Keeping Land Hermit Crabs as Pets
Housing
Hermit crabs can be kept in a fish tank or bowl. We recommend at least a 15” tank. It should have a tight-fitting lid, as crabs are expert escape-artists. Hermit crabs also need to be kept in humid conditions, and for this reason a partially glass lid is recommended. The best substrate to place on the bottom is shell grit or aquarium sand, as this dries out quickly from spilt water.
Heating
Hermit crabs are tropical animals, and as such the ideal temperature ranges from 20oC to 30oC. One of the biggest killers of hermit crabs is excessive exposure to the cold. Heat can be provided by placing a low wattage red bulb over one end of the tank, or by providing a heating pad underneath the tank. A thermometer is essential to monitor the temperature.
Water
Hermit crabs need a constant supply of water as they breathe by using modified gills that need to be kept damp at all times. A shallow container of fresh water should be provided for drinking, as well as a container of salted water in which they bathe. Salt water can be made up using Hermit Crab Salt. The containers should be sturdy, so as not to tip over, and shallow enough to allow the crabs to easily climb in and out.
Food
Hermit crabs will eat almost anything. PreparedHermit Crab Treat Food and Pellets are available, but this should be supplemented by fresh food such as fruit (especially apple), bread, fish pellets and cereal. As hermit crabs only eat small portions of food at a time, ensure that fresh food is replaced every day.
Moulting
Hermit crabs have an external skeleton, which needs to be cast off in order for the crab to grow. This process can take several weeks, and during this time the crab is extremely vulnerable, and so should not be disturbed until the new skeleton hardens. The crab will usually eat most of it’s old skeleton, which is a source of calcium.
When the hermit crab grows, it may need to move to a larger shell. For this reason it is necessary to have several shells of a slightly larger size in the tank so that the crab can ‘move’ over when necessary. You may find that the hermit crab will swap back and forth between shells before settling on a particular one.
Habits
Hermit crabs are nocturnal and can usually be heard moving around during the night. They are extremely agile, and so need some rocks, driftwood and sea sponge in the tank on which they can climb. They also like a cave or darkened area in which they can hide during the day. Hermit crabs are very sociable and are generally more active if more than one is kept.
If well cared for, hermit crabs can live in captivity for up to 15-20 years, and can become a much loved member of the family.
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