Hermit crabs are fascinating pets that can live for over 10 years with proper care. However, one question that often comes up is how long they can survive without food. This is an important consideration for any hermit crab owner. In this article, we’ll explore how long hermit crabs can go without eating and what you can do to prevent starvation.
Understanding Hermit Crab Biology
Hermit crabs are not like humans – they can actually survive for surprisingly long periods without food. Here’s an overview of their biology that allows them to do this:
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Slow metabolisms – Hermit crabs have very slow metabolisms compared to humans and other mammals This means they don’t burn energy quickly, allowing them to get by on less frequent meals
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Energy storage – Hermit crabs can store excess energy from food in their fat reserves and hepatopancreas (digestive gland) This gives them an internal food source to draw from
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Lower energy needs – Hermit crabs are cold blooded and generally inactive, meaning their basic energy needs are much lower than a human’s. They don’t need constant fuel to keep their bodies warm and moving.
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Water needs – While hermit crabs can go a long time without food, they cannot survive long without water. Making fresh and salt water available is crucial.
How Long Can They Survive?
The exact length of time a hermit crab can survive without food depends on a few factors:
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Age and size – Younger and smaller hermit crabs deplete their energy reserves faster than larger, older ones. Adults can generally go longer without eating.
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Species – Some species are hardier than others when it comes to starvation. Purple pincher and Ecuadorian crabs tend to do better than other species.
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Temperature – Warmer temperatures cause crabs to metabolize their energy faster. Cooler temps allow them to conserve.
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Activity level – Crabs that are active will burn through fat stores quicker than inactive ones.
Under average conditions, most sources agree that hermit crabs can survive 2-3 weeks without food as adults. After this time, they risk death from starvation. Smaller crabs may only last 1-2 weeks.
Preventing Starvation
It’s important to never intentionally deprive your hermit crabs of food for extended periods. Here are some tips to keep them well-fed:
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Feed an assortment of fruits, veggies, proteins, and calcium sources.
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Provide food in both their crab dishes and main tank.
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Use shallow dishes so food is easy to find.
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Replace old food every 2-3 days.
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Give a variety to ensure balanced nutrition.
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Monitor eating habits to catch any changes.
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Have a caretaker feed them if traveling.
With a consistent, varied diet, most pet hermit crabs will thrive in captivity. Be sure to research their nutritional needs fully. If a crab ever stops eating for an unknown reason, consult an exotic vet. With proper care, these captivating creatures can live happily in your home for many years. Let us know if you have any other hermit crab feeding questions!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my hermit crab is starving?
Signs of starvation in hermit crabs include lethargy, lack of appetite, resting outside the shell, weakness, and death. You may also see reduced growth in younger crabs. Act quickly at the first signs of hunger to avoid losses.
What do hermit crabs eat in the wild?
In their natural habitats, hermit crabs are omnivorous scavengers. They eat lots of decaying plants, seed pods, fruit, algae, and fungi. They also consume dead animals, feces, and other organic debris they find.
Why did my hermit crab die after not eating for 2 weeks?
While 2-3 weeks without food is normal for adults, younger, smaller crabs may only survive 1-2 weeks without a meal. Make sure to monitor petite crabs carefully and consider supplemental feeding if they are inactive. Molting crabs also have higher energy needs.
Can hermit crabs survive on fish food alone?
No, fish food should only be a supplemental feed. Hermit crabs need a varied diet with vegetation, proteins, fats, and calcium to fully meet their nutritional requirements. Relying solely on fish food can lead to deficiencies over time.
How often should I feed my hermit crabs?
Most hermit crab owners recommend feeding them every other day. Provide a mix of foods and make sure they are consuming what you offer. Remove and replace any uneaten foods within 2-3 days to prevent spoilage.
What are the most critical foods for hermit crabs?
Quality protein sources (shrimp, insects, worm castings), leafy greens, fruits, vegetables high in calcium (kale, spirulina) and omega-3s (chia seeds) are essential for hermit crab health. Offer these foods frequently in their diet.
Long-Lasting Hermit Crab Meals
If you’re leaving your hermit crabs alone for a prolonged period of time, there are plenty of different types of food that will stay fresh and last for weeks.
The trick is to stick to dry foods. Things like oak leaves, cereals, coconut shavings, seeds, dried shrimp, and nuts are great sources of fiber and proteins.
There are also plenty of dried fruits and veggies that will last the duration of your trip.
Give your hermit crabs variety. They’ll choose whatever food they need.
Commerical pellet food is the safest option. While it might not be as tasty and nutritious, a good amount will keep your crabs happy for several weeks.
I wouldn’t leave my hermit crabs for more than a week without a pet sitter. Leave your crabs with enough water to not dry out, and enough food to last.
They do not eat or drink very much, but it’s important to keep enough food and water available to keep them active and healthy.
What do hermit crabs eat in captivity?
Hermit crabs are omnivores, which means they need a healthy diet of vegetation and meat.
Hermit crabs in captivity eat a combination of high-quality commercial hermit crab food, a healthy mix of vegetables and noncitrus fruits. A mix of nuts, seaweed, brine shrimp, and cereals are great treats.