I Work at a Pet Store, How Can I Help Hermit Crabs? We often are asked by pet store employees how they can help the hermit crabs being sold while observing Corporate mandates and not getting themselves in trouble. The struggle is real! Read More →
REMEMBER NO SEASONINGS OR ADDED SUGAR Safe to feed: Ham contains too much added salt to be fed safely. Remember you can freeze the leftovers too or dehydrate for later. If they do not like it one way they may like it another: dehydrated, re-hydrated, ground, whole, sliced, fresh, thawed later, softened, chunks etc. What’s for dinner? A hermit crab food guide!Read More →
Natural sea sponges are NOT bad for hermit crabs. In fact, they are a great food source. “But your website says not use to use sponges!” Yes. It does. However, there is some need for clarification here. The more accurate statement would be: Do not use sponges in the manner suggested by the pet store or packaging. Most pet stores and pet supply stores sell sponges as a multipurpose product. First, as a means of drinking without drowning. That, in and of itself, is amusing considering most pet stores don’t provide enough water for a fly to drown in let alone a hermit crab. HermitRead More →
There seems to be some controversy and confusion regarding the need for UV-B lighting with hermit crabs. Due to the esoteric nature of our chosen pets, few studies are available to draw from which explicitly study hermit crabs. There is however a considerable volume of research regarding crustaceans, and more specifically decapod biology available to study.Read More →
Those little ‘hairs’ you see all over the body and chelipeds of your hermit crab are not hairs at all. They are an extension of the exoskeleton and are called setae. A seta is an elongate projection with a more or less circular base and a continuous lumen; the lumen has a semicircular arrangement of sheath cells basally. [1] Revising the definition of the crustacean seta and setal classification systems based on examinations of the mouthpart setae of seven species of decapods A. GARM Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Volume 142, Issue 2, October 2004, Pages 233–252 What in the function of setae? NotRead More →
The Land Hermit Crab Owners Society recommends that hermit crabs only be removed from their habitat for an occasional visual inspection or photo. This is one of the most contested recommendations in our community. The LHCOS recommendation is based on what research has taught us thus far. We are still learning, research is still being conducted and we are following it closely. Land hermit crabs require humid air to breathe. When the relative humidity drops below 70% the gills begin to dry out. Over time the gills will become irreversibly damaged. How much damage they can sustain before death is not known. Land hermit crabsRead More →
We all go on vacation or have to be away from home for an extended period at some point. Your hermit crabs will need someone to check on them at least once during a seven day absence. Ideally someone can check on them every other day but we understand not everyone is able to arrange a regular check in. Be sure to write up an instruction sheet for your pet sitter. Or download a copy of this article and the checklist and print it out. Include a link to this website, our emergency form and even our Facebook group so that we can help themRead More →
Written by Anne Grady Food mites, more properly called grain mites are something that can be found in any tank at any time. The first thing to understand is that they did not come from the crabs, having hermit crabs does not cause you to have food mites. Food mites come into your home through the everyday things you buy at the grocery store. Anything that contains grain can have food mites. Oatmeal, grits, breakfast cereal, noodles, flour and rice are a few examples. In general you won’t see them and they are harmless, but that box of corn meal or pancake mix that getsRead More →
Land Hermit Crab Shell Guide A hermit crab’s shell is his life sustaining home and his protection from predators and desiccation. Hermit crabs take up residence in discarded gastropod shells and can not make their own shell. “For the vast majority of crustaceans which we call hermit crabs, the behavior patterns by which individuals utilize empty gastropod shells as shelter are critical to the crab’s existence. Orientation to shells, selection of a shell to enter, entry of a shell, and subsequent living the shell are all behaviors which directly affect the Darwinian fitness of an individual crab. Failure to find or efficiently enter a shellRead More →
What’s a micro hermit crab? What’s a jumbo hermit crab? Size can be subjective and hard to define but we are trying anyway! Our friends in Indonesia have developed two more realistic size charts based on leg length or leg span. Indonesia is home to many of different species including the large C. brevimanus. With much more data to work with the group created these new sizing charts which are more accurate. Why does size matter? When determining how much space is needed per hermit crab we need to know how large the crabs are. Small crabs can be happy in a smaller habitat whileRead More →
