Hermit Crab Heating, please Help!?

Question

Okay I have a hermit crab(going to get another one soon but anyways I'm having trouble heating up his case thingy and today was a cold day so im trying to heat him up as best as I can. Another thing is that how come whenever I see my hermie from a long distance away I can see it moving around but when I go and try and hold it it goes back in his shell, what shoudl I do?

Answer 1

Some people think it is best not to try told hold, move, poke..ect your hermit crabs. Crabs are harvested from the wild and are not tamed so they are still very much exotic pets. Better left to be observed. They retract into their shells because you are a possible predator to them, their shell is their defense. Try not to make any fast movements this will scare them into their shell before you even get close to the tat.  

Also having your crabs outside of their habitat for too long isn't a good idea since the humidity in your house is probably not around 70%-80% this is essential since crabs have modified gills not lungs they need the moisture to breathe.

When heating you can use an UTH (Under Tank Heater)  These are meant to be mounted under the tank but is best used on the side above the substrate on one side of the tank for hermit crabs. This is to avoid any problems with crabs that are molting as they cannot move and may be injured by the heat.  

Lights- Crabbies need lights to distinguish from day and night, very important they have a cycle just like you or I. They need a light for day and a moonlight for night, these will also help a lot with heating!

Top of the tank if mesh can be covered 3/4th with a towel or what I use to keep humidity in is Glad press n' seal.

These are some helpful websites, they will help you understand everything about your hermit crab. Very interesting creatures!    

**Proud owner of 4E's and 5PP's