When caring for hermit crabs, it’s probably good to know that when it comes to pet care, it’s relatively inexpensive and doesn’t take up too much time. This has to be good news, right! After all, what better way to have a pet than to have one that practically takes care of itself! Well, just before you dive right into the world of the “crab”, here are some common mistakes you should avoid to allow your hermie companion to have a long and happy life.
Buying just one!
Okay, first things first! You’ve decided on a pet hermie and found one at the pet store for you! You buy it and go, happy to know that you are giving your new pet the care and attention it deserves. Well guess what! You just made your first mistake! You see, when you want to keep your sister happy and healthy, it is fundamentally important to try to recreate her behavior in nature. Hermies are actually very social creatures that live in small groups of colonies and are really not happy being alone. So rule number one, go buy a friend for your friend!
Incorrect temperature and humidity
Hermies live in tropical areas and have adapted to high temperatures and high humidity levels. Therefore, you will need to recreate this in captivity. Try to regulate the temperature in the aquarium to around 70-72o F. and a humidity level of around 70%. Hermies are pretty good at letting you know that there is a problem. If they are too hot, they will give off a musty smell and excrete a dark brown liquid. If they are too cold, they will become very docile and will eventually die.
Incorrect dietary requirements
A pet hermie is certainly not a picky eater and will eat just about anything you put in front of it. However, don’t make the mistake of feeding them junk or high-sugar foods, as they need a certain amount of nutrients in their diets, namely calcium, carotene, and antioxidants. In this case, when you are taking care of your hermies as pets, it is always best to observe them closely. If they need calcium, their shells start to turn white. If they are lacking in carotene, the crab will start to turn slightly gray.
Thinking the crab has died or is sick
This is a very common mistake made when you have a hermie. You see, hermies need to molt up to six times a year (depending on size and age). When they are preparing to molt, they will become lethargic and indeed lifeless for long periods of time. They will also dig into the substrate. At this point, it is an easy mistake to think that the crab is dead or seriously ill. Moving it when it is molting could damage the new very soft exoskeleton and could kill the crab. So just watch and leave it alone for a few days.
If you can avoid these traps, taking care of hermit crabs should be a fun and hassle-free experience for you and these adorable creatures.
No Comment