5 Hermit Crab Care Tips

Hermit crabs can be a great pet but it surely requires exceptional breeding and good care for keeping them healthy. It could turn out to be an exasperating job of breeding hermit crabs and care as well, if it is not implemented appropriately. Many individuals have attempted to raise hermit crabs in confinement, but because of the insufficient knowledge of how to take care, majority of these lovely creatures end up dying before their projected life spans.

Because of the deficient awareness and understanding of the hermit crabs wild ways, the dying ratio before the intended age has increased. Some would have successfully reached their mating stage, but the new ones generally don't reach metamorphosis and dies in around 10 days. By following appropriate techniques of caring hermit crabs, there is also a possibility of you succeeding in breeding hermit crabs in the new habitat.

Hermit crabs and care are two parallel things. They require a lot of attention regarding their care for better growth. You would need to understand the necessities of hermit crabs and care them accordingly. Here are five ideas and tips which can help you in taking care of your hermit crabs efficiently.

• Room Temperature: If you don't want your hermit crab to die, it is necessary for you to keep the temperature of your room 72F or higher. Lower room temperature can results in an extremely painful death for these creatures. Brown liquid discharges and musty smells are the signs of death of hermit crabs. They don't need a lot of time but they surely require weekly bathing, new food in every few days, regularly cleaned environment and heat.
• Habitat: Hermit crabs will feel comfortable in an aquarium holding 10 gallon of water with little level of sand and few stones at bottom. Salt water and de-chlorinated fresh water will be required in two shallow dishes. Additives can be bought from pet stores for preparing each of the water dishes. A humidity gauge and thermometer will also be required and the temperature of the tank should be around 72F to 82F. Thoroughly clean the aquarium with hot water at least once a month. Avoid employing chemicals and detergents as they can be harmful for hermit crabs. Sand can be sterilized by washing, boiling or baking for re-using it, if wanted. They are a fun loving and friendly pets.
• Diet: Hermit crab food is easily available at every pet store selling animals. Vegetables, assorted fresh fruits, small pieces of meat and fish or whole grain breads can be a good supplement in hermit crabs daily food regiment.
• Shells: Ensure that you have provided several empty shells of various sizes in the aquarium to avoid conflicts between hermit crabs. You never know which one they would like and it may end up in fighting for it if good quantity is not available in the aquarium.
• Bathing: You would require giving bath to hermit crabs once in a week. In this way, you will be able to clean the habitat of the hermit crabs as well. Take a bowl and fill it around one inch with the lukewarm tap water. Gently place their feet first in into water, generally, they will look for shelter inside their shell when you are trying to clean them. When hermit crab emerges, water will slide into their shell and clear it from any debris. After a while, place them into their newly clean tank.

Before acquiring hermit crabs, it is necessary to get all the relevant knowledge about the procedures required to be followed to ensure that hermit crabs life stays safe and they live normally as in their natural habitat. Looking after hermit crabs and cares them as much as you can so that they can stay healthy and become acquainted to the new environment easily.

About the Author

Preston Blackmore is a hermit crab enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on hermit crabs and care , visit www.hermitcrabclub.com.