Q&A for How to Hold a Hermit Crab

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Would it be safe to allow a crab on the table if there are no chemicals on the surface and I watch it?

Community Answer

It should be safe, as long as you don't put him/her on the edge.

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Why will the crab try to pinch me?

Community Answer

Your crab is probably just scared of falling off of your hand. He is likely pinching you to help make sure that he doesn't fall and hurt himself.

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Question

Why might my crab attack me?

Community Answer

Your crab might attack you if it feels threatened, scared, or backed into a corner. Move slowly and allow it to get used to you before handling.

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Question

What if you're scared to hold it?

Community Answer

Most crabs aren't as punchy as they appear. The trick to not getting nipped is to keep your hand as taut as possible while keeping the claws away from any loose skin. Or put your hand under your shirt. This will allow you to get the feel of your new pet yet feel comfortable. One key thing to remember is that he is more scared of you.

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Question

How do I get the crab to release if it clamps onto me?

Community Answer

Hold still and put your hand on a hard, flat surface. Do not try to flick or take off. Allow the crab to feel safe on the surface and naturally let go of you. When it feels safe, it will usually release.

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Question

What treats can I feed my hermit crab

Community Answer

Mangos, peaches, and melons are all fine treats.

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Question

When my hermit crab pinches, can I try and persuade it to let go with a small piece of fruit?

Community Answer

Yes, just make sure you're feeding it fruit in moderation.

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Question

Can hermit crabs eat fruit and vegetables, or just meat?

Noah Bretches

Community Answer

They can eat anything organic. Make sure the meat has no seasonings on it, the fruits and vegetables have no pesticides on them, and they have not been washed.

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Question

Will it kill my crab if I put it on carpet?

Community Answer

If you put a hermit crab on carpet, it's a very soft surface and can damage their legs, which could led to death.

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Question

Why do I feel threatened by my hermit crab?

Noah Bretches

Community Answer

It may be because you are scared of bugs, afraid of getting pinched, or maybe you are young.

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Question

What types of hermit crabs are there?

Community Answer

The two types are Ecuadorian, and Caribbean, also known as the Purple Pincher.

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Question

How do I get a hermit crab's claw off when I get pinched?

Community Answer

If you do get pinched by your hermit crab, the best thing to do is put your hand on the floor or a table and wait for a while. It should let go. If it hurts super bad or if the first method didn't work, then you should pour a little dechlorinated water on him/her for short periods of time.

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Question

What should I do if my hermit has a painted shell?

Community Answer

Get it some fresh natural ones in the next size up or in the same size that it is in now because it will change.

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Question

How do I not panic when holding a hermit crab?

Community Answer

When holding a hermit crab, just relax, and hold your hand out flat. It's not going to hurt you, and as long you hold your hand steady, you're not going to hurt it. Animals can sense when you're afraid, and then they get frightened too, so just stay calm.

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Question

Can I put it on a hardwood floor?

Community Answer

I would suggest putting a mat down on the floor, as they may have a hard time walking on the hardwood surface and it is quite unsanitary to have a crab walking around on your floor.

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Question

Why is it not safe to put them on the carpet?

Community Answer

Someone could step on him or he could run away. They could also get stuck in the rug fibers and hurt themselves. It is mostly for their safety.

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Question

Why can't I put hermit crabs on a carpet?

Community Answer

If you put your hermit crab on a carpet, it could get snagged and pull off its limbs.

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Question

What do the pinches feel like?

Community Answer

It's like a human with short nails pinching you. If the crab pinches you, you might get a tiny bruise.

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Question

When my hermit crabs are molting are they supposed to be slow?

Community Answer

Yes, that's normal.

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Question

Can I travel with a crab every week?

Community Answer

It wouldn't be wise to travel with a hermit crab every week, because car rides and travel can stress them out which can easily lead to death.

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Question

How do you avoid getting pinched by a hermit crab?

Community Answer

Hold your hand as flat as you can, so there is no loose skin for a crab to pinch.

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Question

What if my crab grabs onto my hands when I hold her shell? That scares me.

Community Answer

It probably scares her even more. She might think she getting picked up by a bird. Try to let her know its you by not being afraid of her, and let her crawl onto your hand instead of grabbing for her by the shell.

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Question

What if I have my hand flat and my crab still pinches?

Community Answer

The purpose of holding your hand flat is that you can't feel the pinch, so as long as it hurts, then don't worry about it.

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Question

I only bought my hermit crab yesterday, but (s)he seems pretty social. When can I handle her?

Community Answer

Give your hermit crab a few more days so he/she can adjust to the new environment.

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Question

My crab is always dirty, even after I give him a bath. How do I prevent that from happening?

Community Answer

You can't. Hermit crabs are animals and live in sand. They will be dirty. You shouldn't be bathing him, either. They do it themselves and it stresses them out when you do it.

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Question

Is it okay to let my hermit crab climb and play in my hands?

Community Answer

Sure! Just make sure that your hermit crab doesn't seem stressed or frantic. If he's running around a lot, set him down; you don't want to stress him out.

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Question

Should I wear gloves to handle my hermit crab?

Community Answer

You don't have to wear gloves, but some people prefer to because it can protect your hands against pinches.

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Question

Is soil an okay substrate for crabs?

Community Answer

Yes. make sure nothing is alive in there, though (earthworms, beetles, mites, etc.), as these can cause many problems for the crab. If you're talking about coconut bedding, even better!

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Question

If I handle me hermit crab enough and it enjoys being held, will it eventually be tamed?

Community Answer

Yes, hermit crabs can eventually become "tame". In some cases, they love to play with their owners like dogs.

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Question

Can I feed my crabs raw meat?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it is unseasoned. Cooked meat is bad for fish and crabs.

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