How to raise coconut crabs
In recent years, coconut crabs have become a new favorite among pet lovers due to their unique appearance and rarity. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to give you a detailed introduction to the raising methods of coconut crabs, including environment construction, diet management, frequently asked questions, etc., to help you easily raise this strange creature.
1. Basic introduction to coconut crab
Coconut crab (scientific name: Birgus latro) is the largest terrestrial arthropod in the world, mainly distributed on tropical islands in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean. They feed on coconuts and are able to peel the shells with their strong pincers, hence their name. Coconut crabs can live up to 60 years, and adults can weigh up to 4 kilograms.
| Features | numerical value |
|---|---|
| Adult body length | 40-100cm |
| lifespan | 30-60 years |
| suitable temperature | 24-29℃ |
| Suitable humidity | 70-80% |
2. Setting up the breeding environment
Coconut crabs have high requirements for their living environment and need to simulate the climate conditions of tropical islands. The following are detailed requirements for the breeding environment:
| Project | request |
|---|---|
| Breeding box size | At least 100×60×60 cm (single) |
| substrate | Coconut soil + coral sand mixture (thickness more than 15cm) |
| temperature | 24-29℃ (not lower than 20℃ at night) |
| Humidity | 70-80% (needs daily spraying) |
| shelter | At least 2 (coconut shells, wooden holes, etc.) |
| climbing object | Dead wood, rocks, etc. |
3. Diet management
Coconut crabs are omnivores and feed on coconuts, fruits, carrion, etc. in the wild. When raising animals in captivity, attention should be paid to nutritional balance:
| food type | specific food | Feeding frequency |
|---|---|---|
| staple food | Coconut meat, mango, papaya | daily |
| protein | Fish, shrimp, insects | 2-3 times a week |
| Calcium supplement | Cuttlefish bone, egg shell | 1 time a week |
| Others | carrots, pumpkin | 1-2 times a week |
4. Key points of daily management
1.Shelling period management:Coconut crabs regularly molt their shells and are very vulnerable at this time. A deep burial area (substrate thickness above 30cm) should be provided to avoid disturbance.
2.Cleanliness and hygiene:Clean up food residues every week and replace 1/3 of the substrate every month to prevent mold growth.
3.Environmental monitoring:Use a thermometer and hygrometer to check daily. If the temperature is below 20°C, heating is required. If the humidity is insufficient, water spraying is required.
4.Behavioral Observation:Under normal conditions, it should be active at night and hide during the day. You may get sick if you continue to be inactive.
5. Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions
| question | Possible reasons | solution |
|---|---|---|
| Refusal to eat | About to change shell/environment is not suitable | Check temperature and humidity and provide a variety of food |
| Shell becomes soft | Calcium deficiency | Increased cuttlefish bone and eggshell supplements |
| decreased activity | Hypothermia/sickness | Increase the temperature to above 26°C |
| Shell moldy | High humidity/poor ventilation | Improve ventilation and use anti-mold spray |
6. Special precautions
1.Legal restrictions:Coconut crabs are listed as protected animals in some areas, and legality needs to be confirmed before breeding.
2.Space requirements:Adult coconut crabs require a lot of space, at least 1 square meter per animal is recommended.
3.Aggression:The pliers are extremely powerful, so you need to wear gloves when operating them to avoid direct contact.
4.Sociability:It is recommended to keep them alone as fighting between the same species may occur.
7. Feeding cost estimation
| Project | initial investment | Average monthly expenses |
|---|---|---|
| Breeding box | 800-1500 yuan | - |
| Heating equipment | 300-600 yuan | 50 yuan (electricity fee) |
| food | - | 200-300 yuan |
| Other consumables | 200 yuan | 50 yuan |
| total | 1300-2300 yuan | 300-400 yuan |
Raising coconut crabs is a long-term commitment that requires a lot of time and effort. But given the right environment, this amazing creature can stay with you for decades and become a unique family member. Hopefully this article will help you successfully keep this fascinating species.
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