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These days it seems like hermit crabs are becoming a more popular household pet, especially for little kids. To give them the credit they deserve, they are one of the more playful and mischievous pets you can own which fits in the palm of your hand. When they are out of their shell, they enjoy climbing over their owners, over each other, and trying to escape their cages if possible. It is also interesting to watch them "collect" their shells on their backs which represent their new home and bring it with them wherever they travel.
Unlike other members of the crustacean family, like other breeds of crabs, crawdads, or even lobsters, these little guys are not born with a shell. They are hatched from eggs by the ocean and attempt to avoid becoming dinner by seeking out a shell to carry and hide, usually finding discarded sea snail shells. Without the shell, all they have is their soft abdomen and an exoskeleton, which continues to shed and regenerate as they grow and get larger.
The Internet is starting to provide more info on hermit crabs as pets as they get more and more popular. You can find info on their behavior as well as physical attributes, which is impressive given their small size. If you are considering hermit crabs as pets, be sure to do a little research on the Internet to find good hermit crab info so that you can be the best and most educated "parent" as possible and give your crabs the best life possible in your home.
To get a bit more technical, these crabs are part of the coenobitidae family. As mentioned above, they also have an exoskeleton, which is merely a skeleton on the outside of their body instead of the inside, like we are more accustomed.
The natural process these crabs go through when shedding their skeleton, or outgrowing it, is called molting. If your crab is molting in your tank, you'll notice it is hungrier, digs excessively, and is constantly hanging out in the water dish.
Born in the water, these crabs can survive in the water and land, but spend the majority of their lives on dry land. Because they have gills in which to breathe, similar to fish, they require moist and humid environments so they can breathe properly, absorb oxygen, and keep a moist body. You will many times see hermit crabs congregating by the water edge at night. This is because they are nocturnal animals (by design for protection from predators) and also to help restore the balance of moisture from their bodies.
They also are naturally social creatures and thrive when surrounded by many of their kind. This is why you'll see them as a group or clan by the water at night, and is also why it's important to have at least three crabs in your tank when they are kept as pets. They will be happier and feel more at home when surrounded by other crabs.
Lastly, if you are seeking more info on the hermit crab diet, be sure to give your crabs a balanced diet rich in produce, bread and meat or fish. They need foods rich in calcium and carotene, like carrots. They enjoy apples, grapes, and even lettuce. Steer clear of human couch potato foods high in carbohydrates, salty, and fat.
Seek out more information on the Internet on hermit crabs to ensure the healthiest and happiest crabs for years to come.
Peter Williams is a knowledgeable hermit crab enthusiast. For more accurate hermit crabs info, visit http://www.hermitcrablovers.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_G_Williams
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