Hermit Crab Molting
For starters I will explain what exactly hermit molting is. Molting happens when your crab is growing. The hermit crab has a skeleton unlike other species, in that his is on the outside of his body. The skeleton is called the exoskeleton. So as he grows he will start to get too big for his exoskeleton which doesn’t grow with him. At this point he will shed his now too small for him exoskeleton. He will then start to grow a new bigger exoskeleton. This is in a nutshell was hermit crab molting is. If a crab has lost a limb or an antennae he will regrow it during his this process. So don’t be overwhelmed because this is a very natural process and you don’t need to do much at all, the crab takes pretty good care of himself. You can expect small crabs to molt several times as year as they are growing quickly, while larger crabs will molt approximately every twelve to eighteen months.
There are several signs of hermit molting that you can look out for so that you will know that your crab is preparing to molt. Their behaviors and appearance will change a little bit a couple weeks before the process. You can expect to see your crab drinking and eating a lot more than usual. This is his way of storing up energy to live off during the molting process. So go ahead and offer him a couple more treats than usual. Another thing you can expect to see is a lot more digging, your little guy is looking for a safe place to burrow. This is a survival instinct because they become very vulnerable at this time. When they are in their natural habitats they are more susceptible to predators because they don’t have that hard exoskeleton to protect them. Your crab will also become less active than normal, and may even stop moving all together. It’s natural for us to start to worry when our crabs aren’t moving around but don’t worry he is not dead, he’s just molting. The final sign that I can going to talk about that you can look for is gel like nubs where your crab is missing limbs (if he is missing limbs), this is the regrowing process getting started.
If you have observed these signs in your crab then chances are he is ready to molt. You should move him into a isolated tank away from the other crabs. The reason for this is because like I mentioned because your molting crab is most vulnerable at this time. They may be attacked or even eaten by the other crabs in your tank. This is the reason that many owners choose to have a separate smaller tank set up for primarily the hermit molting process. So in order to do this you will need a smaller tank (2-5 gallon), a heater, deep substrate (at least 6 inches deep), water dishes (one freshwater and one saltwater), a food dish and a hiding place. It is very important that you don’t remove his shedded exoskeleton because he will eat it because it has crucial nutrients that molting crabs needs. So I will repeat this very important point, do not remove the shedded exoskeleton. After the molt is complete your crab will resurface, although it is still necessary to keep him isolated because his exoskeleton takes a little time to harden. I would leave him isolated for approximately 9 days.
If you notice that the process of hermit crab moulting has begun before you got a chance to put him in your hermit molting isolation tank then you can place a piece of plastic or sturdy material between the molting crab and the other crabs. Be sure to make this blockade high enough so that crabs can’t climb over it. You will want to provide her with the water dishes discussed above.
Remember that other than what I mentioned above you don’t have to do anything for these little guys when they are molting. It’s best to give them their privacy and let them do their thing. You don’t want to disturb and handle them during the hermit molting process, this may stress them out.
Hermit Crabs As Pets
So you never would of thought that you would be consider a hermit crab pet, but here you are looking for information on these little guys. Maybe you can’t have the traditional pets such as dogs or cats, maybe you don’t have the space, maybe you are allergic, or maybe you just don’t have the time. Well I have some good news for you then because the hermit crab can be the perfect pet. Just don’t expect to cuddle up next to these little guys.
Despite what you might think hermit crabs are always on the go, aside from when they are sleeping of course. You can find them doing a number of interesting things. Whether it be eating, climbing, digging or switching shells. Even watching these little guys watch around carrying their homes (shells) around with them everywhere they go can be pretty entertaining. You can also watch them while they interact with their tankmates.
So you are probably wondering how much time and work it will be to take care of these little guys. Well again I have some good news for you, they are pretty simple to care for. They can live long happy lives if you just give them some basic things. You will have to provide an aquarium, substrate, food and water dishes, a heater and some toys for climbing and hiding.
What You Should Do Daily
You will only need about 15 minutes per day to take proper care of your hermit crabs. Here is a list of what you should be doing daily:
- check your pets food and water supply and top up each if needed
- mist your crabs with warm water
- make sure your tank is the right temperature and is at the right humidity level, make adjustments as needed
- remove any left over food and feces
- check your crabs for overall well being, make sure you don’t have any ill crabs
- lastly, don’t forget to spend a little time playing with your hermit crab pet
What You Should Do Once A Month
- wash the tank and substrate (or replace the substrate with new substrate)
- wash and disinfect all the toys you have provided for you hermit crab
That’s basically it for your hermit crab pet care. If you stick to the above you should have healthy and happy hermit crabs for many years to come.
