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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Hermit Crab Glossary - Understanding The Lingo
If you are a member of online Hermit Crab forums, Facebook groups or read crab care blogs online, you may come across some words related to the hermie world that you may not understand the exact meaning of. Perhaps an experienced owner is talking about something using the hermie lingo, maybe you are too shy or embarrassed to ask what they mean. That's cool, we got you! Below we go over some of the most commonly used terms and shortened abbreviations for commonly used words in
thehappyhermie
Sep 11, 20239 min read
Hermit Crab Emergencies - Flooding & Bug Infestation
As strange as it sounds, there are situations within a Hermit Crab Tank that are classified as emergencies. And when we say emergencies, we mean they can and will lead to the death of your Hermit Crabs! The 2 biggest emergencies that can happen within your tank are floods and bug infestations. Both situations should be dealt with immediately. Flooding When we say flooding, we don't mean your entire tank is swimming in water. When a flood occurs in a Hermit Crab tank, majorit
thehappyhermie
Aug 16, 20239 min read
Hermit Crab Shell Guide
Hermit Crabs rely heavily on a safe shell to use as their home; a shell will protect them from predators, injury to their abdomen and organs and keeps their soft abdomen moist and protected. In fact, a Hermit Crabs shell is so vitally important, that without it, they will die within a matter of days. Failure to find a shell, severely increases the chances of being attacked by predators, and having their soft abdomen dry out. Land Hermit Crabs cannot make their own shell; ther
thehappyhermie
Aug 4, 20236 min read
Hermit Crab Behaviour
It is fascinating to note that every hermit crab possesses a unique personality. Some may exhibit shyness, while others are more outgoing, and there are those that prefer solitude. These crustaceans are observed to display a variety of behaviors and personalities, whether in their natural habitat or under captivity. In the following section, we will delve into the nature of these behaviors and their significance. Shyness and Hiding Some captive hermit crabs exhibit timid beha
thehappyhermie
Jul 22, 20236 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 17, 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
Hermit Crab Moulting - What To Know
Australian land hermit crabs belong to the category of Arthropods, requiring periodic moulting of their exoskeleton to facilitate growth. During moulting, a hermit crab sheds its tough exoskeleton, which should not be mistaken for its shell. The exoskeleton refers to the rigid skin covering the hermit crab's body. Unlike mammals, hermit crabs do not have bones; instead, their bodies consist of soft tissues shielded by the hard exoskeleton. During the moulting process, hermit
thehappyhermie
Jul 12, 20234 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 28, 20234 min read
The Australian Land Hermit Crab (Coenobita Variabilis)
The Australian Land hermit crabs (Coenobita Variabilis) are a species of terrestrial hermit crabs indigenous to Australia. They are nocturnal omnivores, thriving in tropical regions in close proximity to water bodies. These specimens exhibit a range of sizes and appearances, spanning from a pale sandy hue to reddish tones and varying in dimensions from that of a thumb nail to a tennis ball. As Arthropods, hermit crabs undergo molting as a necessary process for their growth. T
thehappyhermie
Jun 9, 20232 min read