Do Hermit Crabs Carry Diseases? (Common Illnesses to Know)
If you’re considering getting a hermit crab as a pet, you may be wondering if they carry diseases. While hermit crabs are generally healthy animals, there are a few common illnesses to be aware of. The most common illness in hermit crabs is shell rot, which is caused by a bacteria or fungus. Shell rot can be treated with antibiotics or antifungal medication, but it’s important to catch it early. Another common illness is respiratory infection, which is usually caused by stress or poor air quality. Respiratory infections can be treated with antibiotics, but again, it’s important to catch them early. Finally, hermit crabs can sometimes get mites, which are tiny parasites that live on their skin. Mites can be treated with a variety of methods, but the best way to prevent them is to keep your hermit crab’s habitat clean and free of debris.