Fluker's Products

Fluker's Farms has established itself as a leading manufacturer of reptile and invertebrate care products since its founding in 1953, with their hermit crab product line representing their commitment to providing complete husbandry solutions for these increasingly popular terrestrial invertebrate pets. The company's Louisiana roots have given them particular expertise in the care requirements of land hermit crabs, which naturally inhabit coastal regions including the Gulf Coast where Fluker's operations are based. This proximity to wild hermit crab populations has informed product development grounded in observation of natural behaviors and requirements.

The Fluker's approach to hermit crab care emphasizes meeting the complex environmental and nutritional needs of these surprisingly demanding invertebrates. Land hermit crabs, primarily species of the genus Coenobita, require access to both fresh and salt water, high humidity environments, appropriate substrate for burrowing and molting, varied nutrition including calcium for shell development, and careful attention to environmental conditions that differ substantially from simple aquarium keeping. Fluker's product line addresses each of these requirements through purpose-developed formulations.

Product development at Fluker's incorporates both scientific understanding of hermit crab biology and practical feedback from keepers and retailers. The company recognizes that hermit crabs are often purchased as beginner pets without adequate understanding of their care requirements, leading to preventable mortality. Their products are designed to simplify proper husbandry while providing clear guidance on use. Educational materials accompanying Fluker's products help bridge the knowledge gap that often exists among new hermit crab keepers.

Quality control at Fluker's ensures consistent product performance across production runs, an important consideration for keepers who develop successful husbandry routines dependent on predictable product behavior. The company's long history in the exotic pet supply industry has built expertise in manufacturing products that meet the specific needs of invertebrate species, with formulations refined over decades of production experience and customer feedback.

Fluker's Hermit Crab Food provides comprehensive nutrition formulated specifically for the dietary requirements of land hermit crabs. These omnivorous scavengers consume diverse food sources in the wild including fallen fruit, vegetation, carrion, and organic debris. The commercial diet replicates this nutritional variety through a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals balanced for hermit crab health. Multiple formulations including pellets, freeze-dried treats, and fruit-based options allow dietary variety that stimulates natural feeding behaviors and ensures nutritional completeness.

The Salt Water Concentrate addresses one of the most critical and frequently misunderstood aspects of hermit crab care. Land hermit crabs require access to saltwater pools alongside freshwater for proper osmoregulation and gill function. The concentrate provides marine-grade salt in appropriate concentrations when diluted according to directions, creating the saltwater environment that wild hermit crabs access in their coastal habitats. Proper saltwater provision supports hydration, gill health, and the overall physiological balance that hermit crabs cannot maintain without access to both water types.

Fresh Water Conditioner removes chlorine, chloramines, and heavy metals from tap water that would otherwise harm hermit crabs' sensitive gill tissue. Municipal water treatment chemicals are acutely toxic to invertebrates, and even brief exposure can cause gill damage that compromises respiratory function. The conditioner neutralizes these harmful compounds, rendering tap water safe for hermit crab pools and habitat misting. This product is essential for any keeper using tap water rather than purified water sources.

The Growth and Molting Supplement delivers concentrated calcium and other minerals essential for successful molting, the most vulnerable and critical period in a hermit crab's life. During molting, hermit crabs shed their exoskeleton and must produce a new larger one, a process that requires substantial calcium reserves. Inadequate calcium availability leads to failed molts, incomplete exoskeleton hardening, and associated mortality. The supplement ensures crabs have access to the mineral resources needed for healthy molting.

Habitat products including Hermit Beach Sand and Eco Clean support the environmental conditions that hermit crabs require. Appropriate substrate allows the burrowing behavior essential during molting, when crabs dig beneath the surface for protection during their vulnerable soft-shell period. Eco Clean maintains habitat hygiene through natural bacterial action that breaks down waste and organic material, reducing harmful ammonia accumulation while maintaining the beneficial microbial environment found in healthy substrates.

