HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read this. I have 7 hermit crabs, all of which I adopted/rescued through Craigslist and FB. I've had my first 3 for about 4.5 months now and the other 4 for 2 months. They all live together, I did do a 2-week quarantine. I've been seeing a lot of posts lately about hermit crabs dying, I haven't lost any personally but it makes me really anxious. I keep temp and humidity up, give salt and freshwater, all that good stuff I'm just paranoid. I have to move my tank in a month or so, so I don't want to add a ton of substrate to it just yet but they do have 6 inches on one side. I'm just wondering if there anything else I can do to keep them less stressed, I have other pets will that stress them out?

If you have more to add then just a few tweaks feel free to DM me.

-theresa <3

This is my personal checklist, but I’m not one of the experts here...although I learned all I know from them, lol!

-Enough tank space (see chart in care section)
-Good digging sub (sandcastle consistency) that is 6” or 3x deep as biggest crab, whichever is more
-80/80 humidity/heat
-LOTS of shells for each crabby, variety
-Hides for everybody
-Plenty climbing space
-Variety of foods (info in care section)
-Dechlorinated freshwater pool (prime)
-Saltwater pool (instant ocean)

I think that’s it, quick summation! I read one time where someone said that once you’ve provided all they need, it’s up to them (the crabbies) to do the rest and you have to trust they know what they’re doing. I try to keep that in mind when I start to worry over them and it helps me.


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This care sheet goes through the basics for all species.

viewtopic.php?f=120&t=119273

Then if you want more info on a specific topic, there are individual care sheets for water, food, substrate, etc.

As far as tank space goes, I have 7 in a 40gal. 3 large,3 medium, and 1 small.

I know I don't have enough sub in mine but I will add more once I get the tank moved, it just makes life easier when it's no so heavy.

I've asked so many people where they get their shells, I have quite a few but not enough. I would really love to not spend $7 per shell.

I would not be worried about crabs dying, Theresa! Your care looks so good so far!
and shell -wise, nobody has been interested in the shells I offered earlier for $25 so I can sell all 7 to you for let's say $15? (Shipping not included, although it's about $3-5.) If you are still interested of course.

New crabs often die, they go through a lot and they are wild animals. Adapting to their new life in captivity is hard and many have been abused and injured before they ever make it home. Once they get through a molt or two, they are normally established at that point and live for a very long time!