Avian & Exotic Pet Clinic of Roanoke

Did You Know....

• The word "invertebrate" means without backbone.
• Hermit crabs are wild animals that have been caught and learn to live in captivity easily since they are very versatile eaters with healthy appetites
• There are two different species of hermit crabs that you will commonly find being sold as pets in the United States, the land hermit crab and the Eccie

New Owner Corner

Here are some links to help get you started with your invertebrate friends

• Insect Hobbyist Tarantula Information
• Hermit Crabs Information

F.A.Q

Life expectancy: Variable based on species (3 years to greater than 20 years)
Food: Tarantulas and scorpions (insects), Hermit crabs (omnivorous)
Tarantulas should be housed individually in an escape proof terrarium (>3 gallons) with pea gravel, Astroturf or Yesterday’s News. Tropical species require microclimates of higher humidity.
Cost: Tarantulas and Scorpions $25 to $200, Hermit Crabs $2 to $15
Do not depend on light as a heat source since most are nocturnal. Provide adequate temperature and humidity for the species in hand. Do not leave feces, prey remains or sloughed skin in the cage for long. This can lead to bacterial and fungal overgrowth in the cage.
Health tips: Keep temperature between 73 to 86 degrees daytime, 80 degrees at night. Provide micro-climates of humidity by providing a small Tupperware container with an entrance holes and lined with sphagnum moss kept slightly damp to provide a microclimate of humidity. This will aid spiders in shedding. Also, gut-loading the insect prey with a product like “Fluker’s” Cricket Diet is a good idea for 3 days prior to feeding them to your pet. Annual physical exams are recommended.