Your Friend The Hermit Crab

Thursday, January 29th, 2009 | local info

Hermit crabs are great pets for young and old alike. They once were only souvenirs from the beach, but now they can be bought in any pet store. Hermit crabs are wonderful starter pets for kids. They make a great alternative to the more common Guinea pigs or hamsters. Unlike what you might expect if you have never kept hermit crabs, it is possible to play with them. They have distinct personalities of their own.

You should learn good hermit crab care rules to keep your pet healthy and happy and living a good long life. Here are some hints to get you started.

Before you buy your hermit crab, you need to obtain the necessary equipment and supplies. They will need an aquarium and not those tiny cages you see at the shops by the shore — hermit crabs should have at least a ten-gallon aquarium to move around in. If you are getting more than one crab, you should get a larger aquarium. A pet shop will suggest the best size for the number of crabs you will be keeping. Make sure the aquarium has a tight lid so your crabs don’t escape! Use an appropriate size heater so the tank will maintain the correct temperature.

You will need a substrate for the tank, as well. Three to four inches of sand will be optimal, but you can also use crushed shells or other materials. If you use something other than sand, it is still a good idea to cover a portion of the bottom with sand, so the crabs will have somewhere comfortable to go for molting.

For feeding your hermit crab, you will need to get some commercial hermit crab food. You can also feed small pieces fish occasionally. Also, your crab should have some crushed eggshells or oyster shells to support their calcium levels. It is important to keep their small bones strong and healthy.

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