Hermit Crabs need a proper habitat: provide a tank with enough room for them to move around, climb and molt, with moist substrate for burrowing, and hiding spots.
Diet: Offer a variety of food including commercial hermit crab food, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like cooked chicken or shrimp.
Humidity: Keep the habitat moist to mimic the crabs’ natural environment, with a shallow dish of water and regular misting.
Temperature: Hermit crabs require a temperature range of 70-80°F, with a basking area that’s slightly warmer.
Shells: Hermit crabs grow by molting and require larger shells to accommodate their growing bodies. Offer a variety of shells of different sizes and shapes.
Social: Hermit crabs are social animals and do best in groups, with one dominant crab as the leader.
Handling: Handle hermit crabs gently, as they can easily drop their limbs as a defense mechanism.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and change water and food dishes to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Hermit Crab Care Myths
Hermit Crabs are low maintenance: Hermit crabs require a specific habitat, diet, temperature, and social environment to thrive.
Tap water is safe: Chlorine and other chemicals in tap water can be harmful to hermit crabs, use dechlorinated water or let tap water sit for 24 hours to dissipate chemicals.
Hermit Crabs can live in a small tank: Hermit crabs need plenty of room to move around and climb, a tank that’s too small can lead to health and behavioral issues.
Hermit Crabs are solitary animals: Hermit crabs are social animals and do best in groups with one dominant crab as the leader.
Hermit Crabs don’t need a heat source: Hermit crabs require a temperature range of 70-80°F, with a basking area that’s slightly warmer.
Hermit Crabs don’t need a specific diet: Hermit crabs need a varied diet including commercial food, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources.
Hermit Crabs can live on sand: Sand is not a suitable substrate as it can get trapped in the crab’s gills, use coconut coir or eco-earth as substrate.
Hermit Crabs can live without shells: Hermit crabs use shells for protection and to regulate their body temperature, without a shell they are vulnerable and stressed.
