5 Reasons Hermit Crabs Need Calcium

If you’re a hermit crab owner or are considering getting one, you may have heard that calcium is important for these fascinating creatures. But do hermit crabs really need calcium, and why?

In this article, we’ll explore the role of calcium in hermit crab care, the consequences of calcium deficiency, and practical ways to incorporate calcium into your hermit crab’s diet and environment. Plus, as a hermit crab enthusiast myself, I’ll share some personal tips and experiences along the way. So let’s get started!

The Importance of Calcium for Hermit Crabs

Just like humans and many other animals, hermit crabs need calcium for their health and survival. Calcium is a vital mineral that serves a variety of functions in the body, from building and maintaining strong bones and exoskeletons to facilitating nerve and muscle activity.

In the case of hermit crabs, calcium is particularly important for the health and integrity of their exoskeleton, which is the hard outer layer that protects their soft internal organs. As hermit crabs grow, they periodically molt or shed their exoskeleton to allow for growth and repair.

During this process, the old exoskeleton splits open and the crab emerges with a new, larger one underneath. This is a vulnerable time for hermit crabs as they are soft and unprotected until their new exoskeleton hardens.

Without enough calcium, hermit crabs may struggle to form a strong and sturdy new exoskeleton. This can lead to deformities or weaknesses in the exoskeleton, which can in turn make them more prone to injuries, infections, and stress. Calcium deficiency can also cause other health issues such as lethargy, digestive problems, and reproductive issues.

How Do Hermit Crabs Get Calcium in the Wild?

In their natural habitats, hermit crabs have access to a variety of sources of calcium that help them maintain their exoskeletons and overall health. These sources include:

• Seashells: Hermit crabs use empty seashells as makeshift homes, often swapping shells as they grow into larger ones. Some types of seashells, such as those from snails or clams, are naturally rich in calcium and can help supplement the hermit crab’s diet.
• Coral and algae: Certain species of coral and algae contain high amounts of bioavailable calcium that hermit crabs can consume as part of their diet.
• Terrestrial vegetation: In some cases, hermit crabs may venture onto land to feed on leaves, flowers, and other plant materials that contain calcium.

However, hermit crabs in captivity may not have access to these same sources of calcium. Even if you provide your hermit crab with seashells, they may not be a sufficient source of calcium on their own. That’s why it’s important to supplement your hermit crab’s diet with calcium sources and ensure their habitat also contains enough calcium. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to do this effectively.

Do Hermit Crabs Need Calcium in Captivity?

Short answer: yes! Hermit crabs that are kept in captivity still need calcium to maintain their exoskeletons, organs, and overall health. In fact, hermit crabs in captivity may even have a greater need for calcium than wild hermit crabs, as their access to calcium-rich sources may be limited.

If your hermit crab doesn’t get enough calcium, they may exhibit signs of calcium deficiency such as lethargy, shell degradation, soft exoskeleton, or difficulty molting. These symptoms can be very serious if left untreated and can even be fatal.

Fortunately, there are several ways to ensure that your hermit crab gets enough calcium while in captivity. The most effective strategies include:

• Dietary supplements: You can sprinkle calcium supplements, such as crushed cuttlebone or eggshells, onto your hermit crab’s food. Another option is to provide calcium-fortified treats like dried shrimp or seaweed.
• Calcium-rich foods: Certain foods are naturally rich in calcium and should be included in your hermit crab’s diet, such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and dandelion greens.
• Calcium substrate: In addition to their main habitat substrate (such as coconut fiber or sand), you can provide a separate bowl of calcium-rich substrate like crushed oyster shells or calcium sand. This allows your hermit crab to absorb calcium through their exoskeleton as they burrow or move through the substrate.
• Clean water: Hermit crabs also require access to clean, fresh water for drinking and bathing. You can add a small amount of calcium supplement to their water dish to help them absorb calcium through their gills.

By incorporating these strategies into your hermit crab’s care routine, you can rest assured that your pet is getting the calcium they need for a long and healthy life.

