How To Achieve Maximum Hermit Crab Life Expectancy
Years ago hermit crabs were considered cheap disposable pets but increased research into these endearing little creatures has meant that their wants and needs are more widely known, and it is not uncommon for a caring pet owner to achieve a hermit crab life expectancy of six to eight years, sometimes longer.
The life span of the hermie in the wild can be as much as 50 years and although it is not realistic to expect a pet hermie to live that long, by following a few do's and don'ts as listed below, you will be giving your pet the best possible chance in life.
- You need to give your hermie as much space as possible and a minimum of a 10 gallon tank is recommended for two hermies. If you want to keep more than that, then increase the tank size. Although living alone is not known to have any detrimental effect on the longevity of the hermie, your pet would prefer some company as he is a social little creature.
- Because he hails from tropical climes, it is vital to recreate that atmosphere in his tank, and it is important to maintain a temperature of between 75-80 degrees at all times with a humidity level of between 80-90 percent. Never guess at these levels but ensure that you have a thermometer and a humidity guage. When positioning your tank, keep it well away from a window, since sun streaming in could send the temperature soaring, which could result in the death of your pet.
- The longevity of the hermie is dependent on him being able to burrow and dig a hole in which to disappear and molt or shed skin. This is the only way that he can grow and so it is important to provide a good level of substrate. I find kids' play sand is the best medium for this and I like to build up varying depths in different places in the tank.
- High standards of cleanliness and hygene are also paramount to the health of your hermies. You must maintain a clean tank that is free from bacteria or mold which can result from failure to remove hermie poo, and debris such as pieces of unused food.
- As with any pet, you need to provide your hermie with food and water. For increased longevity for your pet hermie, it is important to give him a well balanced and nutritional diet. Commercial hermie food is ideal, since it contains all the necessary supplements which are vital for your pets' well being, and it makes life more interesting if you keep him supplied with daily treats of fresh fruit, vegetables and small pieces of cooked meat or fish. He also needs a dish of de-chlorinated water, but make sure it is only a shallow dish that he can climb in and out of fairly easily, since your crab could easily drown in anything deeper.
- Finally, because your crawly companion can't tell you when he wants a change of shell, it is your responsibility to provide your pet with a plentiful supply of shells in various shapes and sizes. A crab that has recently molted can die if he doesn't have a shell to climb into.
Follow these guidelines and check daily on your crabs and I am confident that your hermit crab life expectancy will be high enough for you to achieve a long and lasting relationship and to have hours of enjoyment and pleasure from these great little creatures.
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