Looking and interested in taking care of exotic pets? Then hermit crabs might just the one you’re looking to take care of. They are small and don’t require that much space compared to cats and dogs. But they are not as sociable to human beings compared to other household pets.
There two types of hermit crabs, the first one is the aquatic ones, then the other is the terrestrial ones. Terrestrial hermit crabs are often preferred by many people but the aquatic hermit crabs are also a good option. If you’re considering taking care of hermit crabs, do read on the pros and cons before making a decision.
Pros
Lifespan
The most essential thing to consider when taking care of any pets is its lifespan. Hermit crabs in captivity usually have a longer life span due to the lack of natural hazards they face just like predators.
Hermit crabs’ lifespan estimated between 5 to 15 years. But there are cases they surpass that estimated lifespan up to 30 years! Just shows that with proper care, love, and maintenance, hermit crabs can surpass their estimated lifespan.
Easy to Maintain
Hermit Crabs are generally small in size and does not require a big cage or enclosure to keep them safe. You can keep one or two small to medium-sized hermit crabs on an aquarium. If in case you wanted to take care of more than two hermit crabs, better to buy a larger aquarium so they won’t get crowded.
They don’t eat a lot also hence they are easy to maintain but they do however require a good amount of warmth and humidity. You should always keep their gills wet which allows them to breathe normally. So how do you do this by not constantly keeping an eye on them? You can leave a wet sponge on their aquarium.
Do take note that you should change their food and water dishes regularly. Don’t let the food spoil in their aquarium that will make them sick. Doing those won’t take up a long time. Plus you need to completely also clean their aquarium at least once a month. If you skip this part expect a foul stench in their aquarium.
They are Easy to Feed
Hermit crabs are omnivores and hence making them easy to feed. You can give them fruits or veggies that they can easily break down and eat and a lot of commercially available hermit crabs are out there as well.
And since they eat slow and nibble in little portions, you can just leave it there, just make sure it’s not starting to spoil though!.
Cons
Not very social compared to Cats & Dogs
Contrary to its name, Hermit crabs are quite social creatures when it comes to other hermit crabs. But that doesn’t mean they are the same as humans. So you won’t expect them to be really interacting with you and won’t show affection as cats and dogs do.
Molting can be Daunting
Molting is part of the Hermit crabs’ growth process. And as hermit crab owner it can be daunting and stressful to see them shedding their skin, looking sick in the molting process. They also need more space while they in the molting process since they burrow deep into the sand while experiencing molting.
Hermit Crabs are also very vulnerable to hazards while in the molting process. They can get hurt pretty easily if another crab starts a fight during this process. So separate your hermit crabs with care and caution on this case.
Two Hermit Crabs is Recommended
There’s no problem in getting a single hermit crab but this may shorten their lifespan. Like mentioned above, Hermit crabs are quite social creatures with other Hermit crabs. It will be a lot happier and active if it has someone to interact with.
Just make sure to get the same size or age. Getting a bigger and smaller one may result into the bigger hermit crab bullying the small one. And you don’t want that since it will cause into the small hermit crab getting injured.
Bottomline
If you like hermit crabs despite of its lack of social interaction and affection of cats & dogs with humans. And you don’t mind the stress of being an owner when your hermit crab is going through the molting process. Then go for it!