A Hermit Crab Primer: The Basics Of Caring For Your Crustacean

By Matthew A Sanders


Perhaps you've just bought a brand new hermit crab. It doesn't matter why you purchased it, what matters now is that you know exactly what to do with it. So what to do, what to do...

Don't worry, there are many who are in the same boat. In fact, all expert hermit crab owners have been in this position at some point in their lives. Therefore if you are new to this, then don't feel bad! Even if you are well versed in the art of keeping hermit crabs, it doesn't hurt to have a little refresher, does it?

Temperature

Temperature is very important, and you will soon find that your crab requires a specific temperature. For instance, if your crab is exposed to temperatures below seventy two degrees Fahrenheit for a long enough time, chances are it will die.

Likewise you won't want to overheat your crab. Your crab will begin to give off a musty odor in this case, and he will give off a brown liquid. If this happens, then you need to take action immediately.

Humidity

Along with an even temperature your Harriet the Crab needs a constant level of humidity as well. These crustaceans thrive in an environment where the humidity level is at least 70 percent. You don't need to measure this everyday, as long as you realize that your hermit crab's home should have a moist "tropical" feel to it.

A substrate is needed in the hermit crab cage that is for sure. But what is it? Well, hermit crabs LOVE to burrow, and you need to make sure that they have a place to burrow to.

Sand is rather popular in this area and hermit crabs will probably appreciate it the most. The reason is that sand is what they are used to. If you cannot use sand, don't worry. There are many other choices.

No matter what material you are going to use, make sure it's deep enough for the crab. But also make sure that it's not so deep that they're freezing under there.

The Days Following

Now that your pet is settled and appears to be happy in its new home, you need to figure out what you are going to feed him! What does he eat in the wild? Typically he will eat meats, fruits, and in many cases decaying wood.

You will not find much on feeding your crabs simply because it is not a topic that has received the amount of research that it should have. What we do know is that they thrive on calcium, carotene, as well as antioxidants.

A crab without carotene will fade in color its molting process. He will suddenly not look so good, which is why you need to make sure you feed him the right vegetables. Corn and carrots are a great choice for any hermit crab.

Basically you need to make sure that your hermit crab gets the healthiest food possible. Fruits and vegetables are your best bet, as well as meat and fish. Using these you will be sure to keep your hermit crab happy and healthy.

But keep in mind that these omnivorous animals also enjoy tannin-rich foods, like tree bark and even oak leaves. Before you feed your crabs anything like this, though, be sure to rinse them thoroughly and even dry them. Your crab really loves to "crunch" when he munches.

ou may have already bought your commercial crab food, but many experts now think that's not even necessary. Feeding your crab healthy food - fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and fish!

The proof is your happy and healthy crab sitting there in his or her tank. Soon enough she'll be eating those carrots and burrowing into the tank happily.




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