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Hermit crabs are cute, cuddly creatures that love to play. They also love to eat. So if you want to give your hermit crab a fun toy to play with, then you should consider making your own. There are lots of different ways to make DIY hermit crab toys. Some people use old plastic bottles while others use empty cans. The possibilities are endless.
What Toys Do Hermit Crabs Play With?
Hermit crabs like to play with many types of objects, including:
- Plastic containers and lids
- Empty food or drink containers
- Small rocks
- Wooden blocks
- Paper clips
- Metal rings
- Wood sticks
- Other small items
Are Hermit Crabs Good Climbers?
Yes! Hermit crabs climb just like lizards, snakes, and geckos. If you have an aquarium, give your hermit crab access to climbing structures such as rocks, logs, plants, and branches. You can also purchase special hermit crab houses for your tank.
What Do Hermit Crabs Climb On?
The first thing you need to know about hermit crabs is what they climb on. Most species will only climb on hard surfaces like rocks and shells. However, some species can be trained to climb up smooth objects such as glass or wood. If this sounds interesting to you, then read more below!
How Do I Keep My Hermit Crab Entertained?
You’ll find plenty of ways to entertain your hermit crab at home. Here are some ideas:
- Make sure there is enough space on your countertop for your hermit crab to move freely.
- Provide lots of hiding places for your hermit crab. For example, place small pieces of food inside empty shells.
- Place interesting items in front of your hermit crab. This includes things like plastic bottles filled with sand, pebbles, or gravel.
How To Make A DIY Hermit Crab Toys
To create a homemade hermit crab toy, all you have to do is find an object that the hermit crab likes to climb on. You could choose something from nature, but it’s best not to pick anything too dangerous because hermit crabs don’t always survive being dropped off cliffs. For example, sea urchins are very popular among hermit crabs. But there are other dangers in the ocean, so please research before picking out any items.
Once you have found a suitable climbing surface, cut away most of its edges using scissors. This way, when the hermit crab climbs onto the toy, he won’t get hurt by sharp edges. Then paint the remaining parts black. Next, glue down small pebbles around the edge of the toy. Finally, add two holes at either end of the toy where the claws fit through. Now you need to wait until the next time you see your hermit crab playing with his new toy. He may even start training himself to climb up smooth surfaces now!
Here Are Some Ideas For Homemade Hermit Crab Toys
Making A Hideout
Make A Cave Out Of Plastic
You can make a cave for your crab using a piece of pipe. Cut the halfpipe in half and bury it in the ground. The pipe can be buried vertically or horizontally. You could place the cut pipes side by side for a different look.
- If you want to place the PVC in the crab’s tank, you should rinse it with clean water.
- If your crab is going to get out of the cave, it needs to be big.
A Clay Hiding Place Is Needed
Purchase a terracotta flower plot and use it as a hiding place. Put the flowerpot on its side so that it is secure. You can also make your piece of pottery, which you can put in the tank. You should only use a natural clay pot for making your pottery pieces if you don’t have any add-ons.
- Don’t glue, paint, or glaze the clay pieces. Your crab is at risk of being harmed by these chemicals.
- If you want to get rid of dust, wash your pot with hot water and use a piece of paper to remove any rough edges.
There Are Multiple Hiding Places
There are many places to hide and play for the hermit crabs. You can make your crab’s habitat with different materials and shapes. It’s ideal to have an even mix of open space and hiding space. You can adjust your crab’s habitat based on his personality and preferences by choosing toys that he likes.
Treat your rocks by testing them. If you collect rocks instead of buying them from a store, you must ensure they’re safe to put in the tank. The rocks need to be washed and scrubbed with a solution of water and vinegar. The rocks are not safe to use. The rocks should be placed in a bucket of water with bleach. Allow the rocks to soak for a while. You can wash the rocks after 24 hours and then soak them in a bucket of water for 48 hours.
Care For Hideout Toys
You can remove the toys from the crab by transferring them to a small plastic container. The toys should be wiped using warm, dechlorinated water. Some toys can be boiled for a short time to kill bugs. Plastic caves, plastic plants, and other toys should be wiped down after being boiled. Allow the toys to dry completely before placing them back in the tank.
