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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
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
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
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
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
Substrate - It's Importance & How To Make It
In the wild, Hermit Crabs burrow deep down into the sand dunes to safely moult. Now that they have been brought into captivity, we must provide them with a similar environment and substrate so that they can continue to safely moult and survive. What is Substrate? When people refer to substrate (sub) in the Hermit Crab world, we are referring to the sand mixture at the bottom of the tank. Substrate is a vitally important aspect of a Hermit crab tank and can often mean life or
thehappyhermie
Sep 21, 20237 min read
50 Hermit Crab FAQ's
Determining Appropriate Duration in the Pool There is no specific time limit for how long your crab can stay in the pool. As long as there is a safe means for them to enter and exit, they will leave when they are ready. If there is no way out and you find a hermit crab in the pool, remove it and provide a climbing object to facilitate their exit. If you discover a shell-less crab in the pool, remove it immediately and adhere to the protocol for handling naked crabs. Has My He
thehappyhermie
Sep 19, 202311 min read
Tank Heat - Tips, Tricks & Why It Is So Important!
In their natural habitat, Hermit Crabs reside in warm climates within Australia, with temperatures ranging from the high 20s to low 30s Celsius. To ensure their well-being and vitality in captivity, it is essential to provide them with an environment that meets their thermal requirements. These crabs rely on an appropriate environment to regulate their body temperature effectively. A temperature range of 27-32°C is ideal for Australian Hermit Crabs in captivity. This range m
thehappyhermie
Sep 7, 20236 min read
Hermit Crabs & Natural Disasters
Bush fires, hurricanes, tornados, floods, power outages... these are all natural disasters that may affect you, your home and your Hermit Crabs. We often have evacuation plans in place for ourselves, our families and our pets, but have you ever thought of the evacuation plan of your Hermit Crabs? Preparation is key. Having a plan in place and an emergency evacuation kit ready to go will help make the process much easier if it ever should come to it. This is especially importa
thehappyhermie
Aug 26, 20234 min read
Humidity - Tips, Tricks & Why It Is So Important!
In the wild, Hermit Crabs live in hot and humid environments. Heat and humidity are vitally important in a Hermit Crab tank and can be the difference between life and death. Why is humidity so important? Land Hermit Crabs don't have lungs, instead, they have modified gills. Allowing them to breathe on land. To do this, they absorb oxygen through their gills. To absorb oxygen, they need high levels of humidity. A lack of humidity will essentially dry out their gills, causing
thehappyhermie
Aug 23, 20236 min read
The Harsh Truth Behind The Hermit Crab Pet Store Trade
This article will be a hard one to read, but we truly believe owners have a right to know the truth behind the Hermit Crab trade in Australia. Please note - This blog comes with a trigger warning for information on animal abuse, and photos containing animal abuse. Every single Hermit Crab that is owned in Australia (even the ones in your tank right now) were plucked from the wild, tortured and sent to pet stores all over Australia. The only crabs in captivity within Australia
thehappyhermie
Aug 17, 20236 min read
Hermit Crabs - The Hands Off Pet
Let's face it, whatever the pet store told you about Hermit Crabs being an easy, playful pet that you can take out of the tank and play with anywhere... forget about it. Think of your Hermit Crab as a pet fish, you don't take the fish outside to play, or have a cuddle on the couch. Why? Because your fish can't breathe out of water. The same goes for Hermit Crabs, they cannot breathe outside of the tank with low humidity levels. At the end of the day, every single Captive Herm
thehappyhermie
Aug 6, 20234 min read
Setting Up Pools - A Complete Guide
Pools in a Hermit Crab Tank are extremely important, just as important as having the correct substrate. Not setting up your pools correctly can have dire consequences on your crab's health and tank conditions. When setup right, it will aid in your humidity levels and your Hermit Crabs overall health. As daunting as it may sound, they are very easy to setup, and you can even set up oxygenated pools with bubblers or filters. So why are pools so important? Hermit Crabs need both
thehappyhermie
Jul 29, 20235 min read
Setting Up A Successful Hermit Crab Tank
The secret to keeping Hermit Crabs happy and healthy, is all based on the way you set up and keep your tank. It is crucial to set up your tank correctly from the very beginning to give your crabs the best chance at having a good life in captivity. But what if you have already invested in those expensive Krabooz items or that tiny 20L fish tank? Don't worry, you can still fix it and get your crabbies life back on track and thriving in no time! The cheapest way to set up your t
thehappyhermie
Jul 16, 20239 min read
Surface Moulting - A Hermit Crab Emergency
The moulting process of a hermit crab is a sensitive procedure that ideally occurs completely below the substrate. Regrettably, this is not always the situation, and occasionally, your hermit crab may moult above the surface. This situation requires immediate attention as it could potentially be a life-threatening emergency if not addressed promptly. As Arthropods, hermit crabs undergo molting as a necessary process for growth. For detailed information on hermit crab molting,
thehappyhermie
Jul 13, 20234 min read
Naked Hermit Crab - What To Do!
The absence of a shell on a hermit crab is always a concerning indication. This behavior typically occurs when hermit crabs experience significant stress or unfavorable environmental conditions, leading them to shed their shells. Factors Contributing to Hermit Crabs Shedding Their Shells Physical Stress: Inappropriate overhandling, poor tank conditions, a stressful environment, stressful travel, or inadequate conditions in the pet store can lead to physical stress in hermit
thehappyhermie
Jul 5, 20233 min read
Keeping Hermit Crabs in Winter
Wild hermit crabs are indigenous to warm, humid, and tropical habitats in various regions of Australia. Regrettably, in the year 2023, an alarming number exceeding 30,000 wild hermit crabs are being captured annually and commercialized to pet stores throughout Australia. As a result, a significant portion of the hermit crabs captured in the wild and subsequently sold are destined for households located in regions known for their cold climates. As owners, it is imperative that
thehappyhermie
Jun 27, 20234 min read