Hermit Crab Articles

First and foremost, the goal is to mimic a native tropical climate so temperature and humidity regulation are key to a land hermit crabs survival.

Sample Crabitat

Temperature Guidelines: 70-80 degrees F (78 degrees F is ideal)
Humidity Guidelines: 70-80%

Is it a bit stuffy in here? Having a saturated sea sponge in their home can help keep the proper humidity level. Buy a thermometer and hygrometer (measures humidity) so that you can monitor these two crucial environmental conditions daily. Land hermit crabs breathe with modified gills and if temperature and/or humidity fluctuate too severely, it can be fatal.

Location, location, location! Choose a spot for your crabitat where you will see your crabs often, making it easier to remember to feed, water and look after them. Keep in mind that they are nocturnal, and will be livelier at night so a bedroom is usually the worst place to house them.

Would you like your hermit crab in glass or plastic??? Most people house their land hermit crabs in an aquarium or create a terrarium for them to live in. A crabitat does not have to cost a lot, though. I’ve seen many people and pet stores house their crabs in plastic tubs or containers. The most important thing is that they have enough space for the essentials: two water dishes (one filled with dechlorinated water and the other with sea water), one food dish, a few things to climb on, an area to live in, and it should be tall enough to have a healthy depth of sand for burying themselves.

They certainly aren't pole vaulters but..... Once you choose a home for your land hermit crab, make sure it has a lid. Hermit crabs are very clever and can get out of their cages very easily. Lids can help prevent escapes and maintain humidity.

Smelly things are more than just stinky to a crab. Be cautious about exposure to fumes from soaps, perfume or cologne, hairsprays, household cleaners, and pesticides. They all can be harmful to your hermit crabs, so pick a spot for their home that will not be in direct contact with any of these things.

Building a Great Crabitat

Hermit Crab Articles