How to Care For Land Hermit Crabs

The land hermit crab makes a wonderful pet. It is friendly, intelligent, odour free and very clean. This crab has evolved to live on land and uses an empty shell as a portable home, as well as for protection. Remember, it is a land animal and must not be kept in water.

Housing: Use an aquarium with a coverglass, as humidity is essential to your hermit crab’s well being. The floor of the aquarium should be kept dry and can be covered with shell grit, aquarium gravel, or in winter coarse sawdust can be used to help keep them warm. A piece of driftwood or similar timber looks great, as well as providing the crabs with a great playground. Land hermit crabs love to climb.

Heat: The land hermit crab is tropical, and is best kept at about 30 0 c. Do not let the temperature drop below 200 c. Heating can be provided by installing a low-wattage globe over the aquarium, or by the use of a "Heat Mat". Make sure that a thermometer is used to monitor the temperature.

Water: Two bowls of water need to be supplied; one containing fresh water for drinking, the other containing salt water for bathing. ( Artificial sea salt can be used to make up the salt water. Use one level teaspoon (5cc) of Sea salt per 100ml of fresh water) Ensure that the bowls are sturdy and cannot be tipped over. As previously mentioned the floor of the enclosure must be kept dry. Change the water frequently to keep it clean.

Food: A range of foods can be offered including fish pellets, any cereal, bread, shredded coconut,apple and other varieties of fruit. Only put in small quantities at a time to ensure it is fresh when eaten.

Extra Shells: The crab will climb out of its shell and "put on" a new one from time to time. There fore a few spare shells need to be provided in the enclosure for this purpose. It is essential a slightly larger shell be available to the crab after moulting.

Moulting: Like other crabs, the land hermit crab needs to cast off its outer skeleton, usually twice a year. After it has moulted the crab needs to be left alone for several weeks until its new skeleton hardens.

Habits: The land hermit crab is somewhat nocturnal by nature and will sleep during most of the day. Low temperature and low humidity also sends it into its shell. Warm humid air and the warmth of your hand is usually sufficient to wake it up.

These crabs are long lived and if well cared for can live for several decades. During this time they will become so friendly you will consider them one of the family.