MOMPROVEMENT

Hermit Crabs are Social Pets

Posted by momprovement on September 9, 2008

Hermit crabs, despite what the name implies, are neither solitary animals nor true crabs.  The hermit crabs are social animals and live in large groups in the wild.  They have a long abdomen and no hard covering (two things that make them different from true crabs), which is the reason they must live in leftover snail shells.

Although hermit crabs are advertised or thought of as cheap and easy to maintain, there are some things that are important to consider if you want to keep your hermit crabs happy and healthy.  When kept at the proper conditions and in the right environment, hermit crabs have been known to live for 6 to 15 years.  Most, unfortunately, will only live for about 6 to 12 months.

A glass terrarium makes the best choice for the hermit crabs.  The glass helps to keep the temperature and humidity at the proper level.  There should also be a proper airflow to help cut down on mold and bacteria.

Inside the terrarium there should be enough suitable material lining the bottom to allow the largest hermit crab to dig down, about twice the height of the crab should be sufficient.  Materials that you can use include sanitized beach sand, quality play sand (not used for construction), crushed coral, fine river pebble, and damp coconut fiber.

You will also need to create two different ponds for your hermit crab by using non-metallic, non-porous dishes.  One is for fresh water and one is for ocean water.  Adding sea sponges to the water dishes will help maintain the humidity and moisture in the hermit crabs’ environment.

Under the tank you will need to place a heat pad made especially for small animals and reptiles.  It gently warms the glass and sand, but you will still need to regulate the temperature of the sand by installing a thermostat at sand level.

Hermit crabs are nocturnal animals and therefore are most active at night and least active around noon.  They do not bite, but will pinch using their strong front claws.  These same claws are used for climbing, so hermit crabs are proven escape artists.  Be sure that your enclosure does not offer them any chance to break free.

Because the hermit crab has no natural outer protection, you need to provide shells for the molting process.  Young hermit crabs may molt several times a year, otherwise the molting typically will occur about once every 12 to 18 months.  Molting crabs often bury themselves in the substrate and will remain buried for the entire process.  Do not disturb molting crabs.

There are two varieties of hermit crabs most often sold in stores.  The Purple Claw Crab is usually the more aggressive and can be prone to pinching.  The Ecuadorian Crab is the sweeter choice.

Although the hermit crab may seem to be the easiest pet around, it does require some care and special housing.  If you are able to meet these needs then the hermit crab is a fun and entertaining addition to any home.