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Thermometers & Hygrometers
It is essential to have a dependable thermometer and hygrometer in your tank. These instruments are crucial for monitoring the temperature and humidity levels, ensuring they remain within the appropriate parameters. Thermometers A wide variety of thermometers are available on the market, ranging from analog to digital models. Options include compact designs that are positioned outside the tank with a cord extending inside, as well as more sophisticated choices like Bluetooth
thehappyhermie
Jul 14, 20253 min read
Moving House With Hermit Crabs
Relocating can be quite stressful, and the complexity increases when pets, such as hermit crabs, are involved. A frequently asked question I encounter is, "How do I relocate with hermit crabs?" The reality is that it's simpler than it may appear. Although the process can be stressful for both you and your hermit crabs, it is certainly manageable. Typically, you will spend several weeks to months preparing your household items for a move, often starting with non-essential item
thehappyhermie
Jul 7, 20257 min read
Thermostats In Crabitats
Let's talk thermostats! Are they really needed? And why? A thermostat is an apparatus that independently manages temperature by activating a heating or cooling system when the temperature reaches a predetermined level. Why do we need thermostats? Hermit crabs residing in captivity throughout Australia are often situated outside their natural environments, which likely results in temperatures that differ from those they experience in the wild. Consequently, it is the responsib
thehappyhermie
Mar 25, 20254 min read
Common Hermit Crab Shell Identification
Common Name - Babylonia CLASS: Gastropoda FAMILY: Babyloniidae GENUS: Babylonia SPECIES: Babylonia Zeylanica, Babylonia Spirata, Babylonia Areolata, Babylonia Zeylanica White, Babylonia Spirata White SHELL OPENING: Oval WEIGHT: Medium SIZING: Small - Large A widely favored gastropod shell, this type is highly sought after for captive hermit crabs. Known for its sturdy construction without being overly heavy for the crab, it is an excellent choice for owners seeking natural sh
thehappyhermie
Mar 13, 20254 min read
Stress In Hermit Crabs - Signs, Causes & Treatment
Stress is a real thing, and something all animals and humans experience. Even hermit crabs! However, in hermit crabs, stress can be lethal. Stress takes a huge toll on a hermit crabs' body and can cause all sorts of complications. Below we will cover the common signs of stress in hermit crabs. Signs - • Dropping shell and going naked • Dropping limbs • Lethargic • Loss of appetite • Inactive • Uncalled for aggression • Continually retracted inside shell • Not bathing or drink
thehappyhermie
May 16, 202412 min read
Caring For Hermit Crabs With Limb Loss & Deformities
Even when everything is right, it can still go so wrong. Hermit crabs with multiple limb loss and other deformities require a certain kind of extra care than that of normal, healthy crabs. Below we will cover their dietary needs, how to properly care for them, and what causes these issues to arise. Causes Of Limb Loss In Hermit Crabs When we say limb loss, we specifically mean a hermit crab that is missing a main limb, such as walking legs, claws, antennae or eye stalks. The
thehappyhermie
Mar 13, 202411 min read
Picking The Right Tank For Hermit Crabs
Despite what most people think, Hermit Crabs NEED lots of space!! Crazy right? No mate, your hermit crab cannot live in an empty fishbowl... I'm not even sure your fish can live in a fishbowl. They may be small creatures, but they require plenty of space to live happily, safely and comfortably. So why do Hermit Crabs require so much space? Let's face it, all Hermit Crabs in captivity came from one place... the beach! Yep, unless you have successfully bred your own crab, every
thehappyhermie
Feb 28, 202410 min read
A Complete Beginners Guide To Owning Australian Hermit Crabs
Welcome to what I refer to as the "Crab Cult." Why this name? Because you will soon become captivated! Over the past 20 years, hermit crab ownership has evolved significantly, and we have gained extensive knowledge about the proper care of these creatures. Unfortunately, the hermit crab industry has not made similar strides in educating about proper husbandry. However, rest assured, our community has made significant progress in this area! In the following guide, we provide a
thehappyhermie
Jan 21, 202412 min read
What To AVOID When Buying Hermit Crab Supplies
For new owners, determining which items are safe when purchasing hermit crab supplies can be challenging. However, this blog provides comprehensive guidance to assist you. We will review commonly available items in pet stores and online that should be avoided at all costs. This not only helps you save money but could also potentially save the lives of your crabs. It is concerning to consider that items labeled as "for hermit crabs" might actually be unsafe. We expect the prod
thehappyhermie
Dec 23, 20235 min read
Feeding From Your Pantry
Few individuals are aware that hermit crabs can consume a variety of items commonly found in our pantries, refrigerators, and gardens. While we highly recommend providing your crabs with high-quality, handmade mixes to ensure a comprehensive and balanced diet, you can also supplement their diet with fresh and dried items from your kitchen. This approach is particularly beneficial if you are awaiting the arrival of food mixes or are managing a limited budget. Key Ingredients t
thehappyhermie
Dec 19, 20234 min read
Why Did My Hermit Crab Die?