Let’s look at how to set up a proper hermit crab habitat, which we refer to as a crabitat. Basing your tank set up on what you saw at the pet store or mall cart where you may have purchased your hermit crabs is a recipe for disaster. Kritter Keepers and wire cages are death boxes and should never be used. Listed below are the primary components of a proper set up and we will discuss them in detail. If you are not willing to equip the tank properly you should return your hermit crabs or rehome them, they will not thrive without a properlyRead More →
Hermit crabs typically go about their molting business below ground away from your prying eyes and nosey tank mates but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes you will find yourself with a surface molter on your hands. Surface molts can be very cool for you but additionally stressful for the crab. Let’s look at the best way to handle a surface molter. First do not touch or move the crab! Unless you feel you must to ensure it’s safety. Second find a way to securely isolate the crab from it’s tank mates. It is extremely important that your tank temperature and humidity are in theRead More →
Question:Craboza asked:I want them to eat the bad things.Will they eat aphids and other bad bugs in there?Or anything that is not the crabs?I want them to keep all possible parasites out. If I can use ladybugs, how many can I put in? Where do I get them? Thank you. Answer:Bugboy (aka King Arthur-Pod) answered:Don’t…..lady bugs are toxic, that’s the reason for the orange and black coloring.If one should die and the crabs eat it, could be harmful.Put one on the tip of your tongue, you’ll know how nasty they really are (OK so I’m an entomologist and only we do crazy stuff likeRead More →
Hermit Crab Care 101 – a guide for properly caring for your pet so that it thrives in captivity.Read More →
All water that comes in contact with your hermit crab must be dechlorinated. Most cities add chlorine to their water supply. Some add chlorine and chloramines to the water. Unless you have contacted your water department and determined if they use both, you should use a treatment to remove both. In the past, it was enough to let water sit out for 24 hours so the chlorine could evaporate out. That no longer is sufficient because chloramines will never evaporate out nor ammonia. A bottle of water treatment will last for years. Distilled water is not recommended as it is devoid of beneficial minerals. StresscoatRead More →
written by Jennifer Nielsen The existence of an ocean water dish is a source of great controversy in the world of hermit crab owners. Why the importance of this type of water is rarely debated, it seems that the products used in the creation of Ocean Water are the source of much debate. Just as all hermit crab owners know not to use table salt for their crabs, there are two types of salt available for aquarium use. Fresh Saltwater as well as Ocean Water Salt, which although made of the same components have vastly different role within the world of fish keeping. A saltwaterRead More →
Hermit crab enthusiast Jennifer Nielsen compares several brands of sea salt mix in this article.Written by Jennifer Nielsen (aka redjln) While many hermit crab owners realize the importance of providing Ocean Water to their pets, there is a question over which type and which specific product is the best. To answer this, I got Instant Ocean and Reef Crystals enriched blend by Aquarium Systems, Doc Wellfish’s Aquarium Salt, and Aquarium Salt by Jungle. I have gotten a container of Distilled Water to test the products in. Now, I will disclaim right now that I do not have access to a laboratory of equipment. All IRead More →
Special credit thanks to Wendy at Hermit Crabs R Us for compiling and sharing this list!! After mixing all ocean/sea mixes leave sit for at least 12-24 hours prior to offering to ensure that all the crystals have dissolved. Crystal Sea Marine mix Bioassy FormulaThe site from which I purchased this mix indicates 1/4 lb or 1/3 cup will yield 1 gallon. I found it to only be 1.016 SG when mixed this way. I tested it using 2 different hydrometers-one that was also purchased at the same site as the salt mix. I mixed it using 1/2 cup and got 1.021. (I add anRead More →
Written by Travis Wease Tips for saving money and having a safe crabitat: First off there are certain things that you can’t really skimp on when it comes to setting up a safe and fun crabitat. Things like a heat source whether it be lights or a UTH, substrate has a cost, although some are cheaper, humidity gauges, temperature gauges, and the tank itself has a cost, but here are some tips to save money and use items that you may already have laying around the house. 1.Look on Craigslist or Freecycle for tanks. Sometimes you can find them at Goodwill or other re-use storesRead More →
Written by Marie Davis On occasions one may find that when they do an antenna count they seem to be missing a hermit crab? Where possibly could it be? All empty shells have been looked into, including doing the precaution of turning the shells upside down and placing water within them. There have been occasions when a hermit crab has changed shells and fits so far down within it they are impossible to see. By placing water within the shells and turning them hole side up, if the shell moves hole side down a crabber knows there is a resident within it. Could he beRead More →
