Look After Pet Crabs
Have you ever wanted a pet crab, but aren't sure how to look after them? Or have you already bought some, and want to know all about them? This page will tell you everything you need to know about them, including care and info.
Steps
- Fill the tank with about 1/2 to 1 whole centimeter (or more) of sand or coconut substrate.
- Place the crabs in the tank once you are home.
- Fill the two bowls with crab food and water. Do not use tap water; use non-chlorinated water.
- Leave them for a bit of time to get used to the area (choose a warm place and don't move them too much).
- Gradually, put some more toys and stones in the tank.
- Refill the water bowl every day.
- Get dead fish or meat to feed the crabs. They also like vegetables (organic, no pesticides) and even sub sandwiches!
- Make a platform with sand on it, make it look like a beach
- Crabs need to be in the shade throughout the day/night. Direct sunlight can hurt them.
- Refill the dry food when needed.
- Refill fresh food when it isn't fresh anymore.
- Once every 7-14 days, place a pinch of salt in a small, shallow saucer and fill with water.
- Once every 7-14 days, place a pinch of salt in a small, shallow saucer and fill with water.
- Place your crabs on the side of the saucer and leave them to walk across the water. This cleans them and gets the gills moist.
Tips
- They are great if you have kids who want pets, but are allergic/don't want to care for a big animal like a dog or cat.
- Buy more than one crab. In twos or threes is best for normal people.
- Hermit crabs can drown. Do not put them in deep water!
Warnings
- Do not make the water too deep or they will drown.
- Do not get any kind of crab (crazy crab, hermit crab etc.) if you have birds, as crabs are one of a birds favorite foods!
- Do not get a plastic bowl because then you will not be able to see the crab.
- This is for land hermit crabs only (despite the pictures). Other crabs have other needs.
Things You'll Need
- Crabs
- A steep-sided tank with transparent plastic or glass
- Two bowls
- A shallow plate or saucer
- Salt
- Food
- Water
- Stones/sticks/toys etc.
