The Perfect Pet for the Disabled
Undertank heaters. I use a two heater manufactured by FMR specifically for hermit crabs. I've found some crabs prefer the warmer areas while others seem to like the cooler regions of the aquarium floor. My temperature gage is at the substrate surface and reads between 72 -76 at all times.
Substrate. My favorite substrate (bedding) is a 2-3" layer of play sand. Before using it, be sure to bake it in the oven for at least ½ hour to kill any bacteria that might be in it. Cool it off before adding it to the aquarium. Keep it dry at all times to prevent unwanted bacterial problems. Other people prefer using aquarium or tiny river gravel. That needs to be baked to sterilize it also.
Food/Water dishes Some use shells. I prefer some plastic containers made for reptile cages. Every shell I tried leaked which created a problem. Be sure the containers are shallow enough that the crabs have no difficulty crawling in and out of them. I also keep a large piece of moist natural sponge in a plastic dish to help maintain the desired humidity. A couple of my hermies like to sit on top of it playing "king on the mountain".
Shells. It is essential that you provide your hermies with a variety of shells to choose from. Mine all like land snail, moon, and turban shells. In fact, when I bring new ones home that are in other types of shells, I usually find them changing within a few hours into one of the empty shells in the tank.
Hiding Places. Hermies like to hide out during the daylight hours. I provide them with a couple of "caves" made from short pieces of grapevine wood and log habitats (half a hollow log).
Other AccessoriesThey also have a large piece of cholla wood to climb over. I keep a small plastic basket that serves as a playpen. Warning: Never leave them unattended. You just might have to search your house for them! A piece of gutterguard folded into a triangle serves as a climbing toy in the basket. I also have a large plastic "swimming pool" for their weekly baths. The only object you shouldn't add to their home or play area are plants.
CARING FOR YOUR PETS
Like all creatures, crabs need food, water and shelter. Water and shelter have been explained above. I've provided my
Latest Articles