No. Hermit crabs should not consume or be exposed to stress coat. There is no conclusive evidence that stress coat is beneficial to land hermit crabs. There is concern regarding stress coat coating the gills and abdominal lung. Water treatment products should not include any additive that promotes a healthy slime coat or contains aloe vera. Read More →
CrabbyMum asked: Get the odor out of shells? I know to boil newly purchased shells, but I want to reuse some of the shells that are smelly from a crab dying in it. So far, we’ve lost one of the Littles (PP = Faith) and I think another is not going to make it. I have her in iso and will wait til we are sure before dealing with it’s shell tho. But I tried soaking the ones that Violet and Faith were in because the odor was so strong in them yet and then boiled them. I remember reading how Vinegar can damage themRead More →
Buffing seashells comes with potential dangers. Here’s what to watch out for: 1. Dust and Particulates 2. Sharp Edges 3. Heat Generation 4. Structural Fragility 5. Tool-Related Injuries 6. Biological Contaminants 7. Environmental Considerations By taking these precautions, you can enjoy buffing seashells safely and responsibly. A conversation from our original Yahoo group regarding buffing shells. Rachelrmf asked: I have alot of natural shells that i just love, but have recently (i know i am a bit of a blonde;;lol) relized that my shells are the same as all of the pretty ones i like they just are’nt buffed out. does anyone know of aRead More →
Ken Lipe (CrabCon shell vendor!! On Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/theshellstore On Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/usr/mirrormaker Sea Shell City:http://www.seashellcity.com/hermitcrabs.html Naples:http://www.naplesseashellcompany.com/hermit_crab_shells.html Wonders of the Sea:http://www.sealifegifts.net/shells_small.html The Hermit Crab Patch:http://www.hermitcrabpatch.com Sea Shell Worldhttp://www.seashellworld.com/hermit-crab-shells.html Shell Horizonshttp://www.shellhorizons.com/products.asp?category=74 Sea Shell Shophttp://www.seashellshop.com/Replacement-Shells/ Richard’s Sea Shells (Formerly Deltona Shells)http://www.richardsseashells.com Looking to buy a large quantity? Try Atlantic Coral Enterprise – minimum $100 order https://www.atlanticcoralenterprise.com/ProductCart/pc/home.asp Searching on Etsy or Ebay will also yield a lot of results for shells. You can also find hermit crab shells on amazon. If you know of another quality web site, please feel free to e-mail us the link so we may add it to our list.Read More →
When the power goes out the biggest concern is keeping the crabitat warm. Allowing the temperature to fall below 72F is dangerous. We don’t have any data indicating at what temperature a crab will die or how long it can be exposed to this temperature before dying. Hermit crabs are tropical animals so they are not meant to endure cold temperatures for extended periods of time. This article will suggest some ways to insulate a crabitat or deal with a power outage/lack of heat. Some of these ideas will also work in a pinch if your tank heater fails and you can’t get a replacementRead More →
Our beloved hermit crabs are ectothermic creatures, which means they depend on the environment to regulate their body temperature. This means maintaining their crabitat at proper temperature and humidity is literally a matter of life and death. With warm summer temps comes the risk of a too hot crabitat, below are some tips to help cool down your crabbies on a blazing hot day. First remember that hermit crabs are tropical creatures so they can handle brief temperature spikes and be okay. A prolonged heat wave will be too much for them to handle. If you cool your home by opening windows and using fans,Read More →
A thermostat monitors the temperature and turns the heat pad on and off to keep the temperature at the value you entered, like the one in your home that controls your heat or air conditioning. Most thermostats come with a probe. Inkbird is a brand we trust and they offer many different options for heat and humidity monitoring. A rheostat or dimmer is a dial that allows the user to adjust the level of heat based on their preference but is not automated in anyway. It works like the volume knob in your car. Rheostats can be used with a thermostat but it’s not necessary.Read More →
Originally posted at All Things Crabby Things Hermit Crab Care Blog The first step to creating and maintaining humidity in your tank, is a good lid. A screen lid alone is not sufficient. A glass/plexiglass/lexan lid, cut to fit is the best option. Plexiglass/lexan can be purchased at most hardware stores and be cut to size for free. This can be placed on top of your existing screen lid for stability. Coroplast is another good option for a lid. This can be placed on top of your existing screen lid for stability. In the short term, you can use plastic wrap over the screen lid. SomeRead More →
The LHCOS official stance on PVC is: Use at your own risk The safety of PVC is a hotly debated topic and without research on its effect on crustaceans we are not able to make a determination. Below are some arguments against and for PVC. CrabbyAbbey answered: PVC isn’t a safe product to be used in a closed environment or with land hermits that tend to taste sample their surroundings, or really anywhere for that matter. It’s production includes chlorine and lead and it leaches chemical gases into the air, especially in heated areas. In closed areas like crabitats these dangers are even more harmful.Read More →
