Hermit crabs love to eat whatever you put in them. However, you should be careful when it comes to fresh produce. Some fresh produce may contain chemicals or pesticides. However, your hermit crab will surely love the occasional tomato snack. You must always remember to wash the food thoroughly. Hermit crabs will not eat anything with bones or shells, but they will happily eat vegetables, especially tomatoes.
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Citrus
While most hermit crabs do not eat citrus, they love fresh fruit, especially mushy or wrinkled ones. Citrus fruit peels are particularly appealing to hermit crabs because they are naturally insect repellents, and also contain sugars and terpenoids that are beneficial to the health of hermit crabs. In addition to a wholesome diet, crabs also love brightly colored vegetables, including carrots and raisins.
Plastic containers of marigolds
You can safely feed your hermit crabs with ground dried organic marigold petals. But before you buy small plastic containers of marigolds, be sure to check their ingredients to make sure they weren’t treated with pesticides. Marigolds are a staple food of land hermit crabs and should be grown naturally without pesticides. You can also feed them with oak leaves and tree bark. Marigolds contain tannins, so be sure to choose organic varieties.
Eggshells
Many people are under the impression that hermit crabs cannot eat eggshells, and this is simply not true. In fact, eggshells are good for crabs and they are a great source of calcium. Hermit crabs will happily consume organic produce as long as it is pesticide free. There are also several alternatives to eggshells. Here are some tips to keep your crab’s shell clean.
Wood
While you can get hermit crabs to eat wood, don’t let that put you off. Hermit crabs love to chew on decaying wood. Ash, oak and birch wood are ideal for your pet crabs to play on. You should also provide your pet with a diet rich in protein to support their growth and development. If you want to introduce a different food to your pet, try offering earthworms or bloodworms. You can serve these crabs raw without sauces or other additives.
Almost any kind of fruit
While hermit crabs aren’t able to eat most fruits, they do love some varieties. Fruits like cherries and prunes are safe to feed your crabs. It’s important to make sure that you’re not giving your crabs preservatives or artificial additives when you give them dried fruit. Pumpkin, for example, is a great choice for hermit crabs as it provides a high level of protein and calcium. Pumpkins should be left unpeeled for optimal freshness and nutritional value.
Popcorn
You’ve probably heard that hermit crabs can’t eat popcorn, but that’s not really true. Crushed cuttlebone and oyster shell are two great alternatives to popcorn. Crushed bones and shells provide calcium and add variety to a hermit crab’s diet, and fish flakes provide many vitamins and minerals. Popcorn is one of the healthiest treats available for your crab, and there are several healthy alternatives.
Wood shavings
Hermit crabs like wood shavings, but there are many other types of wooden materials that are not safe for them. They are especially sensitive to the smell of wood and will not consume them if you give them too much. You can also feed them junk food. Crabs enjoy eating corn chips, sugary cereals, and even pretzels. If you’re unsure whether your crab is allergic to wood, you can check the ingredient list on the packaging to find out.
Live insects from pet stores
While hermit crabs love the taste of cricket exoskeletons, live bugs can harm them. They are prone to contracting diseases from the chemicals that are often used in crop farming. Instead, buy pre-killed insects from a pet store. The insects are tested to ensure that they are safe to eat before being given to your pet. Hermit crabs can be suckered on the dead insects, but live ones can cause gastrointestinal upset and distress.
