Hermit crabs as commercialized creatures

[TeenHelp]

Hermit crabs as commercialized creatures
By Cassie (cynefin)

Land hermit crabs are creatures that spend most of their lives on land in comparison to other crabs such as saltwater hermit crabs. They have become a popular pet in recent years, as they can be unique and fascinating to watch and care for. Hermit crabs have a variety of different needs that need to be met, however, and many hermit crabs within the pet trade die due to improper care. Read on to learn more about their basic requirements and how the crabs themselves are sometimes advertised in the pet or tourist trade.

One of the most important things hermit crabs require is the correct environment so they can thrive. A healthy environment needs to include a tank or a tote with a lid that is preferably ten gallons or more. Due to the price of glass aquariums, large plastic storage containers with holes drilled inside have become popular habitats.

Moist substrate, humidity, and warm temperatures are also necessary. The substrate should be three times as deep as the largest crab in the habitat. This is so that the crab can dig and molt, or shed its exoskeleton. The humidity needs to be at least 75% but 80% or more is optimal. High humidity helps molting and breathing, as hermit crabs breathe through gills. Warm temperatures are also important; crabs come from tropical areas and they need warm temperatures to thrive. A temperature of 75-80F is best. Because the humidity and temperatures are so important, people purchase tank heaters that are mounted on the side or back of the tank.

In addition to the conditions listed above, hermit crabs need climbing toys, hiding places, extra shells, and socialization. Hermit crabs frequently enjoy climbing and hiding in the tank. It is suggested to have at least one space per crab to be able to do both. Contrary to their name, hermit crabs are not hermits. They are very social creatures and they thrive with the company of other crabs.

Lastly, hermit crabs need a balanced diet and they require access to fresh and saltwater that they can fully submerge in. A balanced diet can include fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats as well as dehydrated foods. Cheerios or graham crackers can be fed as an occasional treat. Table salt is not suitable for saltwater; aquarium salt is needed. Water must be treated to remove chlorine and other possible pollutants.

Note that there are more specific details within the listed requirements above and this is a general guide. Different species of land hermit crabs sometimes require different care.

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to breed land hermit crabs in captivity. This means that pet hermit crabs have been removed from their natural habitat before arriving in a pet store display or someone’s home. After being removed from their natural habitat, they are often shipped together in burlap sacks that are thrown around by employees or movement during shipping. Shipping is incredibly stressful on a crab and many do not survive the trip. They are also sometimes pulled out of their natural shells and forced into painted shells. The fumes in painted shells are deadly, and the paint itself is deadly if the crab ingests it.

Hermit crabs are a big seller and they are advertised as a simple, throw away pet or a souvenir from vacation areas. They are sold with painted shells, in colored sand within containers that are sometimes as small as one third of a gallon. They also often come with small shells for bowls and crushed corn for food. Because of how bright and colorful their supplies are, they are appealing to children and some families do not know about their care when they purchase them. Furthermore, many pet stores and souvenir shops give out incorrect care information to make them seem easy to care for.

Big box pet stores also receive hermit crabs through shipping, but they sometimes take a bit better care of their crabs. For instance, many habitats have the correct substrate, though it is not deep enough, and they sometimes have a few correct foods. Very few habitats have the correct humidity and temperature and the water bowls are often dried up. Unfortunately, many items marketed for hermit crabs are not safe and it is not uncommon to see deceased hermit crabs in big box pet stores or vacation areas.

The following images show habitats in pet stores and vacation areas vs habitats that have all of the requirements met. In the pet trade images, note that key elements are missing. There is no proper temperature or humidity, there are painted shells, incorrect food and water is given, the sand is colored and too shallow, the containers given are too small.

Improper habitat [source]

Proper habitat [source]

Because hermit crabs breathe through gills, lack of high temperatures and humidity slowly suffocates the crab over time. Colored sand hardens when misted; it can dry on the crabs gills and suffocate or burn it. Painted shells are poisonous while a lack of water dishes makes the crab dry out. The crab will be unable to dig to molt, and feeding one food for a lifetime is insufficient. The small containers that are sometimes sold with hermit crabs are equivalent to a human being living in one room of their home for the rest of their lives.

Because hermit crabs and their accessories are good for business, they will likely still be sold with the wrong information and accessories for many years to come. However, it is important for people to know that it is best to do research on care criteria and adopt if possible before they purchase anything new. If someone cannot find any to adopt or is interested in purchasing hermit crabs, they may benefit from ordering from a reptile vendor who houses the crabs in better conditions.