Years
ago hermie crabs were as cheap disposable pets, but increased
exploration of these lovable animals has led to their wants and needs
are more generally known, and it is not unusual for a caring pet owner a
hermit crab life expectancy of six to eight reached years sometimes longer.
The life of the hermie in the wild can be as much as 50 years, and although it is not realistic to expect a pet hermie to live so long, by following a few do's and don'ts, as listed below, you will give your pet the best possible chance in life.
1 You have recommended your hermie as much space as possible and a minimum of a 10 gallon tank for two hermies. If you want to keep more than that, then you increase the tank size. Although living alone is not known to have any detrimental effect on the longevity of the hermie, would your prefer some company, as he is a social creature.
2 Because he comes from tropical climes, it is important that the atmosphere in his new tank, and it is important to maintain a temperature between 75-80 degrees each time with a humidity of between 80-90 percent. At these levels but never think to make sure you have a thermometer and measure the humidity. When positioning your tank, keep it far away from the window as sun streaming could send to the temperature rise, which could result in the death of your pet.
3 The longevity of the hermie is to be able to depend on him dig and dig a hole and disappear into the molt or shed skin. This is the only way that it grow and it is important to provide a high degree of substrate. I find children's play sand is the best medium for this and I like the structure of different depths at different locations in the tank.
4 High standards of cleanliness and hygiene are also essential for the health of your hermies. You need a clean container that can free of bacteria or mold the hermie from non-compliance poo, and has lead to remove debris from unused food like pieces.
5 As with any pet, you need to provide your hermie with food and water. For increased longevity for your pet hermie, it is important to give him a well-balanced and nutritional diet. Commercial hermie food is ideal as it contains all the necessary supplements that are crucial to your pets' well-being, and it makes life more interesting, if it with treats every day with fresh fruit, vegetables and small pieces of cooked meat or fish to supply. He also needs a bowl with de-chlorinated water, but make sure it is only a shallow dish that he climb in and out of pretty easily because your cat could easily drown in a little deeper.
6 Finally, because your crawly companions can not tell you if he wants a change in the shell, it is your responsibility to provide your pet with an ample supply of shells in different shapes and sizes. A crab that has recently molted may die if he did not climb into a shell.
Follow these guidelines and check daily on your crabs and I am confident that your hermit crab life expectancy will be high enough to allow you to achieve a long and lasting relationship and have hours of enjoyment and pleasure from these great little creatures....
