How To Overcome the Pitfalls of Hermit Crab Breeding

Hermit crab breeding can be quite a complicated process and there are pitfalls to overcome when taking on this process. However if you can avoid these hurdles then your breeding program will be successful. You see, in order for the Hermit crabs to breed you will need to try to recreate the conditions that they are used to within the wild. This is easier said than done! If you are serious about Hermit crab breeding, then you need to have a lot of patience as well as a lot of dedication

One of the difficulties of hermit crab breeding

A female will lay a lot of eggs, around 800-1200,depending on her size because when hatching occurs these tiny little critters will aim for the ocean. The female lays this many eggs simply because it is a numbers game. A large amount of eggs will get eaten by predators well before they are hatched, and even after they are born there is still a slim chance of survival. In fact a lot of eggs end up as part of a plankton mass within the ocean that other creatures feed on.

Having said all this, it is possible to re-create the natural process of hermit crab breeding artificially, and here's how:

Step 1

Set up a salt water tank. If you cannot do this indoors then an outdoor pond is a good option.

Step 2

Re-create the motion of the ocean! There is nothing more romantic than the waves lapping against the shore on a deserted beach. Some zoologists say that ocean wave movements can help in the hermit crab breeding process. To do this you will need to purchase a small wave machine. These can be bought through your local pet store or directly through the internet. Brands such as "sea swirl aquarium wave makers" are especially good for this purpose.

Step 3

Hermit crab breeding typically takes place at night, so you will need to purchase some moonlight bulbs. Again, these can be purchased from your local pet store or off the internet. A typical cost would be less than $15.00. Set these up all around your tank or pool.

Step 4

Well now you have created the right environment for our lovestruck couple you need to choose them. If you have difficulty in distinguishing the sexes of the ones that you already have, then you may want to consider buying a male and female specifically for breeding. Again, most pet stores will be able to help you with this.

Step 5

Make sure that the temperature of your pond or tank stays somewhere between 72-80oF. This is the optimum temperature to aid the hermit crab breeding process and will prevent them from becoming weak or ill. The best way to do this is by keeping the water clean and salty and the lighting full on.

Step 6

So you have set the scene, you have chosen your lovestruck couple and you have created the right environment for them. The next thing that you need to do is wait, wait again, and yes you've guessed it, wait some more! It is not unusual for a mating pair to take up to 3 weeks. Try to observe them as they do a mating dance. This is a good indication that they are about to mate! Feed the pair normally during this time, but you may want to give them extra calcium supplements to keep them healthy.

Keep a good supply of brine shrimp for the larvae to feed on as within about 1 month you should start to see the babies. When the babies start to come ashore they will need a good supply of shells to make their homes in. Remember to keep them small as they are only around 5mm in length. You will be able to find these in a good pet store! Or if not a good specialist via the internet. Once your baby crabs are safely housed inside their shells then you can relax a little, as the rest is up to mother nature.

As you can see hermit crab breeding is quite a complex and challenging process but for the avid crabber it is the pinnacle of hermit crab keeping.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/how-to-overcome-the-pitfalls-of-hermit-crab-breeding-3324768.html

Jerry Montgomery is reviewing a book to help you raise healthy Hermit Crabs http://www.ugothermitcrabs.com