Behavior Hints

Land hermit crabs make great and perfect pets and have a personality of their own, just like you. They can be very shy or very friendly. As they get to know you they will warm up to you. Usually they are not mean but if they have been mistreated they can act mean. You can train them to be nice if you are nice to them. They will get to know you and trust you. We have seen it happen.

Taking your hermit crab out of its cage is a good idea. The more you play with him the better he will get to know you. Watch him closely as they tend to bolt quickly from your site, when you are not looking. They love to play hide and seek. They can be found on the inside of curtains, inside couches, but usually near the bathroom water or kitchen water. Sometimes you'll find them near the water heater. They smell the water and go after it.

All hermits get along but they are territorial and if they come from different shops at different times they'll need to reestablish their boundaries. That is why some say they fight. They are establishing who is in charge and the boundaries of the cage. Size does not have anything to do with it. Sometimes the smallest one rules. It just depends on their personality. Other animal like lizards and turtles do not belong in the cage with them. They do not live together in the wild so why do it in captivity.

Be careful to not let them fall off the edge of a table or anywhere. They do fall on purpose out off Coconut and fruit trees to save themselves from walking down. You want them to make the jump and not just fall off. They will not trust you if you let them fall. Let them decide so they do not become frightened of you. They'll need to trust you. We have seen them actually let go from a fruit tree in the islands. They curl up inside and just sort of fall off the tree. It saves them walking time.

Even though he is called a hermit. That does not mean he does not like company. The word hermit refers to living in his very own shell alone. Actually they live in colonies and do not like living alone. We keep thousands in one very large cage for our shop and they survive very well. They are happy as hermits. Of course we have several water dishes they can crawl into, food dishes and hundreds of extra shells in the cage at all times. They love to try all the shells as if they are playing with toys.

The best place to handle a hermit is on the back part of the shells so his pinchers can't get you. He is not reaching out to pinch you he is just merely holding on, but it still hurts. Be careful when playing with him to not have any loose skin available for him to grab on your hand or body. He will hold on just as if it is a hand rail as he does not want to fall. He is not trying to hurt you just holding on. Once he gets to know you he will walk all over you safely. He'll become accustom to you and trust you. This is important.

If at first he hides in his shell when you get near, don't give up. He is shy and needs your attention. Take him out often. Hold sweet food in your hand when handling him. He'll come out sooner and try the food. He will get over being shy. Remember they depend on you so take good care of him and keep food, water, and extra shells available at all times. He'll love you for it.