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Originally written by Vanessa Pike-Russell-Updated by Stacy Griffith All hermit crabs require some access to salt in their diet, no matter what species. The habitat of land hermit crab species differs from location to location, and they have adapted to the environment they live in. Approximately 3.5%, or 35 parts per thousand solution is recommended for the “Ocean Water” pool within your tank. Typically mixing according to package directions is sufficient. If you are using distilled or spring water it may have varying amounts of salt already within the water, so take that into consideration.. It is important to note which type of water youRead More →

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Lost Limbs What is Autotomy? Comes from the latin words autos for “self” and tomos for “cut Autotomy can be described as self-cutting, Websters dictionary describes autotomy as a “reflex separation of a part (as an appendage) from the body: division of the body into two or more pieces.” Hermit Crabs can autotomize (drop) and regenerate (regrow) their limbs from juvenile to adult stages. The break occurs along a fracture plane located at the appendage’s base. Why do land hermit crabs drop limbs? The rate at which the limbs regenerate depends upon the molt cycle (Morgan, 1900; Zeleny, 1908; Bliss, 1960; Skinner 1962, 1985). DuringRead More →

Coenobita abdomen and abdominal appendages

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A hermit crabs shell serves two purposes: first protection of the soft abdomen and second it prevents dessication (drying out). A hermit crab that has left the protection and life-sustaining seashell home is telling you it’s in distress.   Physically stressed from poor handling or conditions during capture, transport and/or poor pet store conditions Shell fight-another hermit crab has taken its shell-no suitable shell remains Changing shells and let go of the old one, which was shell-napped by another crab-no suitable shell remains Foreign body/irritant in the shell (sand, pest, fungus NOTE: crabs have been known to hide food in their shell) Temperature is tooRead More →

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The commonly used and recommended substrate is 5 parts play sand to 1 part coco fiber. The other sands or stones listed here are safe for using in your crabitat in select areas but not as the primary substrate. Hermit crabs require deep, moist sand to burrow and molt properly. Sand Collecting sand from the beach is not advised. In most areas it is illegal to take sand from the beach. In many areas of the world the beach sand is heavily contaminated from polluted waters. Most owners use play sand found at their local hardware store. Please take note of the quality when purchasingRead More →

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This recipe can be modified, made stronger for use with very sick crabs, although this strength is fine for more minor cases! General wash for injured crabs: 1 Tbsp. Marshmallow root shaved 1 Tbsp. myrrh powder 1 Tbsp. calendula (marigold) 1 Tbsp. whole chamomile flowers (not powdered) First, you’ll need to make a decoction. Take one quart of water, and heat it over the stove to near boiling. Add one tablespoon marshmallow root, and one tablespoon myrrh. Cover, and simmer for thirty minutes. Remove from heat. Add one tablespoon calendula flowers (marigold) and one tablespoon whole chamomile flowers. Cover immediately again. Let sit until cool,Read More →

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One of the biggest concerns when buying hermit crabs is early death due to PPS or Post Purchase Stress. The term PPS has been used commonly for many, many years in the hermit crab community. PPS is blamed for unexplained deaths of new crabs. The physical stress occurs mostly PRIOR to your purchase and how many of your new crabs die unexpectedly relies on how much stress was inflicted prior to purchase. The act of harvesting and shipping hermit crabs is very stressful as the crabs are denied humidity, food, water and warmth for long periods prior to shipping and during shipping. They mostly arriveRead More →

Hermit crab pre molt eyes

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Observed Premolt Symptoms by Marie (aka ladybug15057) At times, crabbers become concerned due to certain actions their hermit crabs are beginning to display. Often, they are concerned that the hermit crab is ill, or has another form of complication happening that needs attention. Where, as on occasions, the symptoms they are observing may be due to a stressful situation, whether it be from their past or current living conditions, there are many times that the hermit crab is displaying pre molt symptoms. If one knows that he/she has provided the hermit crab with the essentials it needs to thrive (proper humidity level, proper temperature, properRead More →