What is the Average Cost of a Hermit Crab?

Many people overlook the hermit crab when it comes to choosing a pet. It’s a shame because hermit crabs are small and don’t need much care. They also don’t eat much of your family.

But owning a hermit can be a lot more complicated than most people realize. Keep in mind that hermit crab ownership can be expensive, especially if your knowledge is not up to par. Many people abandon hermit crab raising and lose out on the fun that comes with it.

This guide will give you an idea of the cost to raise a hermit crab and will help you prepare for all that comes with ownership. The chart does not include all costs, but it should give you an idea of what to expect.

One-time Costs for Bringing Home a New Hermit Crab

Although a hermit crab is not as expensive as a purebred dog, exotic pets like rare fish, there are higher costs than most people realize.

If you don’t know what to do, you might be tempted to buy unnecessary gear.

No cost

It can be difficult to find a free hermit crab. It is not possible to just take a hermit crab home. There aren’t many rescue organizations and it’s impossible to snag one from the wild.

Although you might be able to find one by searching on local message boards or other means, it is likely to take a lot of effort and time. You don’t have to pay a lot to get one.

Adoption

• $0-50

Although there are a few groups that offer adoption, they may be few and far between.

Adoption is often free because many groups want to adopt their crabs.

This also means they may have restrictions about who can adopt their crabs. You might need to show them that you have enough gear to take the crab home.

Breeder

• $3-25

A local pet shop or breeder is the best place to buy a crab. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to get a hermit crab for as low as $3 to $25. There are no other options.

The cost will vary depending on the species and size of the crab. You may need to pay an extra fee for some crabs.

The average cost of each breed is listed below.

Caribbean	$3-25
Ecuadorian crab:	$9-15
Strawberry hermit	$19-40
Ruggie hermit:	$10-20

Stock

• $50-200+

Although hermit crabs can be quite affordable, they require a lot of equipment. They can’t be left alone in your backyard or put to sleep in your bed.

You can buy your crab a lot of things that they don’t need but also important items like substrate, food, water, and food.

Below is a list of the most commonly needed supplies. These supplies are not all necessary, but they will give your crab the best chance to thrive in its new environment.

Price List and Information on Hermit Crab Supplies

Glass Tank with Lid	$20-100
Substrate:	$5-10
Under-Tank Heater:	$10-20
Overhead Light:	$15-20
Get Water and Food Dishes	$3-10
Thermometer:	$5-20
Hygrometer:	$5-20
Water Conditioner:	$5-10
Ocean Salt	$5-10
Decor:	$3-20
Waste Scoop:	$3-10
Treats or food:	$3-5

Annual Expenses

• $100-200 per annum

Hermit crabs can be kept as pets because they don’t need expensive food or toys. Costs are affected by how many crabs you have. Obviously, keeping a whole colony will cost more than having just one crab.

You don’t have to buy food for them, but they should eat cheap food. You can give them fruits, vegetables, and seafood. You can either buy hermit crab food or fish flakes if you decide to feed them.

Health Care

• $0 per annum

Although it may seem inconsiderate, most people don’t take their hermit crabs to the veterinarian. It’s not because they are expensive to replace; the truth is that your crabs can get sick and there is little you can do.

You can check the water conditions and change their food if your crab is acting unwell. There is nothing you, or anyone else, can do to keep your crabs healthy after they become sick.

Treatments for Parasites

• $0-50/year

You may be surprised to learn that hermit crabs can become parasites just like other pets. This includes mites, flies, and beetles.

The good news is that hermit crab parasites are easy to treat. In many cases, it is even free. All you need is boiling water. Avoid purchasing chemicals from the grocery store as crabs can be more sensitive than parasites to these treatments.

Food

• $0-50+/year

You may find that your hermit crab will eat the same foods as you, so it is not necessary to spend a lot of money to buy them special food.

However, special hermit crab food can be found at most pet shops. They also sell fish flakes and brine shrimp. There is no consensus on whether specialty food is better than feeding your pet meals from your fridge. So, go with what works best for you.

Environment Maintenance

• $0-50+/year

Regular cleaning of your crab’s aquarium is necessary to ensure their health. However, you don’t have to purchase multiple cleaners.

Because hermit crabs are sensitive, you should avoid harsh disinfectants and bleach. You can instead use vinegar and boiling water for most cleaning. A brush is also useful to remove dirt and debris.

You will need to purchase a separate container for your crab to keep them safe while you clean out their tank. However, this is a small, one-time cost.

Vinegar:	$3
Substrate:	$5-30/year
Biodegradable Aquarium Cleaner:	$5-30

Entertainment

• $0-50/year

Hermit crabs aren’t looking for entertainment. You won’t have to buy them squeaky toys or feathers.

They need something they can crawl on, under, and around. Driftwood can be purchased at pet shops or you can plant vines and plants in the habitat. There may be seashells that you want to place in the habitat.

You should be careful not to put wood or any other items you have found in the tank. They may seem fine, but some objects could have unwanted chemicals or bugs on them. This could put your crab’s health in danger.

Variety is not necessary for crabs. You don’t have to buy or arrange new items to keep them happy. We don’t think you’ll feel any better if you give your crab’s crib some love.

The Annual Cost of Own a Hermit crab

• $100-200 per annum

Although hermit crabs can be inexpensive pets, you will still have to spend money on their care. These costs can vary widely depending on whether you purchase special food or share yours.

You don’t have to pay for pet medical expenses, which are always the largest expense. It’s also possible to not have to pay for a dog walker.

A Budget-Friendly Way to Own a Hermit Crab

A budget-friendly way to own a hermit crab is the same as regular garden-variety hermits. Although the main difference between them and regular hermit crab owners is their choice of food, it won’t affect your budget.

One-time costs are the most expensive part of hermit crab ownership. These include buying a tank and the crabs. It’s very easy to maintain your pet’s life after you have it set up.

Save Money on Hermit crab Care

There aren’t many ways to save money on your crab’s care. You can save as little as a couple of dollars.

You can save money by cooking for them and using vinegar or boiling water to clean their dishes. This money-saving trick is not likely to make you rich, as a bottle of cleaner costs only a few dollars.

It is tempting to cut back on heaters, heaters, lamps, and other accessories to save money at the beginning. This is a bad idea as these items are essential to keeping healthy hermit crabs.

Last Thoughts

A hermit crab is a great pet choice if you are looking for something that will be fun and affordable. These tiny critters are fascinating and won’t be as expensive as a dog or cat.

If you are a good shopper, you can set up a hermit crab for less than $100. A year of ownership should cost you only a few C-notes. These are great pets for pet lovers who have limited budgets or for children who want to show that they can care for an animal before moving on to more challenging pets.

Although you may not receive much affection or love from a hermit crab, however, the money you save by buying one will allow you to pay others to be your friend.