Most people don’t realize that having a hermit crab as a pet can be very exciting. These crabs borrow shells from other ocean creatures, such as sea snails, to live; a big reason why these creatures got the name hermit crab. However, the name hermit is a bit misleading for these crabs as they are actually very social and love to live in groups of over 100.

When you have a hermit crab, it will not be the same as having a cat or a dog. You need to learn all you can about hermit crabs, including how they live and eat.

Nine Important Things You Should Learn About Hermit Crabs

– This species, which belongs to the Coenobitidae family, is easy to care for; therefore, they make wonderful pets.
– They have a hard exoskeleton and have five pairs of legs.
– They also live in shells borrowed from dead animals such as sea snails. While they are usually found in water, hermit crabs can live together out of water for several months. However, they will gravitate towards water to replenish lost moisture.
– They sleep under the sand to avoid the sun, which can kill them.
– They are happy living in groups. For many people, these animals make adorable pets.
– Many who live in captivity like to live together in one place just as they do in the wild.
– In addition, they are not demanding with the type of food they will eat. This means pet owners don’t have to spend a lot of money on extra food just for their pet.
– They don’t mind being in the palm of their owner’s hand. They will not move or contract when held.
– They are also very active creatures at night, so keep them away from your bedroom.

How to tell when your hermit crab is molting

Owners may not be able to tell when their specific breeds are shedding. Some will start to look different and act strange. However, here are three signs that can alert you when your pet is about to shed:

– Eyes may start to cloud over
– They may consume more food and water than normal
– They will begin to dig much more.

If you notice your pet doing any of these things, then you should move your pet to a more humid tank and provide more food and water dishes.

hermit crab diet

They need a well-balanced and healthy diet; this means they need a mix of antioxidants, calcium and carotene. When the molting process is over, these crabs become deficient in carotene, causing their color to fade and become dull and gray. Feed your pet plenty of carrots, corn, and vegetables to keep them happy and lively.
It’s best not to feed them boxed macaroni and cheese and fries; stick with fish, meat, fresh fruits and vegetables. Make sure they get enough tannin in their food supply, which can be found in tree bark and oak leaves.