Hermit Crab Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

 Approximately 10 years

AVERAGE SIZE

 1-5 inches long

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Nocturnal (most active at night). Docile and can be handled, but excessive handling may cause stress to the animal. Hermit Crabs should NOT live alone. They are colonial creatures and do best in captivity when living in a group of three or more. 

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Day Temps: 75°F

Night Temps: 75°F

HUMIDITY

75-80% humidity levels

MOLTING

Most crabs will molt every 18 months or so. DO NOT touch your crab while he is molting. When your crab molts, his old exoskeleton will pop out of his shell, looking like a shell of your crab. DO NOT remove the old molt; your crab will eat it. It contains many good nutrients for your crab, and he knows it!

SHELLS

It is extremely important to have many empty shells scattered around the inside of the habitat. When molting, your crabs will find and inspect each individual shell carefully to see if it is the proper fit to be their next home. If the crab does not find the perfect shell, he/she may give up and eventually die. At least 3-4 shells per crab in the habitat should be available in the cage. Choose shells of different shapes and sizes for your Hermit Crabs.

FEEDING

Omnivores and scavengers. Land Hermit Crabs are opportunistic omnivores. They are scavengers. Commercially prepared Hermit Crab food has a proper balance of vitamins and minerals for your crabs. You can also offer vegetables, fruits and grains to their diet. 

WATER

Land Hermit Crabs require two dishes of chlorine-free water. One dish should be fresh water; the other should be saltwater. Natural sponges should be placed in water bowls to allow smaller crabs to soak in deeper waters.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

Invertebrates like Hermit Crabs require both a cool and warm side to regulate their body temperature. A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with a secure mesh lid is required for your Hermit Crabs. 

SUBSTRATE

We recommend a loose coconut fiber substrate.  

UVB LIGHT

Exposure to UVB (ultraviolet B) light is CRITICAL in allowing an animal to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin and metabolize calcium in their body. 

DAY/NIGHT LIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All Hermit Crabs must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. Hermit Crabs need 8-12 hours of daytime and nighttime.

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every 2-3 months. 

BRANCHES & TOYS

Hermit Crabs enjoy to climbing and hiding. Include items such as branches, pieces of coral, hide houses and plants in their habitats.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 10 or 20 Gal (or larger) aquarium or breeder tank with secure metal mesh top
• Small dome & appropriately sized heat light
• UVB light and housing
• Under tank heating pad
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Coconut fiber substrate
• Large natural sponge
• 2 water dishes
• Selection of empty shells
• Hide house
• Prepared Hermit Crab food
• Aquarium salt
• Water dechlorinate drops
• Spray bottle 

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.