mating

Question
how do I get my Hermit crab to mate with my other ones we really want them to and we found them on top of each other a lot and dont know if its fighting or mating please oh please respond
                 Emily,

Answer
Dear Emily,
thank you for your question.
Land hermit crabs don't breed in captivity. Sometimes they mate successfully, but the larvae need to be kept in a saltwater tank and until now, only one person has managed to keep them alive until they have left the water. Usually, they die right away or after two weeks at most.

The mating behaviour can look very aggressive, the male will shake the shell of the female to get her to come out far enough for them to mate. It looks similar to a shell fight, but as long as you have enough shells (at least 3 per crab), I wouldn't really worry about that.

It's not known what makes hermit crabs mate. Porbably, the moon cycle has something to do with it, which is hard to simulate in a tank. A large saltwater pool may be important, as well as the right, very varied diet and of course perfect temperature and humidity.

You can find more info on the land hermit crab life cycle and on general crab care here:
www.thecrabbagepatch.com

I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer