Did your kids bring home a hermit crab from a beach trip? Now that you have a new little pet, you might be asking, “How to take care of hermit crabs from the beach?” Unlike store-bought hermit crabs, beach-grown crabs require special care. The main thing is to take your new pet from the conditions they are accustomed to into as similar conditions indoors as possible.
This care guide covers all you should know while taking care of beach hermit crabs, ranging from setting up their tank to feeding and more. With a little preparation and dedication, you’ll be able to recreate a comfortable and healthy environment for your beach hermit crab to live in.
Quick fact about beach hermit crab
- Beach hermit crabs are social and enjoy living in groups.
- They can live as long as 10 years or even longer if cared for properly.
- Hermit crabs require fresh and saltwater to stay hydrated.
- They grow by molting, meaning shedding their exoskeleton and reforming a new one.
- Hermit crabs use empty shells for protection and must find larger shells as they grow.
- Their ideal temperature range is between 75-85°F (24-29°C) with high humidity.
- Beach hermit crabs are scavengers, feeding on plants, detritus, and small animals.
- They are intelligent and can be quite entertaining as pets.
Are beach hermit crabs suitable as pets?
Have you ever been walking along the beach and found a hermit crab and thought, “I bet this little guy would be a fun pet!” Even though beach hermit crabs make good pets, they are not the same as those sold in pet stores. These wild crabs come from specific environments and need a habitat that mirrors their coastal homes. You would need to set up a tank with appropriate sand, humidity, and temperature. You’d also need freshwater and saltwater on hand for them to drink and bathe in.
That said, it is necessary to consider the ethical thoughts of taking a hermit crab from the beach. Removal of wild creatures from the wild can affect the ecology of the place, and in some places, this may even be illegal. Check local laws before the collection of a hermit crab.
Beach hermit crabs can be quite fascinating pets if you are willing to work with them. Keep in mind that they require special care and attention. Thus, ensure readiness before deciding on bringing one home.
How to take care of hermit crabs from the beach?
Beach hermit crabs typically reside in warm, humid areas with access to sand for burrowing, saltwater for hydration, and plenty of natural climbing structures like rocks and driftwood. To properly care for them, you’ll need to understand how to take care of hermit crabs from the beach by replicating these conditions as closely as possible.
Essential supplies to gather
- Tank: A glass or plastic enclosure (10–20 gallons) to house your crabs.
- Substrate: Sand or coconut fibre to allow burrowing.
- Water Dishes: Separate bowls for fresh and saltwater, ensuring the latter is prepared with natural sea salt.
- Enrichment Materials: Driftwood, rocks, and extra shells of varying sizes.
- Temperature and Humidity Tools: A hygrometer and thermometer to monitor and control conditions.
Note: Avoid commercial pet store products that may not suit the needs of wild hermit crabs, such as treated sand or artificial decor.
Step 1: Setting up the habitat
First, choose a tank that is large enough to accommodate your hermit crab in comfort. Take a glass aquarium or plastic terrarium; the minimum capacity should be 10 US gallons for two crabs. Larger tanks are preferred since hermit crabs love space to roam.
Fill the bottom of the tank with a substrate such as coconut fibre which allows them to dig and burrow. It is recommended that the depth of the water be at least three times the height of your largest crab in order to accommodate their natural behavior. The tank should be well-ventilated but also able to maintain the necessary humidity and temperature.
Step 2: Maintain proper temperature and humidity
Hermit crabs prefer a warm, humid environment. The temperature must remain between 75-85°F (24-29°C). A thermometer placed in the tank will help you monitor the temperature, and an under-tank heater can be used to keep it warm.
The humidity should be at 75-80%. A hygrometer can be used to check the moisture levels, and if the humidity becomes too low, mist the tank lightly with water. Adding damp moss or crab sponges can also help increase humidity naturally.
Step 3: Provide freshwater and saltwater
Your hermit crabs will require both fresh and saltwater for hydration purposes. You will need two shallow dishes for the tank—one for fresh water and one for salt water. The water depth should be deep enough to allow the crab to submerge its body and rehydrate. Use bottled spring water or boiled tap water, as chlorinated water will harm them.
For saltwater, use marine-grade salt only for the right salinity. Change both water dishes frequently to avoid contamination.
Step 4: Provide a balanced diet
Hermit crabs are omnivores, and they need a varied diet that should be balanced. Provide a commercial hermit crab food mix with fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional protein-enriched foods like shrimp or boiled chicken. They also like to munch on coconut shavings and dried seaweed. Take out uneaten food after 24 hours to avoid mold growth.
Make sure to provide a wide range of shells for the selection of your hermit crabs because they often need a bigger shell as they grow up.
Step 5: Create safe molting conditions
Molting is a natural process where hermit crabs shed their exoskeleton and grow a new one. During this period, your hermit crab will dig under the substrate and stay hidden for a few weeks. It’s important not to disturb them during this process, as it can be stressful and even dangerous. Keep the substrate damp, but also maintain the same level of humidity and temperature in the tank for their molting. If you see a crab digging and burying itself, do not handle or disturb it until it comes out again.
Key difficulties in managing beach hermit crabs
While keeping beach hermit crabs can be a very exciting and rewarding hobby, there are several challenges you need to be aware of for their well-being. Following are some common issues one faces while taking care of beach hermit crabs:
- Temperature and humidity
It is necessary for hermit crabs to live in stable temperatures (75-85°F) and high humidity (75%). Fluctuations can cause stress or health issues. Use heaters, hygrometers, and a humidifier to maintain conditions.
- Stress from relocation
Moving hermit crabs can cause stress, making them refuse to eat or stay in a dull state of drowsiness. Permit the hermit crab some quiet time to adjust before either feeding or handling.
- Molting difficulties
Molting is a necessary but sensitive process in the crab’s life. It should not be disturbed; temperature and humidity must be right to prevent injury or even death.
- Shell selection
Hermit crabs require bigger shells as they grow. They will stress out if they cannot find different sizes of shells. Provide regularly a choice of clean natural shells.
- Diet and hydration
Offer a balanced diet with commercial food, fruits, and protein. Clean their water dishes often to prevent bacterial growth; provide fresh and saltwater in separate containers.
Long-term care tips for beach hermit crabs
Beach hermit crabs require long-term care, as their special needs must be met to keep them healthy in a home environment. Here are some key tips to help you provide the best care for your hermit crabs over the long term:
Maintain proper temperature and humidity
Keep the temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C) and humidity at 70-80%. Use a thermometer, hygrometer, and heating sources to ensure stable conditions, especially in cooler or dry climates.
Offer a variety of shells
Give your hermit crabs a choice of clean, assorted-sized shells to move into as they grow. New shells should be sterilized before adding them in, so disease is avoided.
Proper diet and hydration
Feed your hermit crabs fresh fruits, veggies, and protein-based foods like shrimp. Keep shallow dishes of both fresh and saltwater clean and available for your crab at all times to avoid dehydration and maintain proper nutritional balance.
Regular tank cleaning
Clean the tank, substrate, and water containers regularly to prevent bacterial accumulation. This will help create a hygienic environment to reduce mold, thus promoting healthy and comfortable conditions for the crabs.
Respect their molting process
Hermit crabs grow by molting. At these times, a quiet, undisturbed environment with optimal humidity and temperature will help ensure a successful molt, which can take several weeks.
Monitor for stress and illness
Watch for signs of stress, such as loss of appetite or lethargy, indicative of either environmental problems or illness. Make adjustments to the habitat to reduce stress and prevent sickness.
Provide enough space
The enclosure should be large enough to accommodate the crabs’ needs to explore, climb, and burrow. A larger tank will also prevent overcrowding and territorial conflicts, improving their overall well-being.
Add substrate for digging
Hermit crabs are burrowing enthusiasts. Use natural substrates, such as sand or coconut fiber, deep enough to accommodate their digging and give them their secure places of retreat, which can be stress-reducing.
Offer variety in food choices
Provide a variety of foods, including seaweed, nuts, and calcium supplements such as cuttlebone to encourage good shell growth for health and a well-rounded diet to avoid malnutrition and deterioration of the shell.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to take care of hermit crabs from the beach is an important step in their happy and healthy life as your new companions. Just set up the right environment by controlling the temperature and maintaining proper humidity levels, so they feel just at home. A mix of food that is natural, saltwater, and freshwater; a variety of shells in which to change into would keep your crabs pleased.
Let’s not forget that quiet time during their molt stage is important. Give your hermit crabs consistent effort, and they will thrive—not just survive but be appealing pets in their new home.
Frequently Asked Question
How does one care for hermit crabs from the ocean?
Care for marine hermit crabs by setting up a humid, warm environment with the right substrate for digging. Provide fresh and saltwater, natural shells for growth, and a proper diet.
How long do beach hermit crabs live?
Beach hermit crabs could live for about 10 years or even more if taken care of properly. Their lifespan may be affected by factors like habitat quality, diet, and environmental conditions; thus, consistency in care is key.
How often should I clean the tank?
Clean your hermit crab’s tank at least once a month. Remove uneaten food daily and spot clean waste. Regular cleaning prevents bacteria build-up and maintains a healthy environment for your crab.
Is it illegal to take hermit crabs from the beach?
Yes, many places consider it illegal to take hermit crabs from the beach. Always research any local protection regarding wildlife and consider taking a hermit crab from a pet store instead of capturing it yourself, which would prevent damaging local ecosystems.
What to put in the hermit crab shack?
A hermit crab shack should have several natural shells, freshwater, and saltwater, some climbing structures like rocks or branches, and a deep substrate for burrowing. Add hiding spots and occasional treats.
What do I feed my hermit crab?
Feed your hermit crab fresh fruits, vegetables, and commercial hermit crab food. They also delight in the occasional protein additions of shrimp or fish, and they do need both freshwater and saltwater to keep them hydrated.
How do I keep my hermit crab healthy?
Keep your hermit crab healthy by maintaining proper temperature and humidity, offering a balanced diet, cleaning the tank regularly, and providing fresh water daily. Also, avoid excessive handling to reduce stress.
