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How To Take Care Of A Hermit Crab: Diet, Habitat Requirements and Socialising Needs
Hermit crabs are cute, sociable creatures that tend to be more active after the sun goes down. Though they seem to require little maintenance, their habitat requirements are stringent and they require lots of care.
Discover the details of how to take care of a hermit crab with regards to its diet, housing, grooming and socialising needs and read about the common health problems owners should look out for below!
*Disclaimer: The content in this article provides general information that should not be used as a substitute for professional advice from a vet. Please consult a vet for their advice on how to take care of your hermit crab.
Key traits of land hermit crabs in general:
|
Size |
2 - 6 inches / 5 - 15cm |
|
Life Expectancy |
10 - 20 years |
Appearance: Black, white, gray, tan, blue or peach bodies, elongated eyes, sandy-colored eyestalks and striations (stitch marks) on their large pincer
Ruggies are the only species of land hermit crabs allowed for sale in Singapore, according to the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS)!
They typically have a lifespan of 10 years or more and are commonly found along the coastlines. As land hermit crabs, Ruggies live on dry ground but require access to both land and water.
Though their elongated eyes make them look similar to Ecuadorian crabs, their sandy-colored eyestalks, large pincers with striations and orange feelers serve as their distinctive features.
How to Take Care of a Hermit Crab
Habitat requirements
Aquarium size: 24″ x 12″ x 12″ / 61cm x 30.5cm x 30.5cm per hermit crab
Aquarium material: Glass
Temperature: 71.6 – 82.4°F / 22 – 28°C
Humidity: 60 – 80%
Substrate
The 3 most common types of substrate used in a hermit crab’s habitat are:
• Play sand
• Coconut fiber
• A mixture of play sand and coconut fiber
You’re advised to fill the aquarium with a sizable amount of substrate, typically 5cm deep or twice the height of the shell of your largest crab, in order to provide sufficient room for the crabs to burrow during the molting process.
Additionally, the substrate should be kept slightly moist to provide some humidity to their habitat.
Aquarium Humidity
Maintaining the right level of humidity within the aquarium will aid in your hermit crabs’ breathing. To achieve this, both heat and water are required.
Incandescent lights or under-tank heaters can be used to provide the right amount of heat in the aquarium while a slightly moist substrate and mist of non-chlorinated water help to provide the moisture needed for a humid environment.
Covering the tank with a lid will also help to regulate the temperature and humidity in the aquarium.
Lighting
Lighting in the aquarium is also important for hermit crabs as they regulate their behaviours such as feeding time based on light.
LED or fluorescent lights can be used and they should be kept on for 8 to 12 hours daily to mimic natural light cycles.
Furnishings & Decorations
Metallic substances are toxic to hermit crabs. Hence, all food and water dishes should be made of ceramic, plastic or other non-metallic materials.
You’ll need 3 dishes in total: For food, For non-chlorinated freshwater and For non-chlorinated saltwater.
You can create a safe space in the aquarium where your hermit crabs can hide with the help of sea sponges or artificial plants. Ornaments such as rocks can also be included to offer your crabs an avenue for climbing.
Finally, do leave an empty space in the aquarium as well so your hermit crabs can exercise freely!
Habitat care and maintenance
Maintaining the cleanliness of your hermit crabs’ habitat is relatively simple. These are some general guidelines:
You should also check the substrate and ensure that it remains slightly moist. If it’s dry, simply spray some freshwater (non-chlorinated) or non-chlorinated water.
Grooming needs
Hermit crabs are creatures capable of cleaning themselves provided that they have both freshwater and saltwater that are non-chlorinated readily available. Just place a bowl that’s deep enough for them to submerge their bodies in the aquarium so they can clean themselves whenever they wish to.
If the bowl doesn’t have a ramp where your hermit crabs can climb out easily, place a sponge in the bowl so they have help getting out.
Social needs
As hermit crabs are social creatures, they should be kept in groups of 2 or more. This will prevent them from getting lonely.
Additionally, you can take your crabs out of the aquarium to play so they don’t get bored!
Fighting
An issue that could occur when keeping more than 1 hermit crab in an aquarium is fighting.
Fighting may occur if there isn’t enough food or water. Additionally, if there are insufficient shells in the tank, some crabs may get aggressive and steal shells from others. Thus, it’s critical to provide spare shells that are slightly larger than their current ones as well as sufficient climbing ornaments in the aquarium.
As you add more crabs to your aquarium, you may need to upsize the tank so that each crab has his own space!
Hermit Crab Molting
Frequency: Twice a year
Hermit crabs go through a process of molting, where they shed their old skins and allow their new ones to harden. The hardening process will take a couple of weeks.
During this time, they may become less active and even burrow into the substrate. They may also drink water excessively and avoid eating.
If you notice your hermit crab eating his old skin, don’t be alarmed! This is normal behaviour and the skin serves as a great source of calcium for your crab.
Changing shells
After molting, your hermit crab will usually change the shell he lives in. Thus, you should provide at least 3 to 5 empty shells per crab that are larger than the previous one in case your crab has grown.
The increase in the size of the shells should be gradual and they shouldn’t be cracked or have holes in them!
Diet of a Hermit Crab
Feeding frequency: Once a day
Wild hermit crabs tend to feed at night. Thus, your pet crabs should also be fed at night.
Their ideal diet should consist of:
Their diet can also include things like cooked eggs, meats, seafood (in moderation), freeze-dried shrimp, plankton, brine shrimp and fish food flakes.
Common Health Problems Found in a Hermit Crab
Stress
Symptoms: Inactive, lethargic, aggressive, refusing to consume food or water, tendency to hide or leave their shells
Hermit crabs can get stressed due to a variety of reasons including overcrowding, loneliness and bullying. Getting dropped on their shells or being exposed to temperatures that are too low or too high can also cause them to feel stressed.
When they’re stressed, they become inactive and lethargic and you may notice them leaving their shells. Thus, providing them with sufficient space in the aquarium and handling them with care is important.
Symptoms: Inability to hold their shell up, dropping their shell, sitting in water, pulling off their limbs
Hermit crabs are sensitive creatures. They can easily get poisoned from chlorine found in water and any chemicals found in household detergents and cleaning sprays. Hence, only filtered water should be used to clean your crab’s aquarium.
If your hermit crab is suffering from poisoning, he may not have the strength to hold his shell up and may end up dropping it. You may also notice him sitting in water or pulling off his limbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hermit crabs can be held and will only pinch when they feel scared or threatened. Avoid forcing them out of their shells and handle them with care as they can get hurt or stressed if dropped on their shells!
No! While hermit crabs are often believed to be low maintenance pets, they have very strict habitat and care requirements. Thus, they aren’t ideal pets for first-time owners.
These are the basic equipment and items you’ll need for a hermit crab habitat:
You only need to feed your hermit crab once a day. To prevent mold from growing, clear out any leftover food and replace it with new ones the next day!
Caring for a Hermit Crab
Hermit crabs are adorable creatures with their own unique set of characteristics. Given their stringent care requirements, learning how to take care of them properly will ensure that your hermit crab stays happy and healthy and lives his life to the fullest!
If you’re unable to care for your hermit crab, don’t release them into the wild. Instead, give them to a friend, return them to the pet shop where you purchased them or give them up for adoption.
