Because of their small size and ease of care, hermit crabs make great pets. Most of the supplies needed for hermit crabs are available at aquarium and fish supply stores. As with all pets, one of the most important aspects to keeping a hermit crab healthy is to clean the hermit crab cage and supplies properly.
Secure the Crab Before Cleaning Hermit Crab Cages
Place the crab in a shoebox or other small, lidded container prior to cleaning. Hermit crabs are master escape artists so make sure the container is secure.
Cleaning Supplies
Remove the crab's water dish, toys and rocks from the cage and place all items into a sink. Turn on the water faucet and clean each item by scrubbing the surface thoroughly with a scrubber sponge and hot water. Remove all cleaned items from the sink and dry each one thoroughly with a clean, dry towel. Do not use soap or other cleaning solution on the crab's supplies, as these substances may harm the hermit crab.
Clean the Gravel in Hermit Crab Cages
Use a small scoop to remove the sand or gravel in the bottom of the hermit crab cage and pour it into a large mesh strainer held over a bucket. Shake the strainer slightly to sift the material through it. Move the strainer away from the bucket and turn it upside down to discard the debris.
Continue sifting until all of the sand or gravel has been cleaned. Then pour the cleaned material back into the bottom of the hermit crab cage and spread it in a smooth, even layer. Buy a separate strainer that is used only to clean the hermit crab supplies. Do not use the same equipment used for cooking, to avoid possible contamination of food.
Replace the Water
Hermit crabs need water just as all other pets do. However the chlorine that is present in tap water can cause the crab to become ill and sometimes die. For this reason, a dechlorinating solution must be added to the water before placing it in the crab’s bowl. Simply add several drops of the dechlorinating solution to the water as directed by the instructions on the packaging. Fill the crab’s water dish with approximately two cups of water. Dechlorinating solution is available anywhere that sells aquarium supplies.
Place the crab supplies back into the hermit crab cage, and fill the water bowl until full with the dechlorinated water. Return the crab to the hermit crab cage.
Kimberly Johnson - Christina Jones is an experienced freelance writer who contributes articles to many different websites and publications.
