Where Can I Get a Hermit Crab Near Me? Your Guide to Adopting These Quirky Pets

Hermit crabs make for unique and engaging pets. With their small size, minimal care requirements, and quirky behaviors like switching shells and climbing their habitats, they can be a fun addition to many households. But before adopting a hermit crab, it’s important to understand where and how to get one and properly care for it. This guide will cover everything you need to know to find hermit crabs in your area and welcome them into your home.

Hermit crabs are known for inhabiting empty seashells, moving to larger shells as they grow. There are over 800 species of hermit crabs, but only a few make suitable pets. The two most common species kept as pets are the Caribbean hermit crab and the Ecuadorian crab.

Some key facts about pet hermit crabs:

• They have a lifespan of over 10 years with proper care.

• They are social and do best kept in groups of 2-5 crabs

• They require a temperature of 70-80°F and high humidity

• They need both land and water areas in their enclosure.

• They enjoy climbing, digging, and interacting with toys and shells.

Hermit crabs are relatively simple pets for their small size. Setting up their habitat properly and maintaining the right temperature and humidity are the most challenging aspects of their care. With a little research beforehand, they can make engaging additions to many homes.

Purchasing Hermit Crabs and Supplies

Most people obtain their first hermit crabs from chain pet stores. Here are some things to know when getting crabs from these retailers:

• Petco and Petsmart are two popular options for hermit crabs. Call ahead to check availability at your local stores.

• Prices range from $3-8 per crab. Adopt at least 2-3 crabs since they are social.

• You’ll also need to purchase a tank, substrate, hides, water dishes, and other habitat items. Budget at least $100 for initial setup.

• Consider getting crabs on a weeknight when stores are less busy so employees can assist you.

• Inspect crabs for signs of health and activity before purchasing. Avoid crabs with loose-fitting shells.

• Pet store crabs are often painted or poorly cared for. Be prepared to nurture them back to full health.

• Local aquarium stores may also have healthier crabs than chains, though selection is limited.

For the best selection and health, many owners recommend adopting crabs from breeders and rescues. These organizations focus specifically on hermit crabs:

• Hermit Crab Association can help you find local breeders through their adoption program.

• Adopt-a-Crab partners with crabbers to rehome their molted crabs.

• Hermit Crab Patch rescue adopts out crabs nationwide.

• Crab Central Station has an adoption checklist for rehoming crabs.

• Landhermitcrabs.com forum features a rehoming subforum.

Purchasing from breeders and rescues takes more planning but yields the healthiest crabs. Be sure to quarantine any new crabs before introducing them to others.

Setting Up the Perfect Habitat

Hermit crabs require specialized housing to thrive. Here are some habitat guidelines:

• Enclosure: A 10-20 gallon tank is ideal for 2-5 small crabs. Plastic enclosures hold humidity better than glass.

• Substrate: Use a mix of 5+ inches of play sand and coconut fiber.

• Temperature: Maintain 75-80°F with a heat mat or lamp.

• Humidity: Keep 70-80% humidity using a hygrometer. Provide moist moss pits.

• Water: Give both shallow drinking water and a larger pool for climbing. Chlorine-free water only.

• Food: Feed a varied diet of fruits, veggies, proteins, nuts, and calcium sources.

• Decor: Give climbing areas, shells, artificial plants, driftwood, reptile hammocks, and more.

A proper setup is key to your crabs’ health. Thoroughly research their habitat needs before adopting and invest in high-quality heating and humidity products. Setting up the enclosure can be a fun family project too.

Finding Vets and other Resources

Since hermit crabs are exotic pets, not all vets treat them. Here are some ways to find qualified crab vets in your area:

• Search for “exotic pet vet” or “hermit crab vet” on Google Maps and call to ask about experience.

• Check the Hermit Crab Association’s nationwide vet directory.

• Look for vets accredited by the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.

• Join local hermit crab Facebook groups and ask for vet recommendations.

It’s also helpful to connect with other crab owners online for advice. Major forums like LandHermitCrabs and HermitCrabAssociation can answer most questions. And local Facebook groups provide community.

Bringing Your New Crabs Home

Once you have researched care, acquired your crabs and set up their habitat, it’s time to bring your new pets home! Here are some tips for a smooth transition:

• Acclimate new crabs slowly to your home’s temperature and humidity.

• Observe activity levels and eating for the first few days to ensure they are adjusting well.

• Resist handling crabs until they are settled in, which can take weeks.

• Spot clean waste and old food daily and change water frequently at first.

• Slowly introduce new foods, toys, and decor over the first few weeks.

• Be patient – it takes time for crabs to become comfortable in a new environment.

With the right setup and a gentle introduction, your hermit crabs will soon feel right at home. Enjoy getting to know their quirky personalities. Hermit crabs make low-maintenance but engaging pets for those committed to their specialized care. By following this guide, you’ll be prepared to find and properly care for these unique creatures.