How to Take Care of a Hermit Crab

How to Take Care of a Hermit Crab. The only thing easier to care for than a hermit crab is perhaps a pet rock. Hermit crabs require very little from their owners to live a fulfilling, if somewhat isolated, life. You can take care of a hermit crab with a few simple steps.

Things Needed

• 10-gallon aquarium with screen top
• Sand
• Driftwood, shells, plastic plants and other hiding places
• Shallow water bowl
• Water conditioner
• Heater (optional)
• Humidity gauge
• Food

Step 1

Set up the hermit crab’s home by placing about 3 inches of sand on the bottom of the tank so he can tunnel about. Adorn the tank with driftwood for him to chew on and play with, shells and a couple of plastic plants.

Step 2

Give him daily water from a freshly cleaned bowl but make sure to treat the water first to remove chlorine. Pet shops sell chlorine remover and you’ll only need a very, very small drop.

Step 3

Feed the crab small chunks of meat, fish and even fruit and vegetables. They will not eat a lot, so make sure that food does not lay around rotting in the cage. You can also supplement your pet's diet with store-bought hermit crab food.

Step 4

Place the cage out of direct sunlight but in a place where it will always be at least 72 degrees F. If that’s warmer than your home, you can get a small bottom heater for his tank.

Step 5

Keep his cage humid. This can be done by placing a natural sponge in a dish of water near the heater or in the corner of the tank. You can check the humidity with a gauge, also sold at pet stores, to make sure it’s at least 70 percent. The tank should feel tropical and moist.

Step 6

Clean the tank by raking through the sand when necessary, rinsing off plants and other ornaments.

Warnings

• Hermit crabs will molt, at which time they will lose their outer covering and become very pink and vulnerable. Try not to handle during this period.
• Other tank ornaments can include coral and tunnels sold for lizards and small rodents.

Warnings

• Yes, hermit crabs can pinch you. Always pick them up with their front facing you so you can see what they are doing.
• Do not put hermit crabs in your pocket.
• Do not be upset when they hide all the time. How do you think they got their name?