Hermit Crab Cost
Well once again I have some good news for you, because once you have your initial setup costs out of the way the rest of the costs are very minimal. Set up costs obviously range depending on the hermit crab supplies you choose such as; the size of the set up, number of crabs you buy, and the equipment and toys you pick. You can definitely get all of that you need for around $100-200, depending on your wants and desires.
Hermit Crabs and Children
So you are deciding whether or not your son or daughter is old enough to have a hermit crab pet. Hermit crabs can be a great first pet for children, because they can be very fun and teach responsibility at the same time. However, you have to be realistic and when your five year old son or daughter begs you for this pet and swears up and down that they will take complete care of it. Chances are a five year old isn’t going to remember to feed and give him water each day. This isn’t to say that 5 years old is too young to have this pet but just keep in mind that you might be doing the majority of care for these little guys. You should also supervise your child of this age when they are interacting with their new hermit crab pet and remind them over and over that it’s a living animal with feelings. It’s isn’t hard for them to forget that it’s not a toy, especially if you are buying shells that are fun and painted as a basketball. The older your child is the greater likelihood that he or she will be able to properly care for these little guys and grasp that they are not toys but live animals that can feel. But even older children need reminders and supervision.
So you never would of thought that you would be consider a hermit crab pet, but here you are looking for information on these little guys. Maybe you can’t have the traditional pets such as dogs or cats, maybe you don’t have the space, maybe you are allergic, or maybe you just don’t have the time. Well I have some good news for you then because the hermit crab can be the perfect pet. Just don’t expect to cuddle up next to these little guys.
Despite what you might think hermit crabs are always on the go, aside from when they are sleeping of course. You can find them doing a number of interesting things. Whether it be eating, climbing, digging or switching shells. Even watching these little guys watch around carrying their homes (shells) around with them everywhere they go can be pretty entertaining. You can also watch them while they interact with their tankmates.
So you are probably wondering how much time and work it will be to take care of these little guys. Well again I have some good news for you, they are pretty simple to care for. They can live long happy lives if you just give them some basic things. You will have to provide an aquarium, substrate, food and water dishes, a heater and some toys for climbing and hiding.
What You Should Do Daily
You will only need about 15 minutes per day to take proper care of your hermit crabs. Here is a list of what you should be doing daily:
- Check your pets food and water supply and top up each if needed
- Mist your crabs with warm water
- Make sure your tank is the right temperature and the right humidity level, make adjustments as needed
- remove any left over food and feces
- check your crabs for overall well being, make sure you don’t have any ill crabs
- lastly, don’t forget to spend a little time playing with your hermit crab pet
What You Should Do Once A Month
- wash the tank and substrate (or replace the substrate with new substrate)
- wash and disinfect all the toys you have provided for you hermit crab
That’s basically it for your hermit crab pet care. If you stick to the above you should have healthy and happy hermit crabs for many years to come.
Hermit Crab Cost
Well once again I have some good news for you, because once you have your initial setup costs out of the way the rest of the costs are very minimal. Set up costs obviously range depending on the hermit crab supplies you choose such as; the size of the set up, number of crabs you buy, and the equipment and toys you pick. You can definitely get all of that you need for around $100-200, depending on your wants and desires.
Hermit Crabs and Children
So you are deciding whether or not your son or daughter is old enough to have a hermit crab pet. Hermit crabs can be a great first pet for children, because they can be very fun and teach responsibility at the same time. However, you have to be realistic and when your five year old son or daughter begs you for this pet and swears up and down that they will take complete care of it. Chances are a five year old isn’t going to remember to feed and give him water each day. This isn’t to say that 5 years old is too young to have this pet but just keep in mind that you might be doing the majority of care for these little guys. You should also supervise your child of this age when they are interacting with their new hermit crab pet and remind them over and over that it’s a living animal with feelings. It’s isn’t hard for them to forget that it’s not a toy, especially if you are buying shells that are fun and painted as a basketball. The older your child is the greater likelihood that he or she will be able to properly care for these little guys and grasp that they are not toys but live animals that can feel. But even older children need reminders and supervision.
