Sand
is the substrate of choice for hermit crabs because they like to burrow down into it. Playground sand, which can be found at home improvement stores, works well and is inexpensive, though aquarium sand is fine as well.
Can you use potting soil for hermit crabs?
The substrates mentioned above are suitable for hermit crabs. Gravel (unless very fine gravel), small river pebbles,
potting soil
, or wood shavings are not acceptable. The rocks are too coarse for the crabs to dig beneath them.
What do you put in the bottom of a hermit crab cage?
- Line the bottom of the terrarium with 2 to 3 inches of silica play sand, soil and/or coconut fiber; your hermit crabs will burrow into it when they're molting.
- Create several hiding places in the terrarium.
What materials are safe for hermit crabs?
The two preferred substrates are
sand and coconut fiber substrate
. You can purchase special terrarium sand or play sand. Coconut fiber substrate works well also and is especially good for tunneling and burrowing. Many hermit crab owners elect to use a combination of the two.
Can hermit crabs use paper bedding?
However, one that you used to dampen your hair with water or one that had an organic product in it should be fine. Misting, lightly every few hours will help keep the air moist. The
cardboard tubes
from paper towels or toilet paper can be used as places to hide and slightly moist will also help with your humidity.
What can you not put in a hermit crab tank?
- Never paint shells because this is extremely dangerous to your crab and could be fatal. …
- Hermit crabs may become bored of seeing the same shells after a while. …
- Never use painted shells because hermit crabs eat their shells for calcium.
How deep should the sand be in a hermit crab tank?
Hermies are natural diggers, and it's important that you provide enough deep moist sand to protect your crabs during the molting process. The proper amount is
three (3) times deeper than the height of your largest crab.
Can I use beach sand for my hermit crab?
Beach sand is OK for many
crabs as long as it's not too fine
. Clean, all-purpose sand sold at hardware stores often is ideal; clean play sand is sometimes too fine for the purpose of a crabitat.
What is better for hermit crabs sand or gravel?
Sand is the substrate of choice for hermit crabs
because they like to burrow down into it. … Crushed coral is also a nice choice, but you may want to provide an area with Forest Bedding or sand as your hermit crabs may prefer these substrates for molting. Avoid the use of gravel or wood shavings.
Can hermit crabs suffocate in sand?
The benefit to
sand
is that it's easy for Hermie to burrow into it without the sand collapsing on top of him. It's also inexpensive. If you choose sand as a substrate, make sure to provide enough for your crab to adequately bury himself.
Is Apple Tree Wood safe for hermit crabs?
Re: Apple tree branches
yup, Prunus
species wood is considered a no-go due
to the cyanide-like compound contained in the wood (not just straight-up cyanide, y'all).
Can a hermit crab live without a shell?
Your hermit crab's shell provides a protective barrier around its sensitive exoskeleton. … Without a shell, it leaves your hermit crab completely vulnerable to heat, light, and air.
They can quickly die without it
. It is common for crabs to leave their shell while molting.
What wood is toxic to hermit crabs?
If your hermit crabs eat these woods, they will become sick. Avoid evergreen woods, like
pine, cedar, and redwood
, which are unsafe.
How often should you change hermit crab substrate?
Regardless of what kind of substrate you have you need to clean
every 2-4 months or so
. Think if it like a fishtank. The water needs to be changed out because waste that builds up and would normally be removed or transformed by lots of other types of animals isn't. I change mine every four months or so.
Do hermit crabs like to be held?
Don't pick them up every day
First of all,
hermit crabs do not particularly like being handled
. They are not the kind of pet you take out to cuddle. Sorry if that's what you were looking for. Like many other exotic pets, these crabs tend to get stressed out when they're handled too often.
How can I keep my hermit crab tank humid?
Maintain proper humidity levels in your tank by dampening the substrate and misting the air inside the tank, as needed. Use a hygrometer to keep relative humidity levels at
70 to 80 percent
. Proper humidity levels will also help keep your hermit crabs warm.
