That may mean burrowing into the substrate closer to the heater or huddling along one wall. Hermit Crab Facts and Information Introduction to Hermit Crab. 2. They are GILLS, however, and not lungs, so are not able to breathe as we do. The air a hermit crab breathes has to be humid or the gills will dry out and the crab will endure a long unpleasant death of suffocation, similar to a human's death by dehydration. Hermit crabs are advertised as cheap and easy to maintain, which is not necessarily true. Below is … Learn what to feed hermit crabs as part of a balanced diet. Keep the right kind of water available for your pet. They thrive in large colonies, where they often sleep piled up together. you also need at least 2 hermit crabs they are very social. The following is a list of the essential items your pet hermit crabs will need: Essential items for optimum land hermit crab care Glass tank with lid: If the heater is under one end of the tank or along one wall of the tank, they can feel free to move wherever has a comfortable temperature. Land hermit crabs prefer to stay on the sand for the most part, heading for water periodically to take a drink or a quick dip. Although hermit crabs only molt about once every 18 months, if you don’t know what to do when the time comes, it can be very stressful for you and your crabs. Sometimes hermit crabs that live together help each other find new shells. Some manufactures recommend moistening their food. Hermit crabs need to be fed daily and in little amounts at a time to ensure the food is fresh. What do hermit crabs eat for nutrition? You will find the hermit crab living in a variety of locations. Hermit crabs need to be able to move wherever they feel most comfortable. Their habitat should have everything they need to survive and thrive. By providing the correct tank, substrate, decor, sources of food and water, and proper humidity your pets can keep you entertained for years. Hermit crabs can be very picky about the shell they choose. The first thing that you need to do before you go out and buy yourself any number of hermit crabs is to set up their home, much like you would do with fish, birds, or any other pet for that matter. Mainly, what a hermit crabs needs while it's molting is isolation. Hermit crabs can live long lives if kept in a proper home. The following is a list of the essential items your pet hermit crabs will need: Essential items for optimum land hermit crab care Glass tank with lid: Hermit crabs need lots of friends! Crabs can be quite picky about the shells they prefer, so it is necessary to prepare a good variety of shells for your hermit crabs. Below is … Hermit crabs are easy to care for pets, but don't take their needs for granted! Hermit crabs are advertised as cheap and easy to maintain, which is not necessarily true. Ive had a coulple of hermit crabs for about a year and they seem to be doing fine but somebody recently told me i need a heat lamp on them. 75-85°F is the proper temperature range. So a 20 gallon tank would house 20 small species such as the Scarlet Reef Hermit. Setting up the ideal habitat for a hermit crab is important for keeping your little friends happy and healthy. The shell-less hermit crab Birgus latro (coconut crab) is the world's largest terrestrial invertebrate. Pet stores have heating pads you can stick to the side of the tank to keep the crabitat 70-80degrees. To keep your hermit crabs happy and healthy, you will need to provide a lot more than food and water. Since all species of hermit crabs should have access to both fresh and salt water, you will need two water dishes. Hermit Crabs are often common pets that people find fascinating but that they also find them to be unique and easy to care for. Land hermit crabs have modified, stiffened gills which allow them to breathe air. Whether they do not have the time to take care of them anymore or need help providing the right care, we strive to help. This will ensure that your crab has the proper vitamins and minerals that they need to survive. Land hermit crabs have modified, stiffened gills which allow them to breathe air. Suitable foods to feed your hermit crab are fish pellets, breads, cereals, apples and other fruits, and shredded coconut. How to Feed Hermit Crabs. Hermit crab food comes in many consistencies from powder to large, hard pellets. New crabbers are often told by pet store workers and books that hermit crabs use fresh and salt water for drinking and bathing respectively. Pet hermit crabs need to be provided with a variety of shells so they can change their shells as needed or desired. The size of the aquarium they need will depend on the size of the Hermit you want to keep. From special housing to food and supplies, check out our hermit crab care sheet for more info.