| For some reason, hermit crabs tend to steal all the | | | | night time hours, you might not want to keep their |
| attention when it comes to pets in the crustacean | | | | habitat in your bedroom. Be sure to place the tank or |
| family, and all other crustaceans seem to just be | | | | cage in areas with plenty of fresh air and light. The |
| "dinner." When we make the decision to bring home | | | | actual cage can be either plastic or glass, and be sure |
| these little as a new pet, there are considerations you'll | | | | to use a background on the back of the tank that |
| want to make to care for them in their new hermit | | | | resembles their natural habitat. |
| crabs habitat. | | | | 4.) Proper Substrate - These little guys require proper |
| In the wild, hermit crabs are born in the ocean and float | | | | substrate in their habitats to allow them to crawl, dig, |
| or swim to shore shortly after in search of a new shell | | | | and bury themselves, all of which are natural practices. |
| to make their own. Their habitat then usually consists | | | | Sand is the most popular substrate for habitats at a |
| of a more sandy, warm, and humid environment in the | | | | depth of between 1"-2". |
| tropics, usually found along the equator or parts of the | | | | 5.) Hermit Crabs are Escape Artists - You'll want to |
| Caribbean. | | | | make sure your habitat is tightly covered from the top, |
| The hermit crabs habitats are no exception when they | | | | as your crabs are escape artists! Using a lid also helps |
| are pets. You'll want to do your best to re-create this | | | | to regulate temperature and humidity levels. |
| warm and tropical environment to make your crabs | | | | 6.) Ensure All The Essentials for Your Habitat - They |
| happy and healthy. There are eight basic elements that | | | | require both a salt water and de-chlorinated water |
| need to be provided to your hermit crabs habitats, | | | | dish, rocks or dry wood to crawl on, and especially |
| which are as follows: | | | | multiple painted and natural shells of various sizes for |
| 1.) Hermit Crabs Require Warmth - Remember that | | | | them to make as their new home as they outgrow |
| these guys are from more tropical parts of the world, | | | | their existing shell. |
| so you'll want to maintain their habitats at a warmer | | | | 7.) They are VERY Social Creatures - Despite the |
| temperature than your home, between 70 and 80 | | | | name, "hermit" crabs are actually very social creatures |
| degrees Fahrenheit. | | | | and thrive on the company of others in the wild. They |
| You can use a heating lamp from above their habitat | | | | are more comfortable in groups of three or more, so |
| or a heading pad adhered to the bottom of the tank or | | | | make sure you adopt enough to properly replicate their |
| cage. Be sure to use a temperature gauge to ensure | | | | natural environment. |
| proper temperatures throughout the day. | | | | 8.) Proper and Varied Diet - They require different |
| 2.) Higher Humidity Levels - Because these crabs | | | | nutrients to maintain proper health, which can make the |
| come from more tropical environments, along with | | | | difference between healthy and unhealthy crabs. Be |
| higher temperatures, they are accustomed to higher | | | | sure to add lots of calcium and carotene rich foods in |
| humidity levels as well. Ensure your hermit crabs | | | | their food dishes like corn and carrots. |
| habitats are humid. This can be accomplished by | | | | Once you are able to put these elements together for |
| keeping their water dishes full and misting the habitat | | | | your hermit crabs habitat, maintenance and care for |
| frequently. Approximately 70 percent humidity levels | | | | these creatures is relatively simple and fun. Be sure to |
| are appropriate for your habitat. | | | | keep the habitat clean and substrate replaced a few |
| 3.) Create a Natural Environment in the Habitat - | | | | times per month. Have fun building a relationship with |
| Because hermit crabs tend to be more active in the | | | | your little guys. |