Hermit Crabs as Pets

If you are looking for exotic animals as pets, a hermit crab is definitely at the top of the list of choices. Although not as widely known in the past, hermit crabs as pets is an increasing trend.In the category of pets, it is commonly placed alongside a tarantula, an iguana, or even a scorpion. Each one of these exotic animals have been taken as pets, and a hermit crab is just as exotic as any of these animals and can be a terrific pet.

Hermit crabs are originally from a tropical climate and prefer high temperature and humidity particularly in the day time. These unusual pets are very intriguing and are often a breeze to care for as well. Those who keep hermit crabs as pets will tell you that each crab tends to have its own personality. These crabs are extremely curious creatures and they are also rather active. The low maintenance required to keep these pets makes them one of the most preferred choices among exotic animal pets.

Hermit crabs tend to be shaped differently than regular crabs with a softer stomach area and a smaller body. Due to their small sizes these crabs tend to be more delicate and should be protected. In the wild, hermit crabs protect themselves by taking shelter in an abandoned shell of another creature. As they grow their bodies grow as well and a new shell must be found in order to fit inside and stay protected. If you are deciding on keeping hermit crabs as pets then try to find a selection of shells that will be suitable for your crab.

Hermit crabs are omnivores in their natural habitat eating a little of almost anything. The eat fruits and vegetables as well as meats, mostly eating whatever they can find to survive. If you are planning on keeping hermits as pets you will need to have food for them as well. Keep hermit crabs as pets is easy since they eat almost anything, this is not hard to decide. Try giving them some crab food with meaty snacks and veggies. You can also decide to give them a healthy diet of vegetables and fruits with some chicken.

Hermit crabs are of two types, land hermits and marine hermits. Those that live on land are usually they type of hermit crabs as pets in the United States. The two most common species are Caribbean crabs (Coenobita clypeatus), also known as tree crabs or land hermit crabs, and Ecuadorian crabs (Coenobita sompressus), also know as E-crabs. Other species include the Strawberry hermit crab and the Australian hermit crab. These species are not easily found in the U.S. but may be available in large pet stores.

Keeping hermit crabs as pets is becoming increasingly popular and they can be found in many pet stores these days without difficulty. If you like to own pets but don't have time to care for them because of your busy schedule, hermit crabs make great pets overall because of their low maintenance and ease. When you are looking to purchase a hermit crab make sure that it is not damaged in any way and three sets of legs are present. It is also good to check that it doesn't have any visible parasites. Bigger crabs are more sturdier and thus less susceptible to illness and death. Just remember that if you are considering hermit crabs as pets, choose the crab that you will love the most, and that crab will make a great pet.

Sources

1. Land Hermit Crabs, About.com.

2. Crab Care, Hermit Crab Paradise.