Hermit Crab Food should be offered in shallow dishes that allow easy crab access while minimizing food contact with substrate that would cause rapid spoilage. The recommended feeding amount varies with colony size, with general guidance suggesting enough food that some remains after overnight feeding activity. Hermit crabs are primarily nocturnal feeders, so food should be provided in the evening and uneaten portions removed the following day to prevent mold growth and pest attraction. Dietary variety is achieved by rotating between different Fluker's formulations and supplementing with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Salt Water Concentrate mixing requires careful attention to concentration, as both too little and too much salt creates problems for hermit crabs. The standard preparation involves adding the specified amount of concentrate to dechlorinated water according to package directions, typically achieving a concentration approximating natural seawater at 1.020-1.025 specific gravity. The solution should be mixed thoroughly and allowed to reach room temperature before offering to crabs. Both fresh and salt water pools should be deep enough for crabs to fully submerge if desired, typically achieved with pools at least as deep as the largest crab's shell height.

Fresh Water Conditioner application involves treating tap water before use for pools, misting, or any hermit crab contact. The standard dose follows package directions based on water volume being treated, typically requiring only drops per gallon. Treated water should sit briefly after conditioner addition to allow complete neutralization before use. Water in hermit crab enclosures should be replaced every one to two days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial accumulation, with each water change using freshly conditioned water.

Growth and Molting Supplement is offered in a shallow dish alongside food, allowing crabs to consume calcium according to their individual needs. The supplement should remain constantly available, as crabs typically increase calcium consumption in the period before molting when they are building internal reserves. Supplement should be replaced weekly or sooner if contaminated with substrate or waste. Some keepers crush cuttlebone or egg shells to supplement commercial calcium products, though the Fluker's formulation provides optimized mineral ratios.

Substrate maintenance involves periodic spot cleaning to remove visible waste and food debris, with more thorough substrate replacement or cleaning on a monthly to quarterly basis depending on colony size and waste accumulation. Eco Clean can be applied to substrate according to package directions to support beneficial bacterial populations that process waste naturally. Substrate depth should be maintained at minimum twice the height of the largest crab's shell to allow adequate burrowing depth during molting. Humidity levels above 70% should be maintained through regular misting with conditioned water.

Overfeeding or failure to remove uneaten food leads to rapid spoilage in the warm, humid hermit crab environment, potentially causing mold growth, pest infestations, and accumulation of harmful bacteria. Spoiled food creates unpleasant odors and compromises enclosure hygiene, potentially leading to illness in hermit crabs exposed to contaminated conditions. Prevention involves removing uneaten food daily and offering only amounts that will be consumed overnight. Systems for determining appropriate feeding quantities develop through observation of individual colony consumption patterns.

Improper salt water concentration represents a significant risk when preparing saltwater pools. Hypertonic solutions with excessive salt can cause dehydration and osmotic stress, while hypotonic solutions with insufficient salt fail to provide the physiological benefits hermit crabs require. Signs of improper salinity include crabs avoiding the salt water pool entirely or spending excessive time submerged trying to regulate internal conditions. Verification of proper concentration using a hydrometer or refractometer prevents these problems.

Chlorinated or contaminated water exposure causes gill damage that may not be immediately apparent but compromises long-term health. Hermit crabs exposed to untreated tap water may show reduced activity, decreased appetite, and increased susceptibility to stress and disease. Damage from chlorine exposure is cumulative, meaning repeated minor exposures can eventually cause significant harm. Consistent use of water conditioner for all water introduced to the hermit crab environment prevents this insidious harm.

Calcium supplementation in excess of natural consumption is generally self-limiting, as hermit crabs regulate calcium intake based on physiological need. However, competition in crowded colonies may prevent subordinate individuals from accessing calcium when dominant crabs monopolize the supplement dish. Providing multiple calcium sources distributed throughout the enclosure ensures all colony members can access this essential mineral. Extremely high calcium levels in diet could theoretically cause issues, but practical overdosing is unlikely with commercial products used as directed.

Substrate-related problems include inadequate depth preventing proper burrowing for molting, which can lead to surface molts vulnerable to disturbance by other crabs. Inappropriate substrate materials including those containing harmful chemicals, sharp particles, or inadequate moisture retention create environmental stress. Substrates that become overly wet or poorly drained can harbor harmful bacteria and create conditions promoting shell rot. Maintaining appropriate substrate conditions prevents these environment-related health problems.

Fluker's hermit crab products are specifically formulated for terrestrial hermit crabs of the genus Coenobita and should not be used for marine hermit crabs, which have fundamentally different care requirements. Marine hermit crabs are fully aquatic animals requiring marine aquarium conditions, while Fluker's products address the needs of land-dwelling species that inhabit terrestrial environments with water access. Confusing these very different animals leads to inappropriate care and mortality.

