GAIA EXOTICS
Species: Hermit Crab
Care Level: Beginner
Place of Origin: Caribbean, South/ Central America
General information: The Hermit Crab makes a great pet, and great beginner pet. If a hermit crab is well taken care of it can live in excess of 15 years. Hermit crabs are also social animals, that do well when housed with other crabs. Hermit crabs will reach a maximum size of around 6” in diameter, and can weigh in excess of 2 pounds. Hermits crabs are primarily active at night, but occasionally will be active during the daytime.
Housing/ lighting: Hermits crabs do best when housed between 70 and 90 Degrees Fahrenheit. Never let your hermit crab environment reach below 65 degrees. Allowing the temperature to drop below 65 degree will increase the chances of the crab catching an illness/ pneumonia. Also it is very important to keep the environment moist. The best way to do this is to mist the enclosure every other day. You can also soak your crab twice a week in clean warm water for 30 seconds. We recommend using sand or coconut fiber for your crabs bedding. These substrates will help retain moisture and allow your crab to burrow. Also crabs love to climb so it’s a good idea to provide them with a climbing source, such as choya wood, drift wood, or coral. Time For A New Home!!!!!! Hermit crabs love to move!!! It is important to have clean new shells available for your crab. It is recommended to have at least two new shells available for your pet crab. When picking new shells a good rule of thumb, is to pick a shell that is 1/3 the size bigger then the original shell. An easy way to figure this out is to find a shell which opening is around the same size as the crabs big pincher.
Feeding: Feeding your pet crab couldn’t be easier. We recommend feeding your crab a pre made formula. Make sure to provide your crab with fresh food and water daily. Water should be provided in a shallow dish with a natural sponge.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us: staff@gaiaexotics.com
