Hermit Crab Shells, Hermit Crab Facts For You

Facts About the Hermit Crab Shells

Hermit crabs are unique in that they must find and use a shell from another creature. A hermit crab carries this "borrowed" shell around with them, and the shell protects their soft abdomen and holds and regulates moisture within the shell (important for the function of the gills for breathing).

Shell Changing
Some hermit crabs seem to change rather frequently, while others are more reluctant about changing shells. There seems to be some species differences, both in the frequency of shell changes and the shells preferred. Caribbean hermit crabs tend to change shells frequently, whereas Ecuadorian crabs tend to stick with one shell for a long time, even if is getting too small.

Crabs may or may not change shells before or after a molt (where the exoskeleton — the hard outer covering of the body and legs/claws — is shed and new one produced in its place).

Provide A Variety of Shells
Pet land hermit crabs need to be provided with a variety of shells so they can change their shells as needed or desired. Crabs can be quite picky about the shells they prefer, so it is necessary to provide a good variety of shells for your hermit crabs. If you don’t have enough shells available, it can be stressful on crabs that want to change but can’t find a shell they want. Sometimes crabs will even get into disputes over the "best" shells, so it is vital to have a good selection available. Crabs will fight to the death over treasured shells, so do not skimp on the number of shells available. The quality of shell is important too, as shells that are cracked or have holes are not suitable (don’t hold moisture well) and crabs will not choose them.

Choosing Shells for Your Hermit Crab
There are a wide variety of types of shells available to buy, and it may take some trial and error to find the type of shell your crab prefers for changing shells. You need to provide multiple appropriately sized shells for each crab you have.

• Size: for each size of crab, provide several shells with a similar sized opening, as well as some that are slightly larger. As well, if you think your crabs are in shells that are maybe a bit big, provide some that are slightly smaller. If you provide a good variety of sizes, chances are your crab will pick one that is the right size (if the shell is too small the crab won’t be able to withdraw into the shell, and if it is too big it will be hard for the crab to hold onto and maneuver around).
• Shape of Opening (Aperture): provide shells with different shaped openings, at least until you figure out your crabs’ preferences. Openings vary in shape: round, oval, D-shaped, or more of a slit shape.
• Type of Shell: it is good to provide some variety in the type of shells, but make sure you do have some shells of the same (or similar) type to the one your crab is currently using.

There seems to be species differences when it comes to shell preferences, too.  Help on identifying the species of your hermit crabs can be found at Crabbytalk.com or the Coenobita Species.com site.

Source: http://exoticpets.about.com/od/hermitcrabs/qt/hcshells.htm

Hermit Crab Molting - How to Care for a Hermit Crab When Molting

Hermit Crabs: Care for Molting

Hermit Crab Molting is a process in which a hermit crab faces a lot of stress so it is at this time that it require a lot of care and concern. With that thought in mind, here is information that will help you care for your molting hermit crab.

A hermit crab - What is it?

Unlike what the name hints at, a hermit crab is not a true crab. It is a type of crab that does not have a very hard shell and uses the shells of other animals for protection. These smaller shells are discarded for larger ones as the hermit crab grows in size.

There are about 500 different species of hermit crabs found around the world. Most of them live on the ocean floor but some of them live on land too.

Hermit crabs do not have a backbone and instead possess an exoskeleton (an outer shell that provides support for their body but does not provide much protection from predators). Hermit crabs have ten jointed legs, a flattened sensory antenna, two eyes located at the end of the stalk and a soft, twisted abdomen.

What is molting?

Molting is a natural process of growing for a hermit crab wherein it sheds its exoskeleton and forms a new one. The frequency at which a crab molts depends on the growth rate and size of individual crabs with smaller ones molting every 3 to 4 months and larger ones molting once every year. This is a time that the hermit crab needs to be treated with extra care as it is defenseless and vulnerable.

How do I know when my hermit crab is ready to molt?

It is important to always be prepared for molting as some hermit crabs may surprise you when you least expect it. Here are the signs that indicate that your hermit crab is ready for molting.

