Feeding hermit crabs is no arduous task as these crabs are omnivores that have a wide range of food choices. They have a wide choice of foods that belong to both plant and animal origin. However, while feeding these crabs it is important to follow certain restrictions as well because these creatures have a very sensitive digestive mechanism. Any food that is laden with pesticides, artificial color, artificial sweeteners, food chemicals like copper sulfate and ethoxyquin and also too much spices should not be given to theses exotic animals. The salt concentration of the foods is also an important consideration. It is preferable that these crabs are fed more unsalted foods.
Apart from these food regulations, there are also some other important points that should be remembered while feeding hermit crabs. One such point is that, the crabs must always be given dechlorinated water to drink or take a bath (the hermit crab cage consists of two water containers, one with freshwater and the other with marine water; the freshwater is used for drinking). The hermits drink water by picking up droplets of water by its front claws and then allowing the water to roll over to the mouth and the gills. In addition, it is also worthwhile to remember that while feeding these crabs, the food must be washed thoroughly in running water (without any soap) and then preferably dried before being served to the crabs for eating. These exotic creatures prefer dried and crunchy food over soft foods and avoid giving dairy products to them.
Calcium, carotenoids and antioxidants are most required by these crabs. This nutrition aim can be attained by serving these creatures with fresh fruits and vegetables, even the citrus fruits like lemon and grapes. Fruits are considered special delicacies by the delicate crabs. They also prefer raisins, nuts and crushed grains as special food items. Especially carotenoids are very important while feeding the these crabs, as the carotenoids helps the crabs to retain their body coloration. Green vegetables are also important ingredients of hermit crab foods. The pigment supply to the hermit crab food can also be attained by adding crushed flowers like marigold in their food. However, always ensure that the flower is washed thoroughly and is free from any contaminations or pesticide.
The common calcium sources of these creatures are crushed oyster shells, coral deposits, cuttlebones, crushed egg shells and the molted exoskeleton of the these crabs. For providing the crabs with a continuous source of calcium it is a good idea to sprinkle some amount of coral dust on the sand floor of the cage. Hermit crab foods can also be obtained from pet stores. Common pet store foods for feeding hermit crabs are fish food flakes (without harmful preservatives), brine shrimp drained of the brine, freeze dried plankton, plant based iguana food, seaweed, escaragot and frozen fruit.
You can also try feeding hermit crabs with hand. Just keep the crab gently on your hand (when it is not molting of course) and place the food near its front claws. The crab will first taste the food with its antennae and if it likes the taste and trusts you enough, it will eat the food. In this relevance, it is important to remember that these creatures do not eat when they are not hungry.
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