What Do Hermit Crabs Eat as Pets?

Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures that make interesting and unique pets. They are relatively low maintenance compared to other pets, and they come in a variety of sizes and colors. One of the most important things to know about caring for a hermit crab is what to feed it.

Hermit Crab Diet

In the wild, hermit crabs are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods. Their diet typically consists of small crustaceans, mollusks, worms, fruits, and vegetables. Hermit crabs are also known to scavenge for food, and they will eat just about anything they can find.

When you are keeping a hermit crab as a pet, it is important to provide it with a diet that is as close to its natural diet as possible. This means offering your crab a variety of foods, including:

• Small crustaceans, such as brine shrimp, ghost shrimp, and amphipods
• Mollusks, such as snails, clams, and mussels
• Worms, such as earthworms, mealworms, and wax worms
• Fruits, such as apples, bananas, oranges, and berries
• Vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and romaine lettuce

How to Feed Your Hermit Crab

Hermit crabs are most active at night, so it is best to feed them at night. You can place the food in a shallow dish or on a flat rock in the crab's habitat. Hermit crabs will usually eat as much as they want, so it is important to not overfeed them. Remove any uneaten food from the habitat after 24 hours to prevent it from spoiling.

Supplements

In addition to a healthy diet, it is also important to provide your hermit crab with a calcium supplement. This will help to keep their exoskeleton strong and healthy. You can purchase calcium supplements from most pet stores.

Tips for Feeding Hermit Crabs

• Offer your hermit crab a variety of foods every day.
• Feed your hermit crab at night.
• Do not overfeed your hermit crab.
• Remove any uneaten food from the habitat after 24 hours.
• Provide your hermit crab with a calcium supplement.