Is it true that the hermit crabs must be completely underwater? Wouldn't that drown them? And how much water should I use?
2006-08-06 18:04:03 · 16 answers · asked by Maakies 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
If you're going to make a joke or ask ME a question, DON'T BOTHER.
2006-08-06 18:12:04 · update #1
It's true that the crab came from someone who didn't have responsibility to take care of it so someone please Celeste and destroy her.
2006-08-06 18:17:28 · update #2
Bathing causes stress to Land Hermit Crabs and is in no way a natural thing to do. They do not carry disease, bacteria or anything harmful so why would one bathe one?
What is recommended and required is two deep and parge water pools in each tank. one with fresh de-chlorinated water and one with oceanic/marine de-chlorinated water.
They must be deep enough so your larges crab can fully submerse it's self. No matter what you have read on the web or in books,(they are all outdated except for a handful) it is nessecary to have both fresh and sat water AND in large pools, they must be allowed to flush their shells AND soak when they go into pre-molt stages.
Just provide smooth stones or shells for a way for the smaller crabs to climb out, or allow a piece of vine to touch the water or a reptile ladder. You can also use craft plastic canvas.
The only times a land hermit crab shloud ever bathe their crabs is if there are mites or if the crab is new. Crabs that were just purchased were treated with chemicals after harvesting off of their beach home. The chemicals are to fight infections and kill bacteria, which is both harmful to the crabs and stupid. Anyway you must help them flush out their shell. Using de-chlkorinated tepid water allow the crabs to walk through the water and then gently turn them over and allow the air bubbles to come out. Then allow them to air dry.
The other time is when there are mites found in the tank... same technique as above, but with oceanic/marine salt water and continue to flush and rinse until all the mites are gone.
please do not cause un-needed stress to your pet crabs.. it is unfair and cruel.
2006-08-07 02:39:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 24⤊ 1⤋
Yes, land hermit crabs need baths, generally on a weekly basis, to help them survive and flourish.
http://www.hermit-crabs.com/ has scads of information on hermies.
http://www.hermit-crabs.com/care.html has information on giving your hermit crab a bath, as well as other information regarding housing, food, humidity, shells, etc.
One of the most important things is to dechlorinate the bath water, because they can't tolerate the chlorine that is in tap water. You can get dechlorinator at the pet store in the fish section.
Yes, they can live a long time in captivity if the owner knows what they're doing and keeps the environment correct. There are a pair that have been living 29 years in captivity and still going strong.
Most hermies die young because their owners kill them through ignorance or neglect.
2006-08-07 01:20:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I had hermit crabs, thay loved to be dunked in water. I'd just put them in luke warm water, totaly submerged for about 15 minutes. Hermit crabs actually have a sort of modified gills. They can't be left under water forever, but you need to dunk them or spray them down every day to keep the gills moist.
I would spray mine down every day (they liked it and came out of their shells for it) and give them a "bath" once a week. No soap though!
2006-08-07 11:06:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beth is right, just get a mixing bowl, fill it half way or less and leave them in there for about 10 minutes to 15 minutes...i suggest getting a book on hermit crabs as well to help you out
2006-08-07 01:11:35 · answer #4 · answered by ♥ Callie ♥ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had a petry sized dish/bowl in the tank with them. I was told that even tho they are landcrabs, the still enjoy walking in the water a few times a day. I made it so it was low enough to climb into, and tall enough to not spill out. Mine never stunk, so maybe that was the difference. Just plain, plain ol faucet water is fine. As far as how much water to use, depending on the size, don't make the water deep enough that it goes above the eyes. ...half way up your fingernail deep i suppose is good.
2006-08-07 02:57:59 · answer #5 · answered by dreamkillerkitten 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you are supposed to bathe hermit crabs..I have had plenty and never bathed one of them...you just put spare shells in there tank and they change them as the get dirty or grow.
2006-08-07 01:08:57 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One typically does not bathe a hermit crab.
They're meant to be on a beach somewhere, happy and free, not in some unnatural confined space. It won't live long, poor dear, especially if it's owner hasn't bothered to open a book on the subject or ask a petshop owner before purchasing it.
2006-08-07 01:13:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
There are land hermit crabs and aquatic hermit crabs.
I would use "No More Tears Hermit Crab Shampoo and Body Wash"
2006-08-07 01:10:31 · answer #8 · answered by James J 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
They won't drown for quite a while, I used to work at a pet store where we'd dunk them in water for about 20 minutes. Use lukewarm water to break up the dirt, but not hurt the crab, and just let them hang out.
2006-08-07 01:07:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 6⤋
There is no need to bathe them. Just clean out the tank.
2006-08-07 01:08:22 · answer #10 · answered by N♂t - ♂ut - Yet 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