Painted Hermit Crab Shells
There are many hermit crab owners out there that like the idea of painted hermit crab shell. And I must admit the idea to giving your crab a shell that you have hand painted it very appealing. However in the hermit crab world this is one of those controversial subjects. Some crab owners love this idea and go ahead and do it while others believe that painted shells can be harmful to your crab. There are some stories out there about the paint chipping off and fouling the crab’s water. Some people also claim that when crabs are given the choice between natural, unpainted shells and painted shells they usually pick the natural shell.
If you really want to paint your hermit crab shells then just make sure you do it to make it as safe as possible for your little guy. So if you are going to go ahead with this don’t take a shell that your crab has already been living in and paint it, you want to make sure that any shell that you put in the tank has been painted before you offer it to your crabs. Also never paint a shell with a crab in it. Like with any shell you offer your crabs you will want to make sure that it has been properly sterilized before offering it to your pets. So make sure you boil the shell you plan to paint for approximately 15 minutes.
It is very important that you buy non-toxic and waterproof paint for painting your shells. You can find special hermit crab shell painting kits are many pet stores and they will include non-toxic waterproof paints. When you go to paint your shells ensure that you are only painting the outside of the shell because it is important that the inside stays natural. Any paint of the inside of the shell may harm your hermit crab. Also try to keep the paint away from the opening of the shell. If you plan on buying any shells that are already painted you will want to make sure that there isn’t any paint on the insider or near the opening of the shell.
Before you put your newly painted shells into your tank make sure that they are completely dry, it’s a good idea to wait a day or two after painting them to be on the safe side.
After you place your newly painted shells into your crabitat it will take some time before a crab will choose to inhabit it. So don’t get frustrated if your crab doesn’t go directly into the newly painted shell. You might want to paint a shell that is a little bit bigger than the shell he currently occupies because then when he molts or is looking for a little more space he might give your custom painted shell a try.
So if you really want to paint your shells then go ahead and have some fun with it. Just make sure you follow the guide lines above because you want your little friends to be as safe as possible.
Hermit Crab Shells
If there is one thing that hermit crabs are famous for it is their hermit crab shells. They have to carry around an abandoned shell of another animal’s to protect their soft abdomens. They also carry around a shell to prevent their bodies from drying out.
Hermit crabs are born in the ocean. This is where they find their first shell, underwater in a vacated sea snails shell. When the crab matures enough to make its way on shore it will inhabit a new shell. Each time the crab molts it will have to find new and bigger shells to occupy.
It is easy as a crab owner to get carried away and want your crab to like the hermit shells you want him to like but it is ultimately the crab who picks in the end. There are a few factors to take into consideration when it comes to shells. First off you want to make sure that the hermit crab shell is big enough to house his body. With this in mind you also need to make sure that it isn’t too big that he can’t store water in it. The size of the opening is another factor you have to take into consideration. It has to be big enough that your crab can get into it but small enough so that he can close it off with his large claw and second walking leg. The final factor that you should consider if that it isn’t too heavy, after all this little guy has to carry this on his back day in and day out. Hermit crabs seem to prefer the shells of marine snails and land snails. Many owners have found that crabs are drawn to shells that have a mother of pearl surface inside them, especially at the opening. The smooth finish provides more insulation and a more comfortable fit.
Hermit crabs have to get their shells wet in order to survive. The crabs need to store water in their shells in order to keep their gills wet so they can breathe. Storing water in their shells also keeps them hydrated. You might see your crab immerse fully into the water dish and shovel water into his shell and his mouth with his claws. Crab have mastered the ability to move around without spilling any of the water that they store in their shells. If some of the water leaks out, the crab will have to replenish his water supply as soon as possible.
It is important to clean and sterilize any shell you put in your tank. You want to get rid of any bacteria that might be lurking inside. Disinfecting the shells is a simple process, just boil them in water for about 15 minutes. Let them dry completely and cool down before you put them into your tank.
One thing that you definitely want to avoid is having your crabs fight over shells. If one of your crabs thinks that his tank mate has a better hermit shell than his own then he will fight him for it. Or they might fight because their shell is damaged. Shell fights can end up deadly, especially to the weaker crab. But an even match can also end up in both crabs losing limbs. You can help avoid any crab fight by putting at least two extra shells per crab in your crabitat. Make sure that they are of appropriate sizes.
