By Joan Fox
Caring for pet land hermit crab may be easier than you think. A ten-gallon aquarium, some sand and water is about all you will need. Even so, it is wise that you are researching the needs of this exotic animal, before you decide to purchase one as a pet. Being proactive in developing your knowledge will ensure you provide a safe and healthy environment that will make your pet happy.
You may not be aware but there are differences between a hermit crab and a land crab. While they basically have the same food, temperature and humidity requirements they need a little different setup in their homes.
Hermit crabs need sand or substrate that is 3-4 inches deep and a land crab requires one that is a little deeper. Land crabs also need more of an aqua-aquarium where as hermit crabs just require a terrarium type environment. Land crabs need an "island" of sand or substrate with a body of water, which could be provided in a dish that is deep enough for him to completely submerge himself into. Hermit crabs just require a shallow dish of water that is easy enough for them to climb out from.
So, you have decided on with exotic pet hermit crab you wish to own and have set up your aquarium with his needs in mind. Now what else do you want to put in the tank with them? Well, first you might consider other land crabs! Pet land hermit crabs are very social animals and enjoy the company of others. Many owners purchase a dozen at a time! You also need to provide an ample supply of shells.
Hermit land crabs do not create their shells and have to use abandoned shells of other creatures. You need to supply a variety of shells of different shapes and sizes and with different aperture size and shapes as well. If you have several of these exotic crabs, then you may witness a crab fight over a prize shell. If one of your pets is injured in such a fight, just remove him to a safe secluded area for him to recover.
Water is a key element in your pet crab's healthy life. Your pet crab require water to drink, bathe and breathe. These crabs breathe through gills and require water and humidity to be able to breathe. You should provide humidity levels between 70 and 80 percent and temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees. Temperatures below 72 degrees on a regular basis will cause stress or even death of your pet.
What do you feed your pet land hermit crab you ask? Well they prefer a healthy diet and you may find everything you need to feed him right in your kitchen! They love fruits, vegetables and even will eat fish and meats. Other options would be to feed them baby foods with fruits in them or dog and cat foods. Some things they eat in the wild are shredded leaf material and bits of bark - you can provide that as well, just be sure to wash and dry thoroughly before offering it to your pet. He is a messy eater! So, be sure to clear his tank of leftover food after he has eaten.
You might wonder why your pet is not very active during the day. That is because hermit land crabs are nocturnal and are more active during evening hours. With the use of moonlight bulbs in a dark area of your home you could adapt your pet to be active in the times you are awake to enjoy him.
Hermit land crabs have been known to live over 20 years in captivity. However, the average lifespan of your exotic pet is on average three to four years. You will be rewarded with years of enjoyment and entertainment from your pet crab if you provide him with his basic needs to keep him happy and healthy.
So, you have decided on with exotic pet hermit crab you wish to own and have set up your aquarium with his needs in mind. Now what else do you want to put in the tank with them? Well, first you might consider other land crabs! Pet land hermit crabs are very social animals and enjoy the company of others. Many owners purchase a dozen at a time! You also need to provide an ample supply of shells.
Hermit land crabs do not create their shells and have to use abandoned shells of other creatures. You need to supply a variety of shells of different shapes and sizes and with different aperture size and shapes as well. If you have several of these exotic crabs, then you may witness a crab fight over a prize shell. If one of your pets is injured in such a fight, just remove him to a safe secluded area for him to recover.
Water is a key element in your pet crab's healthy life. Your pet crab require water to drink, bathe and breathe. These crabs breathe through gills and require water and humidity to be able to breathe. You should provide humidity levels between 70 and 80 percent and temperatures between 72 and 79 degrees. Temperatures below 72 degrees on a regular basis will cause stress or even death of your pet.
What do you feed your pet land hermit crab you ask? Well they prefer a healthy diet and you may find everything you need to feed him right in your kitchen! They love fruits, vegetables and even will eat fish and meats. Other options would be to feed them baby foods with fruits in them or dog and cat foods. Some things they eat in the wild are shredded leaf material and bits of bark - you can provide that as well, just be sure to wash and dry thoroughly before offering it to your pet. He is a messy eater! So, be sure to clear his tank of leftover food after he has eaten.
You might wonder why your pet is not very active during the day. That is because hermit land crabs are nocturnal and are more active during evening hours. With the use of moonlight bulbs in a dark area of your home you could adapt your pet to be active in the times you are awake to enjoy him.
Hermit land crabs have been known to live over 20 years in captivity. However, the average lifespan of your exotic pet is on average three to four years. You will be rewarded with years of enjoyment and entertainment from your pet crab if you provide him with his basic needs to keep him happy and healthy.
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