Freshly acquired hermit crabs undergoing post-purchase stress should be provided basic care requirements rather than subjected to handling or environmental manipulation. New crabs often remain buried or inactive for extended periods as they acclimate to captive conditions, and this normal behavior should not be interpreted as requiring intervention. Products should be available but forcing interaction with stressed crabs can compound their stress and delay acclimation.

Hermit crabs currently undergoing active molting must not be disturbed under any circumstances, and enclosure maintenance should be suspended or conducted with extreme care to avoid disturbing buried molting crabs. The molting process requires weeks to complete, during which the crab is extremely vulnerable. Even well-intentioned checks can disturb the process and cause molt failure. Products like Eco Clean should not be applied directly to areas where crabs are suspected to be buried for molting.

Enclosures containing sick or dying crabs of unknown cause should not receive supplementation or product changes until the underlying problem is identified. Adding products to unhealthy environments can mask diagnostic information or compound existing problems. Investigation of environmental conditions including temperature, humidity, substrate condition, and water quality should precede any product intervention in problematic enclosures.

Fluker's Salt Water Concentrate should not be combined with other salt products without careful consideration of total salinity. Using multiple salt sources risks creating hypertonic conditions harmful to hermit crabs. Aquarium salt, marine salt mix, or other sodium chloride sources should not be added to water already prepared with the concentrate. If transitioning between salt products, pools should be emptied and refilled with the new formulation rather than attempting to adjust existing solutions.

Water conditioners from different manufacturers can generally be used in conjunction with Fluker's products, though redundant conditioning provides no benefit and may introduce unnecessary chemicals. Using one complete water conditioner rather than combining multiple products ensures adequate dechlorination without excess chemical addition. Fluker's conditioner is formulated as a complete treatment, making supplementary conditioners unnecessary.

Calcium supplements interact additively with dietary calcium from Fluker's Hermit Crab Food, which is formulated to provide baseline calcium nutrition. Adding excessive supplemental calcium through multiple sources is unlikely to cause harm given hermit crab self-regulation of calcium intake, but creating excessive calcium availability is unnecessary when using both the food and supplement products as directed. Natural calcium sources like cuttlebone complement commercial products without interaction concerns.

Substrate treatments including Eco Clean interact with the enclosure microbial environment, which should be considered when introducing other products claiming antibacterial properties. Antibacterial agents would counteract the beneficial bacteria that Eco Clean is designed to support. The goal of substrate management is maintaining healthy microbial balance rather than sterilization, as beneficial bacteria contribute to waste processing and overall environmental health.

Any copper-containing products used in the household must be kept completely separated from hermit crab care supplies. Copper contamination from snail treatments, algaecides, or other sources is lethal to hermit crabs. Equipment, containers, and measuring implements used for copper products must never contact hermit crab supplies. Even trace copper residues prove fatal to these sensitive invertebrates.

Copper toxicity represents an absolute and ever-present danger for hermit crabs as with all invertebrates. Even minute copper contamination from household sources including plumbing, brass fixtures, or other copper-containing materials can prove lethal. Fluker's products are manufactured without copper, but contamination can occur through handling, water sources, or inadvertent contact with copper-containing materials. Water sources should be verified copper-free, and any unexplained hermit crab mortality warrants investigation of potential copper contamination.

Temperature and humidity maintenance is critical for hermit crab survival and should not be neglected even when using high-quality products. Fluker's products support hermit crab health but cannot compensate for environmental conditions outside acceptable ranges. Temperatures should be maintained between 72-80 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity consistently above 70-75%. Conditions below these ranges cause stress that eventually proves fatal regardless of other care quality. Temperature and humidity monitoring equipment is essential for successful hermit crab keeping.

Handling hermit crabs during or around molting can prove fatal to the molting individual. Crabs often bury before molting and may remain underground for weeks during the process. Substrate disturbance, cleaning, or rearrangement during this period risks disturbing the molt. Keepers should avoid deep substrate disruption and should never attempt to locate or check on buried crabs. Knowledge of pre-molt behaviors helps identify when crabs are preparing to molt, allowing adjustment of maintenance schedules.

