Types of Cages:
A glass aquarium is the best cage for a hermit crab. You should have a cover for the aquarium since hermit crabs are talented escape artists. A sliding glass top is best because it will maintain the humidity in the cage, which is really important.
A plastic cage would also be fine. If it has a plastic top it should be able to maintain humidity about as well as a glass aquarium.
Some people use wire mesh cages. These cages give the crabs the opportunity to climb, but they don't retain humidity, so I don't recommend them. If you do use a wire cage (such as a bird cage) make sure the crab (not including the shell) is not small enough to fit between the bars. Be careful because a hermit crab would be willing to leave its shell in order to escape.
Accessories:
- The bottom of the cage should be covered in about an inch of either sand or gravel. Sand is best; gravel may hurt the crabs' legs and make them less active. Sand is also easier to clean. Every week you you should remove buried food and droppings from the sand (you can do this cat-litter style using a plastic spoon). The cage should also be thoroughly cleaned (and the sand replaced) at least once a month.
- The cage should also contain something like choya wood (dried cactus skeleton) or some coral for the crabs to climb on.
- You can use shell dishes for food and water and a natural sponge as well.
- It might be a good idea to have an extra, smaller cage to use for separating crabs when one is molting.
Your pet's home should include choya wood or coral for exercise.Cage Placement:
Placement of the cage should also be considered. The cage should not be placed in direct sunlight or the crabs will be baked. If it is near a heater the crabs may slowly suffocate because of lack of moisture. It should not be placed under an air conditioning unit either, or the crabs will become inactive.
Ideal Temperature and Moisture:
The temperature of your hermit crab's cage should be somewhere between 70° to 85° Fahrenheit. It's a good idea to get a thermometer for the cage, although it should be fine as long as the temperature in the room is within this range. Moisture is important for the survival of hermit crabs. They breathe with modified gills which require moisture and humidity. In a dry environment, the crabs may die from suffocation.
You should mist your hermit crab with water from a spray bottle every day to help keep it from drying out. You can also dunk the crab in a lukewarm water bath each week in addition to the daily mistings. A natural sponge can also be placed in the cage to provide moisture.
Activity! Design a home for your new pet! Make sure you think about where, in the classroom, you will put him.
