Hermit crabs or hermies are lovable creatures and can make excellent pets for several reasons. First,
they are cheap to buy (less than a few dollars can get you started)
are, secondly, they are relatively inexpensive to maintain, and thirdly,
if looked after properly, they can live for a few years (10-15 years in
captivity not uncommon). If
you want something a long and happy life for your pet, then there are a
few things you need to consider when taking care of hermit crabs.
Lifestyle
When in the wild, these creatures are very social animals and tend to hand around. Colonies or in small groups Contrary to their name, they are not happy to be alone (hermits they are not). So the first thing to remember when you are planning a hermie is that you need a pair of them with minimum purchase have in captivity. They also like a bit of space, so it is best to get a glass or aquarium, which is available at 10 gallons.
Temperature and Humidity
Most, if not all the types of hermies, from tropical climes. This means that at warmer temperatures with high humidity they are happiest reasonable. In order to create this in captivity to keep the tank or aquarium with approximately 72o F and 70% humidity. If your glass or aquarium to keep in a warm room, then you'll probably be fine. However, if you keep your aquarium in a shady area tend then you need to buy a small heater. These are relatively easy to buy and can be purchased from most reputable pet stores for a few dollars. To keep the humidity high, it is recommended that you buy a natural sponge, dampen it and place it in the tank ... The temperature is important if you want your hermies happy and healthy, because when the crab is too cold die. On the other hand, if it gets too warm, it will also die. You can tell when something is overheating companion because it produces a brown liquid, and it will give off a slightly musty smell.
Environment
If you want to try to properly care for you Hermie, you need to see them in their natural environment or habitat. In the wild they live in and around the coast and just love to dig and climb indeed. Therefore, in your tank you will need to provide with climbing apparatus, such as pieces of bark or plastic toys that are made just for this purpose. You will also need to provide them with substrate. Substrate is usually a layer of sand that covers the bottom of the tank, filled to a depth of about 3 inches, that the crab can dig in. It undermines, if it feels threatened or when molting.
Another very interesting fact is that the hermie makes his home in the shells of other animals. These are usually discarded snail shells or small crustaceans, which are washed on the beach. The reason for this is that in contrast to all other species of crab hermie crawly not born with a shell. To create this in captivity need to keep your crabs with a variety of different shells provide in different shapes and sizes. As it grows, it discards the shell and the search for a new one. Try to avoid painted shells because the paint peeling and possibly harm the crab when digested. Mussels can come in all shapes and sizes be purchased online or at most pet stores.
Food
One of the most popular questions that people ask when they want to have a hermie is, what kind of food they eat? The simple answer is that, within reason, to eat something. They are scavengers in the wild and leaves and bark, small crustaceans and even eat carrion. To provide them with healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables and also throw in a little fish and meat to their diet you will find that your cat will be happy. Try to vary their meal every day, how they love to try new foods.
As you can see, taking care of hermit crabs is relatively inexpensive and relatively easy. As long as they have food and shells, their environment is kept clean, they are to climb and dig into the situation and the temperature and humidity is stable, then you will find that your cat will live a long and happy life....