Determining whether your hermit crab is molting above ground (surface molt) or has passed away can be challenging, as both states may appear similar. During molting, hermit crabs often exhibit behaviors that might be mistaken for death. Molting Indicators: Assessing the Situation: Recommendations: In the early stages of the molt, the large cheliped (pincer) becomes somewhat paralyzed as it prepares to pull free of the old exoskeleton. The large shape of the claw must be pulled backwards through the smaller exoskeleton. The soft underlying tissue must be contracted to allow it to pass through the smaller parts of the exoskeleton. The hermit crabs’ equilibrium gland,Read More →
Originally written by Vanessa Pike-Russell and Lisa Loseke updated by Stacy Griffith Arthropods (e.g., insects and crustaceans) must molt their exoskeletons periodically in order to grow; in this process the inner layers of the old cuticle are digested by a molting fluid secreted by the epidermal cells, the animal emerges from the old covering, and the new cuticle hardens. The molting process is a central, and nearly continuous, part of a crab’s life. A hermit crab may spend 90% of its time getting ready to molt, molting, or recovering from a molt. There are many dangers to molting including predation, difficulty in movement as musclesRead More →
This is a compilation of forum posts from our old site. To date we have not confirmed whether diseases fish may have can be passed onto hermit crabs.Sat Mar 05, 2005Ladycrab wrote:Bought some gold fish for the hermies. Froze them last night just need to know if they need to be prepared any special way before serving them??? Julia_Crab wrote:There’s a bit of controversy afoot about the goldfish method right now. Freezing is a great way to kill any bacteria that might have affected the crabs, if any, though. I’m still not convinced that crabs can be affected by bacteria in the food, but I’mRead More →
This is a compilation of forum posts from our old site. You can read more about how shell disease affects hermit crabs. TroppoDec 13, 2006 Today I read an interesting article in a Queensland newspaper that crabbers(particularly Australian crabbers) who feed their crabs prawns, may like to read. Below is an excerpt. Prawns posing disease threat.The increased volume and decreased price of imported green prawns has further escalated the risk of spreading the diseases, white spot syndrome and taura syndrome to the state’s prawn stocks. The Department of Fisheries and Primary Industries has initiated it’s own testing and sampling program as a measure to protectRead More →
Originally written by Vanessa Pike-Russell Sometimes it takes a while to bond with your crab. they might not feed from your hand from the first time you try but if you persevere and are patient, it will happen. Gently hold the back of their shell with thumb and forefinger, and hold a piece of fruit (fresh or dried), nut (especially almond) bread, popcorn or cracker near the crab’s cheliped, or grasping claw, perhaps even brushing the food against it until your crab starts to become interested in the food and and they will responsively clutch at it and then want to taste it. You shouldRead More →
Originally written by Vanessa Pike-Russell-Updated by Stacy Griffith Common Name/Scientific Name Dust Mites – House Dust Mite Dermatophagoides sp. “Dust mites are microscopic, small enough to live inside the weave and fibers of your clothing, bedding carpet and such. They don’t actually bite they are waaay to small .. they actually live on the skins flakes we shed. When people have problems with dust mites it is because they are actually allergic to the proteins in their saliva and excrement! So there is precious little on a hermit crab to attract or sustain a dust mite. Grain Mites – Grain Mite Acarus siro L. “StoredRead More →
Originally written by Vanessa Pike-Russell, edited and updated by Stacy Griffith Thu, Oct. 12th, 2006, 10:40 pm Keeping and breeding land hermit crabs Foreword: Hello. My name is Vanessa Pike-Russell. Stu Wools-Cobb visited my website on land hermit crab care and emailed me after reading my caresheet on gender and reproduction. At the time it had been unheard of for land hermit crabs to have successfully reproduced in captivity and the resulting eggs raised to juvenile (air-breathing) stage of development. A few emails, phone calls later, and Stu sent me a copy of his booklet that was created in part for his local aquarist society.Read More →
Source: http://www.prestigepetproducts.com/WhatIsIt.htm Alfalfa meal: is the aerial portion of the alfalfa plant, reasonably free of other crop plants, weeds and mold, which has been finely ground and dried by thermal means under controlled conditions other than sun curing. Alfalfa is an excellent source of phytochemicals and phytoestrogens and their antioxidant effect stimulates the immune system. Amaranth: is a seed plant which is a good alternative source of carbohydrate energy. Amaranth is a valuable carbohydrate ingredient with a unique flavor that compliments the flavor of barley, oats and rye. It is also high in linoleic acids, which are good for skin and coat. Chicken byproducts: consistRead More →
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 →