Life span of a Hermit Crab

Question
QUESTION: How long do Hermit Crabs live? I have had some previously and i think they dided all of a sudden. I also need a good site for finding good sised CHEEP heat mats for them.

ANSWER: Hermit crabs can live up to 30 years in captivity.  I don't use a heating pad so I can't tell you where the best place would be.

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QUESTION: Can you paint Hermit Crabs shell? And where do you get them from, also how do you tell what size to get?
Emily

Answer
Please do not paint shells for your hermit crab. Even though decorator "kits" exist, hermit crabs eat the paint off of the shells.

I get my shells from Crabbage Patch and from Naples Sea Shell Company online. Both have good tutorials on how to figure out what shape and size of shell you want to buy.

Good luck!