Hermit crabs make great pets

Hermit crabs take up very little space, don’t chew or scratch furniture, seem to have unique personalities, and never need to be taken for walks. No wonder they are gaining fans and places in our homes, including film stars Kim Basinger and Scott Bakula, among the growing ranks of proud hermit crab owners.

“We’ve seen a big increase in the demand for hermit crabs and related supplies,” says Joe Fucini, a spokesman for the Pet Supplies “Plus” chain of stores. “Kids like them because they’re cute and interesting to watch; parents like them because they’re inexpensive, easy to look after and clean.”

“Don’t be fooled, though,” warns Fucini. “These cute little crustaceans aren’t disposable pets, or cheap souvenirs from a seashore vacation. They’re living, breathing, feeling creatures that deserve respect and proper care – and although they’re very easy to maintain, they do have many basic needs to remain healthy and happy.”

There are many species of land hermit crabs, the two most common pet varieties being the Caribbean, Coenobita clypeatus; and the Ecuadorian, Coenobita compressus. In the wild, they’re found near the ocean in tropical climes so when they reach our homes, they need a warm, humid environment to thrive.

With the growing popularity of hermit crab keeping, there are now many products on the market to help you set up a healthy “crabitat.” New products, such as the Crabworx line of habitats, foods and accessories, are designed specifically for hermit crabs. While it may seem like you need a lot of equipment, after the initial outlay there’s very little expense involved. Here are some of the things to put on your crabitat shopping list.

“A glass or plastic tank. Despite their small size, hermit crabs need plenty of room in a well-ventilated tank that’s been thoroughly checked for any means of escape. Always on the lookout for a quick exit, as these notorious escape artists have even been known to climb up the silicone sealant in the corner of their tanks.

“A layer of clean sand deep enough for the crabs to bury themselves that is at least twice the height of your largest crab.

“A shallow dish of dechlorinated water for drinking and splashing about. Dechlorinating drops must be added to water to make it suitable for crabs. “Many standard water dishes are too steep or slippery for crabs to climb into,” cautions Jeff San Souci of Rolf C. Hagen Corp, maker of the Crabworx line. He advises choosing a dish that’s not too deep and putting a piece of sponge in the middle to prevent smaller crabs from drowning. Most crabs also like to bathe in a second dish containing salt water made by mixing special aquarium salt with previously dechlorinated water.

“Food. Omnivores by nature, crabs will usually eat pretty much anything you give them. To ensure they get all the nutrients they need, offer a commercially prepared hermit crab food as well as little tidbits of fruit and vegetables. “Hermits eat very slowly, so be sure to remove all uneaten food daily and replace it with fresh, remembering to check for the “take-outs” they often hide in unexpected places,” advises San Souci. A single bottle of hermit crab food pellets will last you a very long time, so don’t worry about wastage.

“A heating pad placed under part of the tank provides both warm and cool areas. To keep the air humid, mist the tank daily with dechlorinated water. Try to maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees and humidity around 70 percent, using gauges to monitor the levels. If the air becomes too dry, the crabs’ gills will dry out, and they’ll suffocate.

“Toys and hideaways. These playful creatures love to climb and explore their surroundings, but when the going gets tough they like a place to hide. There are many commercially available coconut shell and wooden hideaways that double as crustacean jungle gyms.

“Empty shells. Hermit crabs can outgrow their shells many times during their lifetime. While some may stay happily in the same shell for years, others like to switch shells often. Provide plenty of clean, unpainted shells in lots of different sizes so that they can always find a new home whenever the fancy strikes them. Don’t be tempted to buy painted shells, as the paint can chip off and irritate the crab’s tender abdomen. Sterilize all shells before offering them to the crabs by boiling for 10 minutes and leaving to cool.

Finally, a word to the would-be crab owner – “never buy just one,” said San Souci. Despite their name, hermit crabs are social creatures that crave the company of other crabs. Don’t worry about getting “boys” or “girls” – not only is it virtually impossible to tell the difference, but hermit crabs breed in the ocean, not in captivity.