How to Give a Hermit Crab Bath
Give your hermit crab a bath? You might think this is a silly idea but it’s important to keep your hermit crab healthy and clean by bathing him or her with some frequency. This not only helps to wash debris from your hermit crab, but also helps prevent issues with mites, a common hermit crab parasite.
Steps to Bathing Your Hermit Crab:
The following steps will guide you in the process of bathing your hermit crab:
* Get a large bowl and fill with de-chlorinated water at room temperature. You’ll want to ensure there is enough water to fully submerge your hermit crab.
* Place your hermit crab in the bowl of water by submerging him upside down and letting the water fill his shell. This process assists the flushing out of food and dirt.
* You can let your hermit crab move around in the water for a few minutes, and then you’ll want to let him walk on a flat surface with a clean towel.
* Many times, after bathing, hermit crabs are very alert and energetic to change shells at this time.
Many owners bath their hermit crabs every other week, while other owners leave a dish of water in the terrarium or cage for the hermit crab to bath himself or herself. Just make sure that you add a sponge to the water dish so the hermit crab doesn’t drown.
If your terrarium has been infected with mites, after cleaning the cage, note that your hermit crabs will need a bath of salt or Instant Ocean, a water bath mix which can be picked up at your local pet store.
Hermit Crab Bath Tips:
It’s important to know that most crabs are happy bathing themselves in their water bowls and don’t need frequent bathing. Giving your hermit crab a bath is a must though if there is infection of mites or other bugs crawling around on your hermit crabs.
Remember to use only water without chlorine when giving a hermit crab bath. Also, using salt water once in a while for bathing them is good for the hermit crabs, as salt water is needed for your hermit crab’s survival. A hermit crab bath with saltwater helps to thwart off mites, bacteria, and ticks.
As mentioned, your hermit crabs will likely bath themselves in their water bowls, and will not need a traditional hermit crab bath frequently. When you do give a hermit crab bath, you can alter between fresh water (without chlorine) and salt water.
Hermit Crab Bath Warnings:
When giving your hermit crab bath, make sure the water is at room temperature. You don’t want to burn your hermit crab, even if it means letting the water stand for a few hours to bring it to room temperature.
As you bath your hermit crab, don’t force them into the water. Hermit crabs are able to store water in their shells and regulate the levels of salt in their shell. This salt regulation also helps maintain proper humidity levels internally. When you give a hermit crab bath, some experts are beginning to think this disrupts their internal balance.
Lastly, bathing too frequently will stress out your hermit crab, so only bath when needed. The best thing is to have a bowl in the cage with a sponge for your hermit crab to use.
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