Hermit Crab Cost

Typical costs:

• Hermit crabs mainly range in price according to size and species. Prices range from $2 to $45.
• They come in four basic sizes: tiny, medium, large and jumbo. A tiny crab is about the size of a quarter and typically costs under $5. Mediums are about the size of a golf ball. Larges are the size of a tennis ball. Jumbos are about the size of a baseball.
• One of the most popular, the Purple Pincher, has reddish purple skin and large claws and ranges in price from $10 to $45 at HermitCrabPatch.com^[1] .

• Common pet species include the Caribbean, the Ecuadorian, the Strawberry and the Purple Pincher. Hermit crabs are social, and enthusiasts recommend having more than one crab in a tank. Hermit crabs live about 10 years. Captive crabs do not breed.
• Hermit crabs have a soft abdomen with a hooked tail to grab onto a shell. They also have claws and can pinch but typically don't. Hermit crabs "move" from one shell to another often.
• Another curious behavior of hermit crabs is the molting process. About every year to two years, the crab will shed its outer skeleton and grow a new one. To do this, they will bury into the sand and be there for about a month. It's a good idea to have an isolation area ready in the tank, as crabs need to be alone and safe for this process.
• Visit HermitCrabAssociation.com^[2] for a bounty of information on the hermit crab.

• Food. Hermit crab food comes in cans or in pellets and costs about $3 for six ounces, or a supply that lasts two weeks to one month. Also needed are a food dish, a water bowl for salted water and another with plain, dechlorinated, water. A dechlorinator costs about $5, as do the bowls.
• Habitat. Get an aquarium that is at least 10 gallons or larger and that has a tight fitting lid. Glass works best. An aquarium costs between $30 and $50. Adorn the aquarium with places to hide and toys, these will be available for around $10 each. Sand can be purchased for $3.50 to $15.
• Temperature and Humidity. A light bulb or heating source costs $12 to $20. Keep an eye on the humidity level -- it should be 70 percent -- with a hygrometer, which costs about $5.
• Extra shells. Keep at least two extra shells per crab for the crab to move to. Shells cost between $2 and $20, depending on the look and size. Some are decorated with a carved image or painted. SeaShellCity.com^[3] is recommended by the online hermit crab community.

• Buy sand in bulk at a hardware store. A 50-pound bag at the Home Depot costs about $5.
• Buy a ready-made kit for between $16 and $75. Kits typically include an aquarium, some foliage, sand and a hiding place. PetSmart.com^[4] offers one for $35.

• There are a number of online communities for hermit crab owners. LandHermitCrabs.com^[5] has a variety of information and active forums; it requires registration and signing in to view and post.
• Petco provides a care sheet^[6] on hermit crabs.

1.  www.hermitcrabpatch.com/Live-Pet-Hermit-Crabs-s/6.htm
2.  www.hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/index.php
3.  www.seashellcity.com/crabs/crabshells_1.html
4.  www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2753345
5.  www.landhermitcrabs.com/
6.  www.petco.com/CareSheets/petco_CareSheets.aspx

Check Out All Costs for Pets & Pet Care		How Much Does Owning a Cat Cost?		How Much Does a Rabbit Cost?		How Much Does Dog Vaccination Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Staying cool during the summer extends to the car. How much is car air conditioning? Parks are opening and offering reservations. We cover camping gear. The hot summer weather has started. We cover the cost of central air conditioning. A BBQ grill could be handy to enjoy backyard activities during the summer months. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Entertainer Paid: 250.00 I charge $150.00 for the first hour. It's 100.00 each additional hour. It really depends on cost of living, the skill level of the artist, and how much tax the balloon artist has to pay... [more] -AnthonyStone Balloon Twisting Cost Yeast infection Paid: 160.00 My 4 month old puppy had brown discharge and an odor coming from her ears. She was constantly scratching. Took her to her vet and explained; I know she has an infection in her ear... [more] -Pokémon trainer Pet Ear Infection Treatment Cost Retainer Paid: 20.00 I bought the warranty with my Invisalign through my orthodontist (do this... [more] -Braeden Retainers Cost Only paid remaining deductible Paid: 6500.00 My BCBS plan covered 100% of cost after deductible. My deductible was $8500 but I had already paid $2500 of that for previous medical procedures... [more] -Predatorhousepet Prosthetic Leg Cost Rewire whole house with all included Paid: 32909.00 Easy estimate for all of you, is stablish a category of houses. Cat 1: open wall, $13 per sqft Cat 2 Close walls, $16 per sqft and for cat 3, 2 story house, depending of age $18-$25 per sqft. Make your calculations... [more] -JG Electric Rewiring a House Cost Cost of care Paid: 0.00 Wow, some of these previous comments seriously concern me. We have a dentist carrying on about how much it cost for his entire education and the cost of building and supplying an entire office... [more] -Jason B Dental Implants Cost