Hermit crabs make for fun and fascinating pets. Their small size, minimal care requirements, and quirky behaviors make them an ideal animal companion. Many people acquire hermit crabs found on the beach during vacation. While finding a hermit crab may seem like perfect serendipity, caring for one properly requires an understanding of their dietary needs. Feeding a beach hermit crab appropriately ensures its health and longevity in captivity. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about sourcing, preparing, and serving foods for a newly adopted beach crab.
Understanding the Natural Diet of Beach Hermit Crabs
In their natural shoreline habitat, hermit crabs are opportunistic omnivores They scavenge for whatever organic materials they encounter to survive Beach hermit crabs have access to diverse food sources like
- Seaweed and algae
- Decaying driftwood and vegetation
- Dead fish, crabs, and other small animals
- Seeds, fruits, and vegetables washed ashore
This varied diet provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It allows crabs to thrive in the dynamic coastal environment. Replicating this diverse nutrition is key to avoiding deficiencies in captivity.
The Importance of Variety
Feeding your crab a wide variety of foods is essential. In the wild hermit crabs graze on many different items as they become available. They rarely consume the same foods day after day.
Offering a multifaceted diet ensures all nutritional requirements are met. It also provides mental stimulation A simple, repetitive diet can lead to boredom and stress
Potential Hazards of Beach-Sourced Food
While shells, seaweed, and natural beach elements seem ideal to feed a hermit crab, caution is warranted. Beach areas often contain:
- Chemical pollution
- Pesticide runoff
- Sewage contamination
- Parasites like bacteria, viruses, protozoa
Any found objects require thorough inspection and cleaning. Discard anything with an unnatural or strongly chemical smell. When in doubt, don’t allow your crab to consume it. Never take risks with beach-sourced food.
Safe Beach-Sourced Food Options
When selectively sourcing from clean beach areas, consider these safe feeding options:
Seaweed and Algae
- Look for varieties like nori or kelp washed ashore
- Rinse thoroughly and serve in moderation
- Avoid any slimy, discolored, or foul-smelling seaweed
Sand and Shells
- Sterilize by boiling and crushing shells into smaller pieces
- Feed only a small amount to avoid impaction
Decomposed Wood
- Select natural, chemical-free pieces of driftwood
- Replace regularly as it degrades
Washed-Up Produce
- Small amounts of organic fruits and veggies
- Thoroughly rinse sand and saltwater
- Avoid overly decomposed produce
Coconut Fiber and Husks
- Look for natural coconut debris washed ashore
- Mimics leaves and encourages natural foraging
Tiny Crustaceans
- Sand fleas, marine isopods, amphipods
- Rinse carefully and inspect closely before feeding
Supplementing the Beach Diet
Even when fed a variety of natural beach finds, supplementation is essential. Beach-sourced foods may lack complete nutrition on their own. Provide store-bought foods to fill gaps:
- High-quality commercial pellet food with vitamins
- Freeze-dried shrimp for protein
- Cuttlebone for calcium
- Hermit crab treats for enrichment
Follow package instructions carefully and research proper amounts to feed. Never over-feed beach-sourced or commercial items.
Handling Beach-Sourced Foods
- Give beach foods in moderation, 2-3 times per week maximum
- Thoroughly rinse sand, salt, and debris – use fresh water
- Discard any uneaten portion after 24 hours
- Remove beach finds if your crab refuses them
- Research safety before offering unfamiliar items
- When in doubt, don’t allow your crab to consume it
Providing a Balanced Hermit Crab Diet
Beach-sourced foods can supplement a balanced diet when carefully sourced from unpolluted areas. Provide measured amounts of:
- High-quality commercial pellet formula
- Animal protein like shrimp or worms
- Leafy greens for fiber
- Seeds, nuts, and veggies
- A calcium source such as cuttlebone or eggshell
- Natural treats like honey or coconut
Rotate foods daily. Offer a diversity of textures, nutrients, and flavors. Mimic their omnivorous natural feeding behaviors for optimal health. With careful sourcing and supplementation, beach finds can safely enhance your hermit crab’s nutrition.
Commercial Diets
There are a few good commercial diets available (though it may be difficult to find them at smaller pet shops, depending on where you live). Fortunately, there are mail order sources readily available.
Florida Marine Research (FMR) is a good source of time-tested commercial food as well as treats. Zoo Med is another reputable manufacturer that makes a pelleted diet and treats to tempt even the pickiest eaters.
Pelleted foods can be fed once a day, and should be crushed, especially for smaller crabs. They can also be moistened if desired. Uneaten food, including pelleted/commercial foods, should be removed daily.
Calcium
Hermit crabs need calcium to support the health of their exoskeleton, and this is especially true during molting. Ways to provide ample calcium to your crabs include the following:
- Cuttlebone: Available in pet stores (check the bird section) and can be given whole or shredded and added to food
- Calcium vitamin supplements: Available for reptiles, these can also be added to hermit crab food
- Crushed oyster shell: Also from the bird section, this is an excellent source of calcium
- Coral sand: Use the fine sand as tank substrate or a supplement
- Crushed egg shells: Boil, dry, and crush some egg shells for an easy source of calcium
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Basic Hermit Crab Care – How to Have a Happy Hermit Crab | By Crab Central Station
FAQ
What do you feed ocean hermit crabs?
Hermit crabs are omnivores and require a balanced diet of commercial food supplemented with fresh plant and animal matter. Freshwater and saltwater are essential for hermit crabs, and all water should be treated with a dechlorinator.
How do you take care of a hermit crab from the beach?
The temperature inside the enclosure should always be between 72 and 82 degrees. Use a quality tank heater or clamp lamp to maintain temperature. Hermies also need moist, humid air to breathe properly. Mist your tank with dechlorinated water to keep relative humidity between 60-80%.
How do you keep saltwater hermit crabs alive?
The key to keeping them alive is clean, cold, water and oxygen. Keep the bubbler at full blast, i use two at home. Bring an extra jug of seawater to freshen change out when the water gets murky. I throw in reusable ice pack once a day to make sure the water stays cold. I’ve kept them alive up to 3 days.
What is a hermit crab’s favorite food?
Hermit crabs are scavengers and have diverse food preferences, but some common favorites include fruits like apples, grapes, and coconut, vegetables like romaine lettuce and carrots, and even certain cereal and nuts.