If you have children, I don't think you can leave a beach
resort without a hermit crab in tow. Who can resist them?
Hermit crabs are actually fascinating pets, and can thrive
if you learn what they need to live a healthy, strong life.
Molting
You may look in your cage and
find a piece of claw in the sand, or that your
hermit crab is out of his shell. Do not worry, he
is probably molting. Your crab will shed his shell
when he is healthy. A new shell is underneath and
will harden. Leave the outer shell in the cage so
he can eat it and gain back the calcium needed to
harden his new exoskeleton.
NEVER TRY TO PULL YOUR CRAB FROM
HIS SHELL. A HERMIT CRAB WILL ALLOW HIMSELF TO BE
RIPPED APART AND DIE RATHER THAN BE PULLED OUT OF
THE SAFETY OF HIS SHELL.
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Community
Hermit crabs live in
communities. It is best for you to purchase two
or more at a time.
Claws
The hermit crab has a
large claw used for climbing, which
will hurt if it is pinching you. It
is alright to hold your crab, but be
careful not to keep your fingers near
this claw. Remember, your crab will use
his claw for climbing, so don't be
startled if you feel a slight pinch. If
he holds on to you and does not let go,
you can place your hermit crab under a
cool stream of water to startle him
off. Do not throw your crab out of
surprise, since the fall may injure or
kill your hermit crab.
Breeding
Hermit crabs do not reproduce
in captivity. In their natural habitat, land
hermit crab females carry the eggs for a short
time. They release them at the shoreline, and
the babies live in the water for about six
molts. Following this, they come back to the
shore and remain land crabs for the rest of
their lives.
If you have children, I don't think you can leave a beach
resort without a hermit crab in tow. Who can resist them?
Hermit crabs are actually fascinating pets, and can thrive
if you learn what they need to live a healthy, strong life.