The first thing you should know about hermit crabs is what they eat. This article will tell you what they eat and what not to. In addition to a few common pet store brands, you can find a range of organic foods and even fish, including turkey, catfish, and even eggs. Eggshells are an excellent choice, but you can also try wood or other organic foods. Turkey and catfish are high in protein, so be sure to check with the manufacturer.
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Eggshells
To feed your land hermit crab, you can use crushed eggshells. You can purchase vitamin supplements in a pet store that specializes in reptile supplies. Carotene is also necessary for a hermit crab’s health, and crushed eggshells are a good source of it. Hermit crabs do not thrive in an environment that is dry or too warm. Ideally, they need a moist environment that is seventy-percent humidity or higher.
Land hermit crabs enjoy eating fresh fruit and vegetables, so you can share these with them. Make sure to avoid cooking them in butter, as butter is toxic to them. Eggshells are also a natural food source. Vegetables should be cleaned thoroughly before serving. Hermit crabs also prefer organic fruits and vegetables, so opt for these over other types of fruits and vegetables. Eggshells are a good choice if you’d like to provide a special meal.
Wood
While some woods like maple and birch are more expensive, there are some that are non-toxic and are perfectly fine for hermit crabs. For example, pecan wood is an excellent option for hermit crabs because it can be used to make toys and obstacles. Alternatively, you can use crushed coral. The hermit crabs enjoy the burrowing and shedding of this wood. You can also purchase fake pine half logs at pet stores.
Other healthy foods that hermit crabs can eat include fruits and vegetables and wood. While commercial hermit crab foods are readily available, you can prepare them yourself at home for a more nutritious diet. Wood is a great source of protein for hermit crabs. In addition to wood, hermit crabs also eat other types of vegetables and insects, including earthworms and bloodworms. You can also serve your hermit crabs raw or cooked without any sauces.
Turkey
Some people are amazed to discover that their land hermit crabs actually love the leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner! Crushed bird eggshell and corn chips can make wonderful additions to the crab’s diet. While turkey can be a great addition to the diet, it is important to avoid ham because it has added salt. In addition to turkey, other meat products such as venison are safe for hermit crabs.
To avoid food poisoning, make sure to provide your land hermit crab with fresh water at all times. Fresh water is ideal, but you should also provide saltwater once in a while. If you have more than four hermit crabs, prepare two different water dishes. One dish should contain normal water with a water conditioner, while the second dish should have saltwater. This solution can also be used to soak the crab when they are not eating.
Catfish
Land hermit crabs prefer natural foods, such as tree bark and oak leaves. When it comes to picking the right foods, you can make the crab’s diet easy by avoiding common toxins and cleaning them with no soap. Dry leaves and wood are great sources of nutrients for your crab. They also prefer pelleted diets and do not require any cleaning. A few things to avoid when feeding your pet crabs are table scraps, bay leaves, dill, rosemary, and table salt.
While hermit crabs in captivity eat a similar diet to their wild counterparts, it is important to remember that they can’t live solely on insects. They also feed on their own feces and waste. Therefore, a steady and balanced diet is necessary for them to stay healthy and happy. Fish and meat contain proteins and provide essential nutrients for their growth. Apart from fish, cuttlebone also provides essential calcium for the crab’s body.
Lobster
Keeping your land hermit crabs healthy and happy requires that you know what to feed them. Crabs love meat and would prefer the meat off the bones. They also enjoy dead crustaceans and steamed shrimp tails. Make sure that you place meat in their crabitat at night to discourage scavengers. Hermit crabs also like nuts, raisins, and other snacks. Some people give their crabs trail mix, which contains peanut butter. Other food items that they enjoy are cereal and popcorn.
In addition to meat, land hermit crabs require calcium in their diet, which supports their exoskeleton. Calcium-rich foods are especially important during molting, so make sure you prepare them according to the crab’s size. A good rule of thumb is to feed them two to three tablespoons per day, or more. You can also add vinegar to their water dish to combat post-purchase syndrome. If you’re unsure about what to feed land hermit crabs, here are some recommended diets for them.
