The Nutty Crew๐ฐ๐
๐Lifespan: Up to 40 years is possible in captivity though 10 to 20 years is more common. In the wild,
50 to 70 years has been reported.
๐Size: Young crabs (under 2 years) are 0.5 inches across and can fit on a dime. Full grown adults (25+
years) reach 6 inches and are larger than a softball. Average size (5 to 15 years) is 2 to 3 inches.
๐Housing: Minimum 10 gallon aquarium for small crabs, with larger tanks required as they grow.
Minimum 75 gallon aquarium when fully grown. Wire cages and open topped enclosures do not hold in
heat or humidity and should not be used in non-tropical areas.
๐Climate: 80 to 85 degrees and humidity levels of at least 75%. Purple Pinchers can handle slightly
lower temperatures down to 75 degrees.
๐Substrate: Children's Playsand (silica based) or cocofiber, or a mix of the two, and many crabbers
prefer a 5:1 mixture of sand to cocofiber. Must be kept moistened, enough so the substrate keeps its
shape when squeezed but not so much it drips. Substrate should be at least three times deeper than
the crab is big, which usually means filling the aquarium halfway.
๐Water: Dechlorinated water must be used, and using a product that binds heavy metals is
recommended. Water bowls should be deep enough for the crab to submerge with a way for them to
safely climb back out. Both fresh and salt is required. Saltwater should only be mixed using a product
for marine fish.
๐Diet: Hermit crabs are omnivores and scavengers. Fruit and protein (meat, insects, seafood) should be
provided daily. Vegetables and plant matter such as oak or maple leaves are welcome additions.
Hermits are affected by pesticides and fertilizers, so care should be taken when sourcing food.
๐Molting: Crabs molt to grow, which can take weeks or months. They will bury under the surface and
not return topside until they are finished. This is why there is a need for such deep substrate! Never
disturb a molting crab as digging it up may kill it.
๐Shells: 3 to 5 shells per crab, and they must be a proper species of shell and slightly larger than what
the crab is currently wearing. Please do not offer painted or glazed shells - they are dangerous and
potentially toxic to hermits. Natural and polished shells can be found online and in craft stores.
๐Breeding: Hermits do breed in captivity, but live young are not possible without special equipment
and a lot of effort.
๐Maintenance: Food should be changed daily to prevent mold growth. Water bowls should be
changed when dirty or at least every third day. Spot clean as needed to remove waste and uneaten
food. Glass can be cleaned with white vinegar as needed. Monitor substrate for signs of dryness and
spray with freshwater as needed. Substrate almost never needs to be changed unless it becomes over
saturated. If the tank is not over saturated and you feel strongly about changing it, please wait until all
molting crabs are finished and on the surface for safety!
https://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/pages/BasicHermitCrabCare.pdf
#hermitcrabs #hermitcrabcare #hermit crab mom to 2 #nationalpetmonth #lemon8pets #Petlover #diarychallenge #Lemon8pets #Lemon8DailyChallenge #lemon8diarychallenge @Lemon8 Pets
Hermit crabs, often cherished as unique pets, require specific care to thrive. Their typical lifespan in captivity ranges from 10 to 20 years, but with optimal conditions, some can live up to 40 years. In the wild, reports indicate they may survive for 50 to 70 years. Understanding their size at different life stages is crucial; juveniles are about 0.5 inches across, but adults can reach sizes up to 6 inches. For housing, a minimum 10-gallon aquarium is recommended for younger crabs, escalating to 75 gallons for fully grown specimens. Be mindful of the climate; maintaining a temperature between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with over 75% humidity is vital for their health. A substrate mixture of children's playsand and cocofiber (in a 5:1 ratio) helps create a comfortable habitat, with depth being essential for their burrowing habits during molting phases. Feeding hermit crabs a balanced diet of fruits, proteins like seafood, and vegetables is key to their growth and vitality. Moreover, avoid sources that may expose them to harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Lastly, cleaning their enclosure regularly supports a healthy living environment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean water sources and suitable hiding places. Following these guidelines ensures your hermit crabs lead a vibrant and healthy life.
