Begin to care for your hermit crab.

Okay! I know! I know! I was that way too. Your children got you into the hermit crab thing. So now your house has a new guest that you don’t know much about.

Trust me! You're not alone. So for those of you who are new to the hobby and the animal – and those of you who are veterans, but just want a refresher course – here hermit crab care in a nutshell.

Temperature is very important to the hermit. They do not like temps under 72degrees. If a hermit crab is exposed to consistently low temperatures, it can kill him.

Temperatures that are extremely high are just as dangerous. You can tell if your crab is overheated.

Humidity

Humidity must also be kept at certain levels. A minimum of 70 percent humidity is required.

Many new owners are not aware they must lay a substrate in the cage. Truthfully i didn’t even know what one is. It's just a label given to the material you place at the bottom of the cage. As crabs tend to dig holes to live in.

Sand seems to be a favorite for the crabs. But if this is impossible, you can find other options at your local pet store.

No matter what the material just is sure there is plenty of it. But you don't want it so deep that your friends aren't receiving the benefits of the heater (and yes, you need one of these too!)

What's next?

Well, now that you've got your pet all set in his new home, you really need to give some thought to what to feed him. If they were in there native habitat they would eat fruit, nuts, leaves and old wood pieces.

Actually there is not sufficient data as to what is best for them. But we do know a few things. Some antioxidants and vitamins like calcium and carotene are very important.

Look at it this way if it is good for you it is good for the crabs. Before you run to the cabinet, let me explain a thing or two. Boxed macaroni and cheese is not healthy food. Nor are potato chips. And for that matter, neither is Ben and Jerry's ice ointment. But fruits, vegetables even meat and fish - these will all help maintain your crab's health.

Also remember they need foods rich in tannin like tree bark. Before you feed your crabs anything like this, though, be sure to rinse them painstakingly and even dry them. Your crab really loves to "crunch" when he munches.

Check out your new friend in his tank. She can't wait to crunch down on that carrot in your hand.