Some Other Toys
Plastic Bottle DIY Hermit Crab Toys
This is the easiest way to create a toy for your hermit crab. You can buy small plastic bottles at any store or online retailer. Just cut off one end and drill holes in it so that water can flow through. Then fill up the bottle with sand or pebbles. Add food coloring to the water inside the bottle as well. Your hermit crab will enjoy playing with this toy just like he would with a real shell.
You can connect and place plastic building blocks in your hermit crab enclosure as a colorful toy.
Plastic Plants Hermit Crab Toys
Another great idea for creating a fun toy for your hermit crabs is to use plants instead of stones or bricks. Cut apart several stems of bamboo grasses and attach them to a piece of PVC pipe. Drill holes into the ends of the pipes and insert hooks made from wire coat hangers. The holes should be on the same level as the suction cups. The hermit crabs love to play with this type of toy. They also seem to prefer hanging upside-down over crawling on top of the toy.
Empty Can DIY Toys
If you don’t have access to plastic bottles, you can still get creative by using an empty tin can instead. Drill two holes on each side of the can and add a piece of string between them. Fill the can with sand or pebble mix and attach a few pieces of dried grasses around the outside edge. Now place the can upside down over a bowl filled with fresh water.
Wooden Block Homemade Toys
Take apart a wooden block and remove all the wood chips. To get rid of dust, you need to wash the pot with hot water and use sandpaper to remove the rough edges. Paint the blocks black and let them dry completely before adding decorations. Glue several colorful beads onto the top surface of the block. Attach a magnet to the backside of the bead. When your hermit crab plays with the magnetic bead, he will pull it towards him. He may even try to bite it!
Water Balloon DIY Hermit Crab Toy
Blow up a large balloon and tie it closed. Poke a hole in the bottom of the balloon and insert a straw. Next, poke another hole in the middle of the balloon and thread a long stick through it. Remove the stick once the balloon has been inflated. Put the balloon underwater and watch how much fun your hermit crab has with it!
Rope For Climbing Hermit Crab Toys
Make rope for your hermit crab by taking apart old clothes hangers. Cut off one end so that it is only 1 inch longer than the other. Tie knots at regular intervals along the length of the hanger. You can also buy pre-made ropes made especially for hermit crabs.
Some hermit crab owners argue that it’s a necessity if you want to keep the crab in an enclosure.
FAQS
Why Do Hermit Crabs Hang Upside Down?
When hermit crabs first hatch, they spend most of their time crawling across surfaces. When they reach adulthood, however, they start spending more time exploring their environment. To help them get comfortable moving around, hermit crabs often hang upside-down when they explore new areas.
Can Tap Water Kill hermit crabs?
No! Although tap water may contain chemicals that could harm hermit crabs, this isn’t harmful to them. If you want to provide fresh drinking water for your hermit crab, make sure to change the water every day.
Can Hermit Crabs Climb Sticks?
Most hermit crabs enjoy climbing vertical surfaces like tree trunks, fence posts, and telephone poles. However, be careful not to leave any sharp edges exposed because they might hurt your hermit crab’s feet.
Do Hermit Crabs Need Light?
If you live in a tropical area where temperatures drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, you don’t necessarily need a light bulb installed over your tank. But if you live somewhere else, consider installing one, so your hermit crab has something bright to see while he explores his surroundings.
Why Do Hermit Crabs Climb On Each Other?
If you look closely at a hermit crab, you might notice that each one has a little bit of shell stuck between its legs. These bits of the shell help them stay together during rough weather. When the hermit crabs are young, they often climb to each other like this. As they grow older, however, they stop climbing to each other. Instead, they begin to build nests inside their shells. It seems these animals enjoy building homes together.
Conclusion
Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures who deserve our attention and care. They’re easy to take care of and very entertaining pets. With these DIY ideas, you’ll soon find yourself having lots of fun playing with your pet hermit crab.