Providing the best care for your terrestrial hermit crab pet

Although not the first type of pet to come to mind for snuggling like a cat or dog, the terrestrial hermit crab is quickly becoming one of the most popular household pets. These guys provide hours of enjoyment viewing their terrarium and watching them congregate in their clan.

These crabs can make the perfect pet as they are odorless, virtually disease free, and a good choice for those with cat and dog allergies. Be sure to consider bringing home at least a couple, if not 3-4 crabs, as these little ones are very social animals and will greatly reduce stress on your crabs. Keep in mind that in the wild they congregate and are more comfortable in clans or groups.

There are many reasons why the terrestrial hermit crab makes a fantastic and unique pet. Due to the fact that they have no shell and an exposed soft abdomen (unlike normal crabs), they must seek out and borrow a shell to carry on their back at all times to avoid predation.

As with any other type of pet, these animals require a certain level of care. You may think that the levels of interaction are not necessary on your part, but it is important to interact with them on a daily basis. When you do, you will see a difference in your hermit crab’s stress levels.

Feeding hermit crabs and following a proper diet is relatively easy. For starters, you’ll want to buy some commercial food at your local pet store that comes in pellet form. You’ll also want to feed your crab a variety of fresh, nutritious foods like frozen shrimp, fresh raw vegetables, fruit, and even meat. Be sure to focus on foods for your crab that are high in carotene, such as carrots.

Your terrestrial hermit crab is an intelligent creature and knows its surroundings. Not only will you want to provide a healthy diet for your little ones, but you’ll also want to provide an aquarium that is at least ten gallons for two crabs and larger than 30 to 40 gallons for multiple crabs. Because land hermit crabs are very social creatures, you’ll want to make sure you have at least 2-3 crabs, or more if you can.

These crabs are also unique in that they shed their skin as they grow. This is due to the natural process in which they shed their exoskeleton to grow a new, larger skeleton. During these periods, it is best to feed your land hermit crab calcium-rich foods to aid in the exoskeleton growth process. Calcium-rich foods include cuttlefish, which can be found in the poultry section of your local pet store or grocery store. You will want to provide plenty of sea (salt) and fresh (non-chlorinated) water to your land hermit crab during this molting period.

Lastly, it is very important to offer your crabs a wide variety of shells in order to “graduate”. You’ll want to provide a good selection based on size, opening shape, and colors. There are always good shell selections online, or you can visit your local pet store.

Taking the time to properly care for your little ones will ensure a long and happy life for your crabs.