Hermit crabs may perish for various reasons. Occasionally, this is due to the environment we provide or errors we have made, while at other times, it may be entirely beyond our control. What Is the Lifespan of Hermit Crabs? In their natural habitat, hermit crabs can live for over 40 years. When kept in captivity, they have the potential to live for more than 15 years. Therefore, if a hermit crab's lifespan is only a few months or a year in captivity, it indicates that there m
thehappyhermie
Dec 12, 20237 min read
How To Measure Shells For Your Hermit Crabs
Few individuals are aware of the critical importance of providing appropriately sized shells for their hermit crabs. Many owners tend to acquire an assortment of shells, place them in the tank, and rely on chance. Captive crabs often do not behave in that manner. Some can be highly selective about the shells they choose for habitation. Providing appropriately sized shells for each of your crabs is crucial. An oversized shell can impede their mobility within the tank, while an
thehappyhermie
Dec 11, 20234 min read
Painted Shells - Not So Pretty After All
Painted hermit crab shells not only represent an inefficient use of natural resources but also pose significant toxicity and safety risks for your hermit crabs. Painting hermit crab shells serves a singular purpose: to attract children to purchase them. Vibrant pinks, purples, blues, gold, and novelty characters are all designed to appeal to young audiences. One of the most effective marketing strategies is the use of color. Have you noticed how, in a supermarket, your attent
thehappyhermie
Nov 30, 20233 min read
Why We DON'T Dig Up Hermit Crabs!
It's a common concern we all face. When your crab has been buried for an extended period, it's natural to feel anxious about their well-being. Is it appropriate to uncover them to check on their condition? Rest assured, we have all experienced this situation. Even seasoned owners feel anxious when their crabs haven't been visible for an extended period. It's natural to be concerned about what we cannot see, the unknown. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why you should
thehappyhermie
Nov 29, 20234 min read
Water Conditioner & Marine Salt
Water conditioner and marine salt are essential components of any hermit crab habitat. In their natural environment, hermit crabs are exposed to ocean water with its inherent salinity and distilled rainwater, both of which are free from ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals. However, when we introduce them into our home environment, we utilize tap water that contains various chemicals and heavy metals, which are hazardous to hermit crabs. Therefo
thehappyhermie
Nov 17, 20233 min read
Captive Breeding Hermit Crabs
Is it not feasible to breed hermit crabs in captivity without a scientific degree and laboratory setup? This is a common misconception within the global hermit crab community. Repeatedly, we observe individuals dismissing captive breeding, believing it to be beyond human capability. They are indeed mistaken. How do we know this? Because we have achieved it, as have many others globally. Our successful Australian breeders include Natalie Van Amstel, Sue Brown, Tiffany Michelle
thehappyhermie
Oct 29, 202327 min read
Common Hermit Crab Myths
Let's break open some of the biggest Hermit Crab related myths spread around the Hermit Crab community! I'm sure you've heard or read...
thehappyhermie
Oct 26, 202311 min read
Tank Toppers - A How To Guide
Adding a topper to your tank can not only give you more room to add deep substrate, but also more height for climbing objects and activities. In the wild, Hermit Crabs will naturally spend hours climbing trees and other high up objects. They are excellent climbers and thoroughly enjoy climbing as a pass time. They will also climb up high to sleep, this is a normal behaviour as they attempt to keep themselves away from predators on the ground. What is a topper? A tank topper i
thehappyhermie
Oct 25, 20236 min read
Shopping at Pet Stores - A Helpful Guide
When you go to the local pet store for supplies, you probably go straight to the Hermit Crab section. Stop. And slowly back away. Almost everything in the Hermit Crab section is not appropriate. Below, we will guide you on where to find useful items that are NOT located in the Hermit Crab section of your local pet store. That's right, stretch those legs and continue down to the fish aisle, reptile aisle and even small animal and bird aisle! Because you're about to hit the jac
thehappyhermie
Oct 18, 20233 min read
30 Interesting Hermit Crab Facts
•Hermit Crabs Pee! Yes! Strangely enough, they pee through their antennae glands close to the eyes. You may never actually see this happen though as it is very minimal and very small. •Hermit Crabs don't have ears No, they do not have ears. They hear by sensing vibrations through their antennae's, legs and sensory hairs. •Hermit Crabs can change their gender Yes, it is true, a Hermit Crab can change their gender during a moult. Changing from male to female and back again. It
thehappyhermie
Sep 25, 20236 min read