Hermit crabs make fascinating pets, with their little claws clicking across the tank and climbing over substrates and toys. Their unique exoskeletons that they change through molting are intriguing to observe. But what do these little crabs need in their diet to stay happy and healthy? Read on for a complete guide to feeding pet hermit crabs.
An Overview of Hermit Crab Diets
Hermit crabs are omnivores meaning they eat both plant and animal matter in the wild. Their diet should mirror this diverse range in captivity as well. Here are the key components hermit crabs need
- High-quality commercial food or pellets
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Animal protein from cooked meats or freeze-dried seafood
- Calcium from cuttlebone or crushed eggshells
- Fresh water and salt water
Supplementing with a variety of fresh foods is ideal to give them a diverse diet
Commercial Diets and Pellets
A high-quality commercial hermit crab diet should form the staple of their nutrition. Look for reputable brands like Zoo Med’s Natural Aquatic Crab Cuisine or Florida Marine Research’s Hermit Crab Diet. These provide balanced nutrition.
The pellets can be crushed into a powder for small crabs. Feed about 1 teaspoon per crab daily. Remove any uneaten pellets after 24 hours.
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and veggies add beneficial vitamins and minerals. Good options include:
- Leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce
- Broccoli, carrots
- Apples, grapes, banana, mango
- Dried fruits like coconut, raisins, goji berries
Chop the produce into small pieces. Offer a diverse mix, rotating different items.
Animal Protein
While not their main food source, animal proteins give crabs essential nutrients. Give them small amounts of:
- Cooked unseasoned chicken, fish, or egg
- Dried shrimp, bloodworms, plankton
- Mealworms or crickets
Offer tiny pieces a couple times a week.
Calcium Sources
Calcium is crucial for exoskeleton health. Provide sources like:
- Cuttlebone
- Crushed oyster shell
- Crushed eggshells
- Coral sand substrate
Sprinkle the calcium powder on their food.
Fresh Water and Salt Water
Always provide both fresh water and salt water. Use dechlorinated tap water for fresh drinking water. For salt water, mix a marine salt blend. Give water dishes big enough for soaking.
Foods You Should Avoid
Some human foods are not safe for hermit crabs. Avoid:
- Dairy products
- Sugary foods
- Salty snacks
- Citrus fruits
- Starchy veggies like potatoes
Also do not give raw meats which can harbor bacteria.
Feeding Baby Hermit Crabs
Baby hermit crabs have tiny mouths and claws, so they need teeny pieces. Powdered pellets and finely minced produce are best. Avoid hard-to-grasp foods like nuts or seeds. Give extra calcium powder since growing crabs molt frequently.
Setting Up Proper Feeding Stations
Offer their food in shallow, sturdy dishes that are easy to clean. Bury dishes slightly in the substrate. Scatter food across the tank so multiple crabs can eat at once.
Give fresh water and salt water in separate deeper dishes with rocks or coral for easy climbing out.
Signs Your Hermit Crab is Eating Well
Active foraging for food and climbing over dishes shows they are hungry for mealtimes. Strong pinchers and growth over molts indicates proper nutrition. Watch for food buried in the substrate as they stash leftovers.
If your crab has pale color, low energy, trouble molting or loss of limbs, their diet likely needs adjustments. Consult an exotic vet for help ensuring they get proper nutrition.
With the right diet, your little hermit crabs will thrive for years to come! Let them feast on a smorgasbord of commercial food, fresh fruits and veggies, proteins and calcium. A varied diet will keep them active and healthy.
Do you have any favorite foods your hermit crabs go crazy over? Share your best feeding tips in the comments!
Step 3: Chop Fruit and Nuts
Step 6: Popcorn! (method Two)
- plain corn kernels
- paper lunch bag
- small amount of coconut or other vegetable oil
What foods do hermit crabs eat? Give your crabs these foods to make them active & healthy!
FAQ
What do pet hermit crabs drink?
How often should hermit crabs eat?
What is a hermit crabs Favourite food?
What should a pet hermit crab eat?
A pet hermit crab should eat a combination of hermit crab food and fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Hermit crabs can be incredibly easy to feed as long as you avoid a few categories of food and ensure it is getting the proper nutrition.
How do hermit crabs find food?
In the wild, hermit crabs find food mainly using two methods: one is to use the smelling receptors found on their antennae, and the other is to simply find food through observing what and where other fellow hermit crabs are eating. What Do Hermit Crabs Eat as Pets?
Do hermit crabs eat at night?
Feeding hermit crabs. In the wild, hermit crabs eat at night, so it’s recommended to feed your pets at night as well. Feed them a balanced diet. If they aren’t eating pelleted food, you may want to add water to soften. Supplement your hermit crab’s diet with fruits and leafy vegetables like kale.
Can hermit crabs eat tomatoes?
Yes, but only in very small quantities. Acidic foods like tomatoes are not recommended as a dietary staple for hermit crabs. Can hermit crabs eat bananas? Yes, bananas are a good fruit choice for hermit crabs. Hermit crabs eat a variety of foods, such as small fish, commercial crab food, and fruit. Learn more about what hermit crabs eat.