• Decrease in the level of activity, though it may seem restless.
• Its body will take on an ashy color.
• Antennas look tangled and it shows less activity.
• The eyestalks may face away from each other taking on a V shape instead of being parallel.
• The tips and legs of the hermit crab may turn whitish.
• It spends more of its time underwater.
• Its claws and legs may seem weak or droopy.
• A molt sac(one that stores water to help break the exoskeleton) develops just under the abdomen.
• Its eyes turn whitish and cloudy.
• The hermit crab eats and drinks more than usual for a bit before the molt, this decreases in the last few days before a crab begins to molt.
• It starts digging more than usual.
• Hermit crabs that have a missing limb begin to restore their limbs by beginning to grow a gel limb.

How do I care for my hermit crab when it is molting?

The first thing to keep in mind is that when a hermit crab is molting let it stay where it is. This process may take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for an average sized crab; with smaller crabs taking a shorter time and larger crabs taking longer. This is a time when the molting crab is in danger from other crabs. To keep the molting crab safe it is of vital importance to keep the molting crab in an isolation tank.

What are the factors to be kept in mind when I set up an isolation tank?

Since this is a stage when the hermit crab is inactive, a glass tank or small plastic tank will also serve the purpose. Once that has been selected, line the tank with a deep layer of sand and provide chlorinated water as well as salt water in it. Also ensure that some calcium rich foods such as calci-sand, cuttlebone and boiled eggshells are available. A hiding spot as well as few larger shells should also be provided.

There is a factor that is very important and that is to make sure that the humidity and temperature are right, to do this you might have to invest in a humidity gauge and a small heating pad as well. Temperatures on the high-end are recommended for molting crabs as also proper humidity, as moisture is critical to the molting process.

How long should I wait before returning the hermit crab into the main tank after molting?

It is advisable to wait until the crab is moving around as well as drinking and eating normally. This should take a few days to a couple of weeks.

Once the new exoskeleton has hardened and you would like to return the hermit crab into the main tank, you could give it a lukewarm dechlorinated bath!

What do I do with the molted exoskeleton?

As the exoskeleton is a rich source of calcium, it is needed by the crab to grow a healthy new exoskeleton. A crab that has just molted will usually munch on the molted exoskeleton for a few days after it molts. You can move the uneaten bits of exoskeleton into the main tank once the crab has begun moving about.

The uneaten bits (which consist of the parts that are too hard to eat) of exoskeleton can be removed after a few weeks.

Additional Resources:

The Complete Guide to Hermit Crabs: How to Care for and raise a healthy and happy hermit crab.

What to Feed a Hermit Crab?

Keeping A Pet Hermit Crab Happy

Pets have made a difference in many people’s lives for a long time. The most popular pets have been pets such as cats, dogs, and fish. Within the past few years or so, Land hermit crabs have become a very popular pet in the small pet market. Many people have realized that they make fascinating pets. If a person decides to make the choice of a land hermit crab for a pet, there are several ways to make sure the crab is comfortable, healthy and happy. These ways include making sure the hermit crab has proper food and water, proper environment and proper hygiene and care.

One of the first ways to keep a pet hermit crab healthy is proper hermit crab food. Many people have many different ideas about the healthiest diet for a hermit crab. There are three popular diets for land hermit crabs. One diet choice is simply to feed your land hermit crab basically the same things you eat. Numerous people feel that feeding hermit crabs small bits of cooked meats, raw veggies, and fresh fruit is the best way to nourish your crab. This is, indeed, a healthy way to feed your crab because in the wild, hermit crabs are scavengers. They are definitely not picky creatures. Other popular diet choices include fish flakes and crab food pellets or granules. These are also acceptable ways to nourish your crab. Whatever type of diet you choose for your pet, a treat every now and then is a great way to break up your hermit crab’s diet. Small pieces of fruit and veggies and the occassional piece of cooked meat are great ideas for treats.

Water should be clean, fresh, dechlorinated water. Dechlorinators are available, but can become expensive over time. Bottled, filtered water is acceptable. A dish of salt water and a dish of fresh water is required to drink and soak in for your crab.

Another way to be able to keep your hermit crab healthy and happy is to make sure your crab has the proper environment in which to live. To make your hermit crab habitat, needed first is a container. Housing can be as basic as a 10-gallon aquarium or a reptile habitat. Make sure your crab habitat is roomy enough for toys and food and water dishes. Your crabbie also needs room to roam. If you wish to get more than one hermit crab, which is recommended because they are very social creatures, you must keep this in mind when thinking about space in your crab habitat.

