5 replies to this topic

[WillowWonders]

Hi guys!

 

I have a few hermit crab questions as I'm planning on getting 1 (or more) in the futer.

 

1. Do they need to be in pairs/groups?

2. What food is best for them?

3. How big should the tank be?

4. What shells are safe bc I know they molt?

5. Do they need a vet?

6. What substrate is the most recommended? 

7. Fake plants or live plants?

 

And what is their proper care?

Thank you!

[♥~Whitewhiskers~♥]

1. Yes, hermit crabs are social animals and can even die if they don’t have 1+ companions to keep them company
2. There is food made especially for hermit crabs, that plus daily veggies should be great!
3. It depends on how many you have, for 2 a 10 gallon is the minimum, for 3-4 a 20 long is greater, and for 5-7 a 40 gallon is great, and so on.
4. Just plain, natural shells. Never use painted shells though!
5. Yes, you should always have a vet fund and a nearby exotic vet for them, they can get sick.
6. A mix of shredded coconut fiber and baked play sand is perfect!
7. Either one you want, but live plants would be a lot more experienced so I would do fake.

A few things I wanted to add: Hermit crabs need things to climb such as hammocks and cholla wood, they need 2 bowls, one containing salt water and one containing fresh water, make sure to have a heat mat to keep them warm, and make sure plenty of shells are available for them at all times!

 

Hope this helps! I have been planning on eventually getting hermit crabs for MONTHS!!

[♥️ MKmagnifico ♥️]

Hi guys!

 

I have a few hermit crab questions as I'm planning on getting 1 (or more) in the futer.

 

1. Do they need to be in pairs/groups?

2. What food is best for them?

3. How big should the tank be?

4. What shells are safe bc I know they molt?

5. Do they need a vet?

6. What substrate is the most recommended? 

7. Fake plants or live plants?

 

And what is their proper care?

Thank you!

hi! whitewhiskers answered rly well but didn't quote so i wanted to make sure you could see the reply!

[TheIslander]

First of all, you need to understand that they can live for 20 years.

1. Yes
2. Not sure what’s best, but commercial food is some of the worst.
3. 20 gallon tall or better. You’ll need lots of room for substrate to keep them from eating each other during molts.
4. Unpainted. Shell shape matters depending on the species of hermit crab.
5. I’m not sure if any vets treat crabs
6. Kid’s play sand mixed with coconut coir
7. Definitely fake plants I think

My advice is to watch a lot of YouTube videos on crab care before buying some

[WillowWonders]

Thanks you guys!

I just found out that Lori's Heartland has hermit crab vids!

[meadow~]

I highly recommend you go check out this care website/forum: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/index.php
It has really amazing care and you can ask questions and post answers. I highly suggest you check it out