Shells For Protection

Hermit crabs don’t have a shell of their own, so they rely on scavenging empty shells to live in. As they grow, they need larger and larger shells. Provide an assortment of properly fitting shells so they can upgrade homes. Look for shells with a circular opening roughly the size of the crab’s claw. Avoid painted shells as the paint contains toxins.

Having the right shells prevents aggression between crabs over shells. Give them 3-5 choices per crab in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Proper Tank Set Up For Crabs

Now that you know what hermit crabs need, let’s discuss how to set up the ideal crabitat habitat:

• Use a 10+ gallon glass aquarium or plastic storage tub as the base.

• Add 6 inches or more of the proper substrate mix. Slope higher in the back.

• Install under tank heater or overhead ceramic heat lamp.

• Use a screen lid or plastic wrap to hold in humidity.

• Add hiding spots like cocohuts, cork logs, and plants.

• Provide dishes for fresh and salt water.

• Add thermometer, hygrometer, and extra shells.

Monitor conditions daily and make adjustments as needed. Perform partial substrate changes every 6 months when excess food has accumulated. Thoroughly clean the tank each time you replace the substrate.

While hermit crabs have some basic care requirements, keeping their environment properly heated, humidified, and stocked will lead to a long, healthy life. They are low maintenance pets compared to other species, but be sure to interact with them daily. With a properly set up habitat, these little crabs make engaging, unique pets.