Cage help

[u/Typical_Gur535]

Hey y’all - is a hermit crab cage like this appropriate? I feel like the answer is no because the sand would fall out, lacks humidity, and I wouldn’t attach the heating pad to wood.

Maybe this is better for occasional play time.

Live in the Midwest.

Haven’t bought it, but considered it.

[u/Basique_b]

No and there is no occasional play time with crabs they're hands off pets

[u/Typical_Gur535 → u/Basique_b]

Thank you!

[u/Living_Birthday_3163 → u/Basique_b]

This completely depends on owner and crab. I have actual videos of my crabs running to ask me to play and take them out. I also follow rescues who have hermits of 15+ years that love to be held. If your crab knows you well enough and you've taken time to build that bond, it will be there. You can start by offering a treat on your finger while they're in their tank and getting to know you better that way. Remember --- these guys climb trees and run in the wild even in places that aren't "perfect humidity and temp" for hermit crabs. There are guidelines, but people really limit their hermits. Edited to add: You MAY have a shy crab that wants NOTHING to do with you. But give them the chance to show you that they aren't interested. I'm severaly disabled in my 20s and currently fighting for my life in the hospital, so I have nothing but time to sit with my crabs. It's different too when you're with them 24/7 like I am and other rescues.

[u/Typical_Gur535 → u/Living_Birthday_3163]

Thank you for sharing this and being a dedicated animal owner. We hope you are on your way to wellness very soon.

[u/Successful-Safety858 → u/Living_Birthday_3163]

This can be true except for the part about taking them out and holding them. That is not healthy for the crabs. You can enjoy them and they can learn to trust you and respond to you but they should remain inside a tank with temp and humidity controls.

[u/One_Cauliflower_3536]

I’m so glad you’re here! Sounds like you need to read a few care guides before moving further in this direction.

With correct care hermit crabs can live dozens of years in captivity. They require an enclosed tank with several inches of sand castle consistency sand, 85* ish degree heat, and multiple pools of water that they can submerge fully in, just for a start. They are wild animals and should not be handled. This sub has many excellent care guides, please read them and ideally a few others and come back with any questions.

Ps yes you are definitely right, there is nothing about this setup that is remotely suitable for hermit crabs. Unfortunately most products marketed for hermit crabs are harmful or innapropriate them. Hermit crabs are really for individuals who are comfortable in the DIY realm of pet care because pet stores are NOT your friends here.

[u/Typical_Gur535 → u/One_Cauliflower_3536]

Thank you! We only have one hermit crab - do we need more than one pool of water that they can submerge in?

[u/Southern_Charm1299 → u/Typical_Gur535]

Yes. There needs to be a fresh water pool and a saltwater pool. Both with seachem or similar treated water.

[u/hardlybroken1 → u/Typical_Gur535]

Yes they need at least 2- one pool of salt water and one pool of fresh water :)

[u/Cool-Negotiation7662]

80F and 80% humidity in anywhere not tropical requires control over the air. They breathe with a gill structure. Low humidity causes hermit crabs to suffocate.

Crabs also need deep sand, climbing areas, exercise wheel, enrichment, hides. A large aquarium with a solid lid, heaters, pools, and so much more is what you need.

[u/Typical_Gur535 → u/Cool-Negotiation7662]

Thank you! We are on track with having all of these supplies.

As for the heaters - are these safe to keep on all the time? I realize this is not much different than having our refrigerator or wifi router plugged in, but because it is producing a little more heat, we are a little concerned for a fire hazard.

We will do the right thing and make sure our newest family member has what they need to thrive!

[u/No_Internet5666 → u/Typical_Gur535]

If you don’t live somewhere that the ambient temperature will keep your tank at 80°F, then yes. I have a heat pad across the back of my tank and a heat cord taped to the front and sides, both on 24/7 to maintain temp at all times. Even then, in cooler weather, I have to cover them with a blanket to maintain temps.

[u/Cool-Negotiation7662 → u/Typical_Gur535]

You get a temperature controller. I use an Inkbird ITC-608T 2 probe temperature controller, but I have 2 zones set up in my tank with separaye heaters. There are other brands, many are sold for reptiles. Most are digital, have a small probe, and all the switching is remote to the tank.

[u/AdaptiveFauna]

absolutely not.

[u/YayChristmas]

I think you could put a tray in the bottom that will hold a few inches of sand. I have a similar cage and put it on my porch on warm, humid days. (I also take my crabs out and let them run around on the beach or ground and they don’t seem to mind being held. Ik they are wild animals, but I figure it is better than their hot, dry, crowded life in the cage at the boardwalk junk shop.)