Keeping Hermit Crabs in Winter

Wild hermit crabs are indigenous to warm, humid, and tropical habitats in various regions of Australia. Regrettably, in the year 2023, an alarming number exceeding 30,000 wild hermit crabs are being captured annually and commercialized to pet stores throughout Australia.

As a result, a significant portion of the hermit crabs captured in the wild and subsequently sold are destined for households located in regions known for their cold climates.

As owners, it is imperative that we exert additional effort to maintain the optimal hot and humid conditions in the habitat of these crustaceans, ensuring their well-being and increasing their chances of survival while in captivity.

However, this task may present challenges, particularly for those of us experiencing prolonged periods of extremely cold winter weather.

Below, we will discuss secure methods to ensure that your hermit crabs maintain their usual summer routine throughout the year, including the winter months.

For captive Australian hermit crabs, the ideal temperature range is between 26-32°C, with 28°C being the optimal temperature. The humidity levels should be maintained consistently between 70-85%.

While it may seem challenging, there is still hope. Consider implementing the following strategies to restore your tank's performance during the winter season.

1. Deep Substrate Deep substrate serves a dual purpose beyond molting. By creating a deep subterranean environment, there is less air space to heat, resulting in a more efficient heating process focused solely on the air volume. For optimal effectiveness, the substrate depth should be at least 6 inches (15cm), and if possible, deeper depths are recommended.
   

2. Add More Heat Your heat source, whether it be heating mats or heat cords, should ideally cover the majority of the back of the tank, positioned above the substrate level. If you find that the temperature is still insufficient, the key factor to consider is the wattage. Heat sources below 20W will have minimal impact on temperature regulation. Increasing the wattage will result in higher heat output within your tank. In cases where achieving the desired temperature remains a challenge, consider adding heat sources to the sides of the tank.
   

3. INSULATE! One prevalent issue frequently encountered is the lack of awareness among owners regarding the crucial importance of insulation. Various materials can be utilized for tank insulation, such as insulation mats, car sun shields, or polystyrene. These supplies are readily available and typically cost-effective. It is recommended to position all insulation on the exterior of the tank, covering the heat source. This method is not only safe but also offers an economical solution to prevent temperature decline. Insulating your tank can result in a significant reduction of up to 20% in heat loss!
   

4. Blankets When executed correctly, this method can yield significant benefits, despite initial apprehensions. During chilly winter evenings, draping a thick blanket over the top of your tank can potentially increase the temperature by up to 3.c. It is advisable to position the blankets on the top or front of the tank, avoiding direct contact with the heat source. Placing them on the lid or front of the tank eliminates the risk of fire hazards, making it a safe and widely practiced technique in the Hermit Crab community. If temperature fluctuations occur during the day, consider using blankets to regulate the tank's temperature during daytime hours as well.
   

5. Body Warmers/Hot Hands Although these are just temporary solutions that can become costly over time, they can be quite beneficial when experiencing cold weather or a power outage. You can buy instant body warmers or hot hands and attach them to the exterior front, sides, or top of your tank, then cover them with blankets. This method can provide a limited heat source for your tank when electricity is unavailable.
   

6. Hot Water Bottle Method No, we are not suggesting using an actual hot water bottle, as that could lead to a potential disaster! The hot water bottle method serves as a useful temporary solution for low temperatures or electrical blackouts. To implement this method, simply boil water, fill a heat-safe water bottle (such as a stainless steel one), wrap the bottle in a towel or cloth, and place it inside the tank. It is crucial to cover the bottle with a towel or cloth to prevent any burns to the crabs. This approach will help increase the temperature in the tank, providing your hermit crabs with the opportunity to gather around it for warmth if needed.

Primarily, heat and humidity are crucial factors that should be given top priority. In the event of temperatures dropping too low, hermit crabs may enter an unnatural hibernation state as a final survival mechanism before facing mortality. Although they can endure brief periods of low temperatures, prolonged exposure for days, weeks, or months is highly detrimental and should be avoided.

It is a frequent occurrence for pet owners to express concern about maintaining appropriate temperatures for their pets during the winter season. Despite efforts such as covering the entire tank with heat sources and insulating it, some owners still find that temperatures remain dangerously low.

Regardless of the number of heat sources or the amount of insulation, the key factor is the wattage. Placing 7W heat mats on a tank will not significantly impact temperatures, and having a low sub will only result in more air that needs to be heated.

During the summer season, consider removing your winter heat sources if necessary. We suggest beginning by eliminating your side heat and insulation until your summer temperatures reach the desired levels. It is crucial to monitor your temperatures daily to prevent overheating your hermit crabs.