Other environment issues exist. Substrate is what goes in the bottom of the habitat. Sand, coconut fiber, or small crab gravel can be used. Humidity and temperature should be approximately 70% and 72. This is important to keep their gills moist and to give them an environment to which they are adapted. Toys are very important to keep the crab happy. Things to climb on, hide under, and push around are great things to put in your pet’s habitat to increase the hermie’s enjoyment.

The third basic thing that is needed is proper care. Proper care of your crabbie includes bathing it once a week in purified dechlorinated water, feeding according to the directions of the chosen diet, spritzing your crabbie and its environment to keep constant humidity, and paying attention to your little friend.

These are the basics when it comes to keeping your hermie very healthy, happy, and comfortable. There will be more information needed and research that needs to be done to be a great caregiver, but this information will get started and on your way to being the proud owner of a terrific pet that can provide great entertainment and can be a rewarding experience. Hermit Crabs are great pets.

By: Kelly Church

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kelly Church is the writer of several websites. She is currently the proud owner of a hermit crab she calls "Shells", and is very happy with her pet. She plans to acquire more crabbies so her current pet can have a few friends. She has found her experience to be very rewarding and has written helpful instructions on pet hermit crab care.

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The Land Hermit Crab and Other types of Hermit Crabs

Different Types Of Pet Hermit Crabs

A hermit crab is a truly exotic pet. They might not be the first exotic pets you think of when you first think of exotic pets. You might first think of a tarantula, an iguana, or maybe you even know someone with a scorpion. While these pets are all most definitely exotic, hermit crabs are the definition of exotic. They generally come from a tropical climate where humidity and temperature are high in the daytime and where the evenings are just as muggy. Hermit crabs unquestionably fall into the category of the more unusual pets, such as those mentioned before. They make interesting, easy-to-care-for companions and, like any other pet, have their own personalities. By nature, they are active and curious. The unique characteristics displayed in each hermit crab, plus the fact that they are low maintenance, make them the perfect pet choice for many people.

Hermit crabs are not what we think of when we think of traditional crabs. They have a much smaller, softer abdomen than the typical crab. Because the abdomens of these crabs are soft and small, they are vulnerable, so they must be protected. The way a hermit crab protects its body from the elements and predators is by taking up residence in a snail shell that has been previously discarded. As hermit crabs age and grow, they must continuously find new shells in order to have a shell that fits each time the crab grows a little. Therefore, hermit crab pet owners must provide a selection of hermit crab shells for your pet to choose from. The hermit crab will be able to choose the perfect size shell to fit comfortably on its body.

Hermit crabs, in the wild, are omnivores, meaning they eat a little bit of everything. They eat meats, vegetables, and fruit. They scavenge eating whatever they can find in order to survive. When you own a hermit crab, they can eat crab food with healthy veggie and meat snacks, or to take more time, you can feed them a balanced diet of what you might eat, such as grapes, carrots, and chicken.

As far as the type of hermit crabs that are usually found as pets in the United States, there are both land hermit crabs and marine hermit crabs. This article specifically talks about land hermit crabs, as the care for marine hermit crabs is much different. The two main species of hermit crabs that are the most popular in the U.S. are Coenobita clypeatus, also known as Caribbean crabs, land hermit crabs, or tree crabs. The other species is Coenobita compressus, also known as the Ecuadorian species, or known as E-Crabs. There are other species kept as pets in other parts of the world and can be found in the U.S. such as the Australian Hermit Crab and the Strawberry Hermit Crab. Though these species are generally found as pets in other places besides the United States, in larger pet stores in the U.S., different species are often available.

For the most part, land hermit crabs are easy to find in pet stores these days. They are becoming increasingly popular pets. One of the most important things to consider when selecting a pet is the care involved. If you are a busy person and don’t have time to put into a more needy pet, a hermit crab is relatively self-sufficient, and therefore an ideal pet for a busy person. At the time of purchase, check to make sure 3 sets of crab legs are present, he/ she is not damaged, and that there are no visible parasites. Try to pick a lively crab, and remember that the larger crabs are sturdier and less susceptible to disease and death. Whatever hermit crab you decide to choose, pick one you will love.

By: Kelly Church

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Kelly Church is currently a writer for several websites. She has her own pet hermit crabs and learns a little more about the quirks and characteristics of her pets every day and provides advice about hermit crab care and information

Hermit Crab Care Tips and Advice

For further information on how to care for a hermit crab, visit:

http://www.the-hermit-crab.com/the-complete-owners-guide-to-hermit-crabs.html