If you have a child that has always wanted a pet, you should consider getting a hermit crab. The little creatures are quiet and social, which makes them a great first pet. The main care requirements are a glass aquarium and constant humidity for their healthy breathing. These pets are perfect for families with small children.
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Hermit crabs are a good starter pet for little kids
A hermit crab is an excellent pet for little kids, but there are a few things to consider before getting one. First, hermit crabs need a place to burrow without being disturbed. Second, they must molt every month or so, and this process can take a week or more. It’s important to avoid handling the crab during molting, as it could endanger the crab’s health.
Hermit crabs also require moist sand as a substrate. They can live in beach or playground sand, but you must ensure that it is clean and free of chemicals. If you don’t want to buy a special substrate for the pet, you can use coconut fiber products. These products will hold in moisture and make the sand suitable for the crab.
Hermit crabs are a popular choice for people who like social animals but don’t want the noise of other pets. They enjoy a variety of diets that include grains, animal protein, fat and calcium. They also enjoy sweet things such as dried fruit, but should only be given in moderation. Ideally, one spoonful of food per feeding bowl is enough for your hermit crab.
Hermit crabs are not aggressive and do not need much handling. You can keep multiple hermit crabs in a 10 gallon habitat. They are not social out of their habitat, but are quiet and fun to watch. Their diets should consist of high-quality commercial hermit crab food and treats such as vegetables, non-citrus fruits, and fish flakes.
They need constant humidity to breathe properly
Hermit crabs need a constant humidity level to breathe properly. The humidity level should be at least 80%, but ideally closer to 90%. For best results, seal the container’s lid with saran wrap or duct tape to prevent the moisture from escaping. You can also buy a digital humidity gauge, which is relatively inexpensive and accurate.
Hermit crabs also need a substrate that is moist. The ideal substrate mixture is a mix of coconut husk bedding and kid’s play sand. The coconut husk bedding helps hold moisture, and the sand helps create the right consistency for burrowing. The best mixture is one part coconut husk bedding to five parts kids’ play sand.
They need a glass tank
For hermit crabs to thrive, you should choose a glass tank with a deep substrate. This can be coconut fiber or commercial sand. Also, you should add an under-tank heater and humidity gauge. Besides these, you should also add decorations that will allow the crabs to climb. Lastly, make sure that you have two shallow water bowls. These bowls should contain dechlorinated fresh water and saltwater.
Hermit crabs are nocturnal animals that typically live in groups of hundreds. The tank should be large enough for their typical behavior and should be able to maintain the correct humidity levels in the habitat. The tank should also be large enough to accommodate their active behaviors as an adult.
They eat snail shells
Snail shells are an excellent source of nutrition for hermit crabs. They are voracious creatures that prefer to eat the shells of snails that are bigger than themselves. Hermit crabs also enjoy sand-sifters, which are algae eaters. Some crabs will also eat abalone, which grows to almost full size.
Hermit crabs usually live for one or two years in captivity. Their lifespan is reduced by lack of fresh water, dryness, and poor care.
They die
Petsmart and Petco have been accused of feeding hermit crabs food that causes them to die. PETA has been investigating the matter and is calling on the stores to stop selling the animals. The company is not only causing death to hermit crabs, it is also causing them to live in misery.
To prevent your crab from dying, feed them natural foods such as vegetables and fruits. Hermit crabs will dig up uneaten food, so try to avoid giving them pellets. You can also feed them popcorn drizzled with honey, greens, and canned octopus. Try to avoid feeding your pet onion, garlic, or citrus as they are toxic to hermit crabs.
