Mike's Fish Tank
So many people are into hermit crabs as pets. They are fun, easy to care for and inexpensive. Here are some helpful hints.
Hermit crabs love to switch shells but need larger shells as they grow to maintain adequate body moisture.
For a proper fit, the new shell should be larger than the present shell, and the shell opening should be the 
same size as the crab's large pincher.To ensure that hermit crabs function in their homes, shells should be properly
cleaned, and chosen carefully. Crabs will clean themselves if you provide them with fresh water in their bowls,
But it is a good idea to bathe crabs. Submerge them in room temperature water for 30 seconds-1 minute and allow them to air dry.
Crabs thrive on company and are the most active and entertaining when they co-exist in pairs or in a hermit crab community.
When increasing the number of hermit crabs, be sure to provide more space for them. They also need a warm and humid
environment, 70-75 degrees F. However I want to point out that if you want to keep just one hermit crab, it is perfectly OK.
A lot of kids have just a small cage and puting more than one might not be a good idea.
Crabs love to climb! Coral and choya wood will encourage activity. Again, be sure they have plenty of room to play!
Crabs need calcium obtained from shell dishes. And, they thrive on pre-mixed hermit crab food and treats,
along with a variety of vegetables and fruits. They will bury their food, so make sure you remove all uneaten food prior to 
their daily feeding. One way to feed is to put just a little water in the sink, sprinkle the hermit crab food around the edge of the water.
Let your crabs eat for about 15 to 20 minutes and put them back into their cage. Swish out your sink and your crab cage stays clean.
Hermit crabs do not eat that much, so you will not be wasting much food if you only add a little bit in the sink.
They also make an undertank heater that sticks to the bottom of your hermit crab cage. You plug it in and it emits just a small amount
of heat that helps keep your crab from getting too cold. This is especially helpful in Winter.
Pets A Plenty is located in the Blockbuster Video Plaza, Rte 281 Cortland, 753-9213. Open 7 days a week.