Hermit crabs are unusual,  fun pets and make interesting, easy care companions. It would surprise many that they have individual personalities, are active and curious, and their unique characteristics and low maintenance requirements make them good pets. As they are nocturnal don't be alarmed to wake to a tank that embodies the remnants of all night party!

Requirements:

• A minimum 37L plastic or glass tank with a lid to hold humidity.  The small plastic ones you get from the pet store are only good for a travelling case!
• Sand or other appropriate substrate for ground cover and for the crabs to dig around in.
• Hermit crabs live in tropical climates and therefore require the same humid warmth in their tank.  A temperature of no less than 22°C and no higher than 27°C will keep your crab happy. Undertank heaters, lights, or a combination of both can be used to maintain appropriate temperatures.A humidity meter may also be worth investing in since the tank should be contain around 70% humidity.
• Hermit crabs love to climb so give them some driftwood, coral or rocks to play on.
• A sturdy shallow food bowl, one water dish with freshwater (for drinking) and one for salt water (for cleaning).  The water dishes should be deep enough to allow the crab to bathe and climb out easily without risk of drowning.
• Different sized shells.  As your crab grows it will need a bigger house so make sure you always have a supply of shells for it to grow into.
• FRIENDS!  Despite their name, hermit crabs are social and love company, so get a couple!

Picking your crab

Hermit crabs are readily available in most pet stores but care must be taken when choosing your new companion to ensure they are healthy.  Check that all 3 pairs of legs are present as stressed crabs will often have some missing in response to unhealthy or inadequate treatment/care.  The shell covering the head and thorax should not be damaged and make sure there are no parasites/small bugs present, and that the crab is lively. If you already have a crab then it is important to match sizes pretty closely otherwise fighting may occur.

Molting

As your crab grows, it will 'molt' or shed it's skin.  It is very vulnerable during this time and care must be taken to ensure its living conditions are optimal and that it is not disturbed.  They will often bury themselves during this process.  It is important to leave their shedded skin in their tank as they eat it which provides them with essential nutrients.