hermit crab care

[LISA127]

Hi everyone-
My two daughters received hermit crabs for their birthdays. I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips for their care? And also, what size cage should two hermit crabs have? None of the care sheets I look at tell me anything about cage size. Thanks much!
Lisa

[Pookie]

Hey Lisa,
I use to have hermit crabs as a kid. Depending on their size you can keep the in a 10/15 gal tank. I had 2 small ones in a 10 gal and it worked out fine. They don't grow very fast so that size should last them awhile. I used sandbox sand that you can get at a hardware store. Also be sure to keep a shallow water dish and they can eat the special hermit crab food/cakes found at pet shops. And be sure to keep extra shells that are relativly close to the size they're already in but a bit larger. They don't change shells often but when they're outgrowing one it's good to have a spare to grow in to. They can be pretty picky about their shells so provide a variety of different kinds. They're really easy to care for! Good Luck, i hope this helps! :)

[reptile boi]

hey lisa,

They also need dried coral, not sure wut its for, but it keeps em alive :D




Thanks,
Ben

[marisa]

Dried coral is suggested in the water dish for hermits because it releases calcium.

I have had many hermit crabs, and athough most think they are a simple, their care can be quiet demanding at times when compared to what most people think they need. Hermit crabs can live far longer than 30 years! They are also VERY social and definitly enjoy company. There are more than one type of hermit crab and you can easily identify which type you have. Ecuadorian crabs require salty water (which is simple to provide) to do the best. But any type is simple once you get the hang of their needs.

Here are some great sites that I used to frequent when I was a crab owner:

http://www.hermit-crabs.com/
http://www4.tpg.com.au/users/vanessap/hermit.html
http://www.seashells.com/hermitcrabcare.htm

Marisa

[Pookie]

i also put some special sponge in their water dish. (might be the same as the choral...not really sure) but they use to suck the water out of it, they seemed to really enjoy that.

[sleddergirl]

You can also put some cuttlefish bone (the ones that birds use for their beaks) in the water for calcium. If you don't use a commercial diet for them, make sure they get plant and meat proteins, as they are omnivoires. They are very funny little creatures, we have 4 of them. I'm sure you and your kids will love them............:D