Colony social dynamics require attention beyond individual husbandry. Hermit crabs are social animals requiring conspecific companionship, but competition for resources including shells, food, and water can create stress in poorly managed colonies. Providing abundant resources including multiple food dishes, water pools, and excess shells in various sizes reduces competition stress. Shell fights, in which crabs attempt to steal shells from tankmates, can cause injury and death, making appropriate shell availability critical.

Product storage under appropriate conditions maintains effectiveness and safety. Food products should be stored in cool, dry locations and used before expiration dates. Liquid products including water conditioners should be protected from temperature extremes and direct sunlight. Opened products should be used within reasonable timeframes, as degradation affects performance. Storing products away from children and pets prevents accidental ingestion of concentrated formulations.

Fluker's food products require storage in cool, dry conditions to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Opened containers should be resealed tightly after each use to minimize moisture absorption and pest access. The warm, humid conditions ideal for hermit crabs accelerate food spoilage, making proper storage between uses essential. Food showing signs of mold, unusual odor, or pest contamination should be discarded immediately. Purchasing appropriately sized containers that will be used within a few months prevents waste from product degradation.

Liquid products including Salt Water Concentrate and Fresh Water Conditioner should be stored at room temperature away from temperature extremes and direct sunlight. These products remain stable for extended periods under appropriate conditions but may degrade if exposed to freezing temperatures or excessive heat. Bottles should be kept upright with caps securely fastened to prevent leakage and contamination. Visual inspection before use identifies any precipitation or unusual appearance indicating potential degradation.

Substrate products should be stored dry until use, with opened bags sealed to prevent moisture absorption that could promote mold growth. Eco Clean and similar biological products should be stored according to label directions, typically at room temperature with protection from temperature extremes that could harm beneficial bacterial populations. All products should be stored securely away from children and pets who might accidentally contact or ingest materials not intended for human consumption.

Caribbean hermit crabs, scientifically Coenobita clypeatus, represent the most commonly kept land hermit crab species and the primary target for Fluker's hermit crab products. These crabs display purple or reddish coloration on their large pincer and are native to the Caribbean and Gulf Coast regions of the Americas. They tolerate captive conditions relatively well compared to other Coenobita species, though they still require proper environmental conditions for long-term health. Most commercially sold hermit crabs are this species.

Ecuadorian hermit crabs, Coenobita compressus, have become increasingly available and may benefit from Fluker's products with consideration for their slightly different natural history. These crabs are somewhat more terrestrial than Caribbean hermit crabs, though they still require both fresh and salt water access. Their smaller average size means feeding dishes and water pools can be appropriately scaled. The same general care principles apply, with environmental humidity being particularly important for this species.

Strawberry hermit crabs, Coenobita perlatus, and other Indo-Pacific species occasionally appear in the pet trade and can utilize Fluker's products, though they may have specialized requirements beyond standard hermit crab care. These species often come from different climate zones with varying temperature and humidity patterns. Research into specific species requirements is advisable when keeping non-Caribbean species, with Fluker's products providing a foundation supplemented by species-specific adjustments.

Multiple species should not be housed together without careful consideration of compatibility and disease transmission risks. Crabs from different geographic origins may carry pathogens to which other species have no resistance. Size differences can create competition imbalances, with larger species potentially harming smaller tankmates. Species-specific behaviors and requirements may conflict in mixed-species housing. Single-species colonies avoid these potential complications.

Zoo Med offers a competing line of hermit crab products including foods, supplements, and habitat supplies that provide alternatives to Fluker's formulations. Zoo Med's Hermit Crab Food and Hermit Crab Salt are formulated for similar purposes and can be used interchangeably with Fluker's products based on availability and keeper preference. Both companies have long histories in the exotic pet industry with established reputations for quality products.

Nature's Plan Hermit Crab products provide another commercial alternative with formulations targeting natural and organic ingredient sourcing. Some keepers prefer these products for their ingredient transparency and minimal processing. The fundamental nutritional requirements remain consistent across brands, with selection often based on personal preference, price, and availability rather than significant efficacy differences.

DIY approaches using grocery store items can supplement commercial products for keepers seeking maximum variety and cost savings. Unseasoned seafood, organic produce, and crushed eggshells or cuttlebone provide nutrition and calcium supplementation that complement commercial offerings. However, commercial products like Fluker's provide formulated convenience and assured nutritional balance that DIY approaches may lack. Most successful keepers combine commercial products with supplemental natural foods for optimal variety and nutrition.