What to feed my hermits

[Rivett13]

Hi,

i am a little concerned on what to be feeding my hermit crabs, i am currently feeding them apples and bananas.

Is there any better food option for them? i need some guidance

Thanks!

[curlysister]

The 'care sheets' section has tons of info about all aspects of crab care.
Here is the 'nutrition' page:

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92554

There is also the 'safe food list':

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92557

[Rivett13]

Thanks so much, I guess its time to go to the pet store to ressuply

[craboloading]

Thanks so much, I guess its time to go to the pet store to ressuply

Although you can find some suitable foods at a pet store (honestly think all I've ever gotten for the crabs from a pet store was dried mealworms), it will be somewhat slim pickings. You'll also have to read labels closely for unsafe ingredients. I'd advise you to check out the Food section of the forum - specifically the pinned post "What's on Today's Menu?" for some inspiration. Crabs can eat lots of the same foods already in your home (meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, etc). And if you want to purchase foods there are lots of places online that sell crab-safe mixes and single food items. I personally like to buy from The Hermit Crab Patch & just placed my first ever order with BioactiveFX1 on Etsy.

Just to give you an example of foods I fed my crabs tonight that were just foods already in my pantry/fridge: celery leaves, shredded carrots, blueberry, honey, cabbage, and ground flaxseed.

[GotButterflies]

Hermit crabs can eat a lot of the same things that we eat. Just check to make sure the item is on the safe list. Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
You also want to provide one or more calcium sources at all times. Examples would be Cuttlebone, Organic Eggshell, Oyster Shell, Lobster Exo, Shrimp Exo.
Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid
Safe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92556
Food pyramid: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554


Also, organic baby foods are great ideas if they are on the safe food list

[HermitofHermitCrabs]

I mix it up but I generally feed a mixture of melons, berries, squash, shrimp, meal worms, and a few other types of plants. I also make sure they get crushed oyster shells for calcium.