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They are surprisingly personable, yet they are also easy to care for.
Many families opt for hermit crabs over dogs and cats, which require a lot more care, and aquariums, which limit interactions.
Although you might assume that they have a short lifespan because of their small size, some crabs have been known to live up to 20 years as pets.
In order to keep pet hermit crabs, you will need to provide the right home.
A single crab can live in a ten gallon aquarium, while a group of crabs will need a proportionately larger tank.
They are social creatures, and do well in groups.
Land crab species enjoy living on moist sand, with plenty of drinking water provided for them.
Aquatic hermit crabs prefer an environment with plenty of rocks and gravel in addition to water.
With either type, make sure that the sand is at least three inches deep, because they love to burrow, especially when molting.
They live in a cage heated to between 70 and 80 degrees.
They also prefer a humid environment; spray or mist the cage frequently so that evaporating water creates the right level of humidity.
Hermit crabs are very curious, and spend many hours of their day exploring their environment.
Because their natural environment includes plenty of trees, crabs enjoy climbing surfaces, and climb surprisingly well using their claws.
Sturdy branches, large rocks, or even a piece of cork board can be used for a climbing surface.
This pet is nocturnal, so most of their activity happens once the lights are out.
Your hermit crab pet can eat some of the same foods you eat yourself, such as lettuce, spinach, strawberries, apples, and grapes.
Small pieces of fruits and vegetables are the healthiest food for your new pet.
There are also pellet diets formulated for crab.
Crabs can be messy eaters, so be sure to remove leftover food once they are done eating.
Unlike aquarium fish, these crabs can also be taken out of their enclosure.
They won't hurt or pinch you as long as you handle them carefully.
Hold them on your palm, with your hand flat and open.
Don't make sudden moves.
After all, you are a lot larger than your hermit crab pet, and may frighten him.
A frightened crab will often retreat into his shell rather than pinching, but if you do get pinched, simply place your hand under running water to get him to let go.
Speaking of shells, responsible owners of a hermit crab pet must also provide shells for the crab to move into.
As crabs molt, or shed their hard exoskeleton, they will want to move into a shell that is slightly larger.
This shell, which they carry with them everywhere, provides protection and keeps their body from drying out.
If you think that the crab is beginning the process of molting, it's best to leave him alone and give him some peace, with plenty of fresh food and water.
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