my hermit crab is mean he attacks any other hermit crab in the tank. and he wont eat anything but his hermit bites. is there any way to help him be more social?
2007-02-01 09:20:18 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Sorry you got so many stupid answers!
Is he larger than the other crabs? How many crabs are in the tank and how big is the tank? Are there lots of empty shells for him to switch to? Is there anything for them to climb on?
I used to have several hermies myself and I kept them all in a 20 gallon tank, using playsand as the substrate, and kept it heated with an undertank heating pad (the kind used for reptiles). I used a piece of Plexiglass to partially cover the top in winter to keep in the heat and humidity, as well as a wire lid. They typically enjoy each other's company as long as there isn't fierce competition over shells, so provide lots of differently shaped and sized shells for them to switch to. I would also get them a hunk of cholla wood to climb on (they love that for some reason). As far as his diet, you can also offer veggies and washed greens (NOT LETTUCE, like collard greens, mustard greens,etc) and tiny bits of fruit, all of which you must remove by day's end, of course.
I don't know of another way to socialize him, but if he is a lot bigger than his tankmates, you may have to get a similarly sized crab in there, or increase your tank size.
I would look for a Yahoo Group for hermie owners and join that :)
2007-02-01 10:53:52 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda C 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hermit crabs make great pets, but they do require some specialized care. I wouldn't keep any more than three, maybe four, in a 10 gallon tank (the minimum size tank for hermit crabs). More than that could cause some serious over-crowding for the crabs, causing aggression, especially when they molt. Regardless of that, it is always better to offer them MORE space than they actually require. (Remember, hermit crabs are wild-caught and are used to having lots of room to roam.) I have four medium sized crabs in a 40 gallon tank. They do great with that much space, and I've had them for five years. Never listen to the pet store's advice to go with a "critter keeper," or a small plastic box with holes in the lid. These are much too small and the holes in the lid let all the humidity out. Hermits have to have 75% humidity to be able to breathe and molt properly. Also, make sure the lid on the aquarium is either solid or about 95% of the holes are covered with plastic wrap. Also, make sure you offer them at least 4 inches of substrate in the bottom of the tank.This is required for them to molt properly. Eco-earth (compressed coconut shell fibers, found at most pet stores) and play-sand (found at home improvement stores-not the crayola colored kind) make good substrates. Always keep the substrate moist, the water pressure helps the crabs to molt, or shed their exoskeleton. Never use tap water to moisten your tank or to water your hermies. It contains chlorine and other chemicals that burn the crab's "modified gills." (They don't breathe through lungs, which is why they require so much humidity) You can buy spring or distilled water at the store that will keep your crabs alive much longer. Hermit crabs can live 20+ years in captivity with the proper care. Also, most species require salt water, mixed with aquarium salt, not table salt. Hermies are scavengers and will eat almost anything. However, they need a special diet to keep them healthy. Most hermit crab foods sold at pet stores contain preservatives than will poison the crabs over a period of time. I recommend feeding a diet of freeze-dried shrimp or krill (make sure there are no other ingredients, especially ethoxyquin) listed on the bottle), oatmeal (no preservatives), ground flax seed, and fruits and veggies. I hope this helps! And I'm sorry I rambled :). Good luck with your crabbies, and be sure to check out the links below!
2016-05-24 03:02:07 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toss him in boiling water for about 5 minutes and then garnish him with lemon and dill. Serve him on a bed on green salad and eat him in front of the other Hermit crabs. That should give them something to think about before acting up!
2007-02-01 09:24:54 · answer #3 · answered by Scott T 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a crab. I don't think they are smart enough to be social. Just keep him in his own little tank. It's the easiest way to make him and the other crabs as happy as crabs can be.
2007-02-01 09:22:53 · answer #4 · answered by imnotachickenyoureaturkey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lol i just find it funny that your trying to make a hermit crab a social crab.
i guess let em get used to there being other crabs around.
2007-02-01 09:25:01 · answer #5 · answered by colera667 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes hermit cras are just like that. I talked to the vet abou tmine unfortunatly he said that he has a sort of mouth disease and should be put asleep or if i could not afford it theni would have to starve him. i starved him bt it was SAD and i hated it so eventually i putt him outside ont he beach and left!
2007-02-01 09:23:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, having crabs is an emabarrasing social situation. I would recommend shampoo.
2007-02-01 09:22:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put some bigger empty shells in the tank, he may be looking for a new home.
2007-02-01 09:23:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe some fish that are compatible ? or a rock he can hide himself under? I think he's a bit of a grump !... lol 8 )
2007-02-01 09:22:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if he fights w/ the other one, i dont think you should put them together in the same tank. maybe you should put them in two seperate ones right next to each other. is his shell too small? he could be cranky. its kind of like those fighting fish. if you put them together theyll fight till theyre dead. i dont know, i hope that helped a little bit? sorry. 8'(
2007-02-01 09:23:43 · answer #10 · answered by Allie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