Calcium Deficiency in Hermit Crabs

As we’ve discussed, calcium is essential for the health and well-being of hermit crabs. Without enough calcium, hermit crabs can experience a range of health problems and even risk death. Here are some common symptoms of calcium deficiency to watch out for:

• Shell degradation: The exoskeleton of a calcium-deficient hermit crab may become pitted, thin, or eroded. They may also experience shell rot or other issues with their shell health.
• Soft exoskeleton: Hermit crabs that don’t get enough calcium may have a soft, weak exoskeleton that can easily crack or break. This can cause discomfort, stress, and even fatal injuries.
• Difficulty molting: Molting is a crucial process for hermit crabs, but calcium-deficient crabs may struggle to shed their old exoskeleton and grow a new one. This can lead to incomplete molts, deformities, or even death.
• Lethargy and digestive problems: A lack of calcium can impact a hermit crab’s energy levels, causing them to become lethargic and inactive. They may also experience digestive problems such as constipation or impacted gut.

If you suspect that your hermit crab is experiencing calcium deficiency, it’s important to act quickly. Providing calcium supplements, calcium-rich foods, and a calcium substrate can help address the issue. You may also want to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in hermit crab care for more guidance. With proper care and attention to calcium needs, you can help your hermit crab thrive in captivity.

How to Provide Calcium for Hermit Crabs

Now that we know how important calcium is for hermit crabs and what the consequences of calcium deficiency are, let’s explore some practical ways to incorporate calcium into your hermit crab’s care routine:

• Calcium supplements: You can find powdered or crushed calcium supplements at most pet stores or online. Cuttlebone, which is the internal shell of cuttlefish, is a popular and effective calcium supplement for hermit crabs. You can crush the cuttlebone into a powder using a mortar and pestle, then sprinkle it onto your hermit crab’s food.
• Calcium-rich foods: As mentioned earlier, foods like broccoli, kale, spinach, and dandelion greens are excellent natural sources of calcium for hermit crabs. You can feed these foods fresh or dried, but make sure to avoid any pesticides or chemicals that could harm your crab.
• Calcium substrate: Providing a separate bowl of calcium-rich substrate, such as crushed oyster shells, coral sand, or calcium sand, allows your hermit crab to absorb calcium through their exoskeleton as they burrow or move through the bowl.
• Calcium-fortified water: You can add a small amount of calcium supplement to your hermit crab’s water dish to help them absorb calcium through their gills. Make sure to change the water regularly to maintain cleanliness.

When providing calcium for your hermit crab, it’s important to avoid over-supplementing. Too much calcium can be harmful and lead to health problems such as urinary tract calcification. Follow the instructions on any calcium supplements or consult with a hermit crab expert or veterinarian for guidance on the appropriate dosage.

With a balanced and varied diet, access to clean water, and a calcium-rich environment, your hermit crab can thrive and enjoy a long, healthy life in captivity.

Types of Calcium Supplements for Hermit Crabs

When it comes to providing calcium for your hermit crab, there are several types of supplements to choose from. Here are some of the most common options:

• Cuttlebone: As mentioned earlier, cuttlebone is a popular and effective source of calcium for hermit crabs. Cuttlebone is made from the internal shell of cuttlefish and is rich in calcium carbonate. It can be crushed into a fine powder or offered whole for your crab to nibble on.
• Eggshells: Another readily available source of calcium is eggshells. Crushed eggshells can be baked in the oven to sanitize them, then offered to your hermit crab as a calcium supplement. Make sure to remove any remaining membrane to avoid choking hazards.
• Calcium carbonate powder: You can purchase calcium carbonate powder at most pet stores or online. This fine powder can be sprinkled onto your hermit crab’s food or added to their water dish.
• Calcium lactate powder: Another type of calcium supplement is calcium lactate powder, which is more easily absorbed by hermit crabs than calcium carbonate. This powder can also be added to food or water.
• Tums: In a pinch, you can crush up Tums or other antacid tablets as a quick source of calcium. However, these can contain additional ingredients that may be harmful to your hermit crab in large quantities, so use sparingly.

No matter which type of supplement you choose, make sure to select a high-quality, pure form of calcium without any additives or harmful chemicals. You can also mix and match different types of supplements to ensure a varied intake of calcium. By providing your hermit crab with the calcium they need, you can help them stay healthy, happy, and active.

Conclusion

In summary, calcium is an essential mineral for the health and well-being of hermit crabs. Whether in the wild or in captivity, hermit crabs need calcium to maintain their exoskeletons, organs, and overall health. Without enough calcium, they may experience serious health problems and even risk death.

To ensure your hermit crab gets enough calcium, try incorporating calcium supplements, calcium-rich foods, a calcium substrate, and calcium-fortified water into your care routine. Make sure to avoid over-supplementing and provide a varied and balanced diet.

If you suspect your hermit crab is experiencing calcium deficiency or other health issues, consult with a hermit crab expert or veterinarian for guidance.