How big do hermit crabs get? ?

Question

I’m considering getting a few hermit crabs and I just wanted some advice and information from some hermit crab owners. I’ve researched them so I know pretty much all I need to know about how to take care of them but…I wanted to know some stuff only owners would know. Like, are they an overall enjoyable pet? Anything unpleasant that they do that I should be aware of? How big do they get? How long do they live? (and i mean, i wanted an honest answer, not statistics 😉 ) Just any hermit owner info would be AWESOME!! thank you! 😀

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Accepted Answer

First off a plastic bin is way to small for hemies and is not a suitable home. If they live long enough(which with proper care and luck can) can grow to the size of a softball(but it definitely tanks a while). They can live for decades in captivity. Feeding them meats(no ham, chicken, fish, insects, a bit of beef every know and then) is said to keep cannibalism down. I currently have owned 4 hermit crabs for nearly(not quite there yet) 3 years. I’ve never lost a crab to cannibalism. I’ve some mostly to PPS and bad molts. I personally love them, though most people find them boring. If your tank is within the correct parameters they should be active. The most unpleasant thing for me is group molts. It makes me feel like I’m taking care of a tank, not my crabs.

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

Big Hermit Crab

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

Do not glue the pinchers together. You will kill the crabs that way. You may be handling the crabs wrong if you are getting pinched. They need to feel secure. Do this: Pick up the crab by the back of the shell using your writing hand. With your other hand, lay it open, palm up and flat (no loose skin) and hold the crab just above the palm of your hand. The crab will come out of its shell looking for secure footing. Gently let it into your palm and play “ladder” (moving your hands in front of the crab as it crawls). The only reason they will pinch (and pinch hard) is because they are unsure of the footing. Handle them carefully and do the above a few times to gain trust from the crab, and to see how they walk. Good luck!

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

I had hermit carbs for a few years. Unforntuately, mine didn’t get very big as they all ended up eating each other and the last remaining one committed suicide in a shallow dish of water.I have heard that they can get as big as your palm, but I would no call them enjoyable. I certainly didn’t enjoy them eating each other. They can live up to 20 years, but mine lasted less than a year. I looked after them well, but they just insisted on eating each other.

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

As big as a football

Dr. Nina Hettinger I · Answer

I havent owned many hermit crabs so i dont know if they are enjoyable. I truthfully find them a little dull. but a friend of mine had one that got to be the size of a softball, easily. they kept him in a big plastic storage bin. lol. and i know they can start to stink! good luck!

Oswald Hills

How big do hermit crabs get? ?

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