For the outdoorsy hermit crab enthusiast we have compiled a list of foods that can be collected or harvested. It’s perfect to tuck into your backpack for easy reference. Please forage responsibly! Don’t over collect. Respect all local, state and federal laws regarding wild foraging and collection.
Sustainable Foraging
“In addition to considering your own safety when foraging, it is also important to take a long-term view: sustainable foraging means remembering that you are not the only creature which may wish to make use of a given resource. For example, wild berries play an important role in birds’ diets. Whatever you take, leave plenty for other people, and for local wildlife which may rely on these wild foods for their survival. Never dig up plants and remove them entirely (which is also illegal in certain locations). Rather, harvest from perennial plants, leaving them able to grow on and continue to produce their edible yield for years to come. Try to disturb the surrounding ecosystem as little as possible, so you (and others) can continue to benefit from its wild yields in future.” [1]
*Due to size and space limitations this is not an exhaustive list and should be cross referenced with our hermit crab food database: What’s for dinner? A hermit crab food guide!.
If you plan to forage for items I gathered a few guides that will work great in conjunction our Foraging Guide
Fresh & Foraged Foods for Land Hermit Crabs
Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide to Over 200 Natural Foods
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers–E: Eastern Region
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers: Western Region
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms
National Geographic Field Guide to the Trees of North America: The Essential Identification Guide for Novice and Expert
Eat the Weeds
Review this detailed list of poisonous plants so that you do not harm yourself or perhaps your dog or cat.
The plant database is huge so we can’t possibly cover every single one.
Need a visual? Use the USDA Plant Image Database!
Hermit Crab Academy Foraging video
AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. I ONLY ENDORSE THINGS I’VE PERSONALLY USED OR COME HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY TRUSTED PEERS. OUR AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE POLICY CONTAINS MORE INFORMATION.
Resources
- https://ethical.net/sustainability/guide-to-foraging/