Hermit Crabs--- The Perfect Starter Pet

Hermit Crabs are clean, safe to handle, and can live for years with the proper care and handling. Although they make a great starter pet for children, they do require a good set up to insure that they are healthy and happy in the chosen habitat. There are a few simple basics to understand when setting up a hermit crab habitat. These include:

(1) ensuring that there is a deep enough layer of a moist substrate to provide for a safe molting environment for the crabs (about 1-2 inches);

(2) providing the crab with several different size shells;

(3) providing nutritional needs including fresh fruits;

(4) salt water and fresh water to drink and bathe;

(5) climbing/hiding areas; 

(6) maintained temperature at about 78 degrees;

(7) and provide at least one other crab of a similar size for company as hermit crabs are very social animals.