Hobbies And Interests
Shells
Hermit crabs change their shells periodically. Place different types of shells in the habitat to determine the crabs' shell preferences. Include rough shells, as well as smooth ones, plastic ones and real ones. Consider the shape of the shell (spiral versus snail) and the shape of the opening. Monitor whether the crabs choose one type of shell when they change shells during the day and at night, as well as before and after molting.
Food
Hermit crabs eat a variety of foods, from carrots to apples to commercial food. Offer the crabs several types of food at the same time to find out which food they eat first and which food they choose with regularity. Rotate different types of foods and offer them at the same time in order to determine with certainty which foods the crabs prefer. Separate the crabs and provide each set of crabs with one (different) type of food. Note any changes in behavior, such as an increased level of activity or frequency of molting.
Habitat
Most crab environments consist of the same basic items: a food dish, a water dish, a saltwater dish and some climbing structure or toy. Make changes in the habitat to see if they affect the crabs' behavior. If the cage is small, move everything to a larger one. Switch a vertical climber for a horizontal log in the structure, or vice versa. Observe whether or not the crabs become more playful if obstacles are added or the humidity level is adjusted.
Lighting
Hermit crabs are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are more active at night. Change the lighting around the cage to see if they adapt. For instance, place the cage in a dark place during the day and in a well-lit area at night. Observe whether or not the crabs become more active during the darkened daytime hours. Watch for changes in behavior regarding eating habits and frequency of molting.