How to feed/Shelter my Hermit Crabs.

Question
Dear Expert. My name is Saira, I am 12 years old, and I need help :)

How do I feed them? I know just what to feed them...but not how to serve them.

I found them hidden in some big rocks coming right out of the bay water. I am almost positive they are Hermit Crabs...but I need to know some things about them.

Awhile back I owned a Hermit Crab. I fed Him, housed Him....for about a week and He died shortly after words.

I don't want to do that again hehe. So I need to know if He needs Salt Water..also how do how I know if they are eating? Will it be very clear? Or will I not be able to tell?...

Can they live in shallow water? Or does their crabitat have to be dry? Also one more thing, what is the difference between Hermit Crabs, Land Hermit Crabs, and Marine Crabs?

Thank you for your time and concern.

Blessings

~*Saira*~

Answer
Hi Siara.

It sounds like you got marine hermit crabs which come to the tide pools to hunt for food. You need to return them to the place that you found them. Marine hermit crabs cannot survive outside of the ocean unless they are in a salt water aquarium like you see at nice fish stores. Here is a link to an article about land hermit crabs vs salt water hermit crabs.

http://naturallycrabby.com/home//blog1.php/2008/10/02/hermit-crabs-from-the-beac...