Taking Care Of Hermit Crabs On A Daily Basis
Author: Jerry Montgomery
It's all so easy when buying a new pet, especially one that is kept in a tank, to assume that once you've settled them into their new home, you can sit back and relax. Well, think again! Although taking care of hermit crabs isn't overly time consuming, there are several jobs that need doing on a daily basis if your little hermies are going to thrive and have a healthy lifespan.
1. One of the most important elements of taking care of hermit crabs and which is vital for his well being, is that his tank environment, closely matches
that of his natural habit. A lot of crab owners find that they can provide enough warmth and humidity by using an undertank heater and a wet sponge, contained inside the tank. Personally I like to spray the entire inside of the tank and its contents twice a day, with a fine mist of bottled or spring water kept at room temperature, which I keep solely for this purpose. Never use water straight from the tap as chlorine is dangerous for a crab because it prevents them from being able to absorb calcium which is essential for their molting and survival.
2. No one likes living in a dirty home so you need to pick over their substrate, using a small sieve, to make sure that any debris such as uneated food is removed. Failure to do this on a daily basis can result in either mold or bugs, such as ants or flies getting into the tank. Avoid ants at all costs, when taking care of hermit crabs, since these little creatures can easilyget into a crab's shell and pick away at its soft abdomen.
3. To avoid bacteria, give your crab fresh water daily, making sure to rinse his bowl with clean water (no soap, as this can kill) and pat dry with a piece of paper towel.
4. Hermit crabs are natural foragers in the wild and eat pretty much anything that comes their way. When taking care of hermit crabs, it is important to give them a varied diet on a daily basis. After all, how would you like to eat the same food every meal time? Try serving them small pieces of meat or fish, coupled with some veggies and followed with a small portion of fruit. You should also give them a small amount of commercially prepared crab food, since this contains vital nutrients.
5. Finally, socialising with your little friends, is an important part of taking care of hermit crabs that shouldn't be overlooked. Hermit crabs are friendly litte creatures and you should take time out each day to get your hermies out of their tank and actively talk and play with them. If you have them on a table, keep a close eye on them to make sure they don't fall off. Try making a small play area for them with some kiddies building blocks. Another good way of getting them used to you, is to lay on your stomach on the floor with them, encircling them in your arms. Let them climb onto your arms and clothing and explore.
Taking care of your hermit crabs really shouldn't be a chore. Healthy hermit crabs make for endearing little pets that will give you hours of enjoyment for quite a while to come.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/taking-care-of-hermit-crabs-on-a-daily-basis-3324825.html
About the Author
Jerry Montgomery is reviewing a book to help you raise healthy Hermit Crabs http://www.ugothermitcrabs.com