| Although hermit crabs may be purchased in tiny | | | | of driftwood and other pet-friendly obstacles are a |
| terrariums, they require a much larger habitat to live | | | | good idea. It's wise to purchase these items from pet |
| comfortably. A hermit crab will be fine in a 10-gallon or | | | | stores, as they are produced to be non-toxic and safe |
| larger aquarium. Line the bottom of the tank with sand | | | | for use with animals. Just make sure nothing is tall |
| or stones, so your pet(s) have an easier time walking | | | | enough to provide a way out of the habitat for your |
| around. | | | | crabs! |
| Two shallows dishes of water are required - one filled | | | | Be sure to provide plenty of empty shells in a variety |
| with salt-water and one filled with dechlorinated fresh | | | | of sizes. Hermit crabs are always on the lookout for a |
| water. Additives can be purchased at pet stores to be | | | | better shell. Make sure to have a variety of shells in |
| added to water for each of these. Having sponges in | | | | different shapes and styles, and with various opening |
| each dish works well in helping hermit crabs obtain the | | | | sizes. You never know what type of shell a hermit |
| water, and in adding humidity to the habitat. It's a good | | | | crab may like, and if a good selection is not provided, |
| idea to place the water dishes down into the substrate | | | | crabs can fight over the best ones! |
| (gravel, sand, etc.), to prevent the crabs from knocking | | | | A thermometer and humidity gauge will also be |
| it over while they may attempt to dig under or climb | | | | required. Your tank needs to be kept between 72 and |
| over the dishes. | | | | 82 degrees, as hermit crabs are used to warm |
| Include at least one food dish for your hermit crabs. | | | | weather. To heat the habitat, an under-tank heater |
| They tend to eat at night, so don't worry if you don't | | | | may be used, or low wattage lighting can provide a |
| see them eating during the day. Food can be | | | | little heat, too. The humidity must be between 70 and |
| purchased in pellets or a powdery mixture. Crabs also | | | | 80 percent to keep the crabs healthy. A lid will work |
| eat raw vegetables like carrots, small pieces of fish or | | | | well to keep moisture inside the habitat, and also to |
| meat, or boiled egg shells. These foods can be used | | | | keep your climbing crabs inside their home. |
| as a supplement to their diet. | | | | Remember to check these elements often to ensure |
| Hermit crabs love to climb and hide, so including pieces | | | | the safety, health and happiness of your hermit crabs. |