How to Identify Pet Hermit Crab Behavior

While seemingly small and usually low-maintenance, a pet hermit crab exhibits a fascinating range of behaviors. Over time, as you watch your pet hermit crabs, you will learn to identify distinct behavior patterns and make sense of their moods.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Isolation tank

1. Realize that each hermit crab will have its own personality. Some will hide in their shells all the time, while others will gladly poke their heads out when held. You should allow each hermit crab to follow its instincts.
2. Recognize behavior that often appears aggressive is usually normal, more similar to playing. Hermit crabs will crawl over each other, push each other out of the way and have feeler fights.
3. Look for aggressive behavior, so you can separate crabs before they hurt each other. The most common violent behavior is a shell fight, where one crab will force another out of its shell. While fighting, crabs may sever claws, legs, antennae or eyes.
4. Identify a sick or molting crab by inactivity or depressed behavior. You should keep an eye on the crab to ensure it is not sick. You may notice crabs about to molt digging in the substrate for a few days.
5. Listen for chirping, which is usually a sign of stress. Interpret chirping as a sign that a crab is being bullied or the environment is not being maintained properly.
6. Understand that hermit crabs are nocturnal, so they often appear calm during the day. It is not uncommon to wake up to a tank that has been completely torn apart during the night. Many pet hermit crabs eventually adjust to their owner's schedule.
7. Be gentle and calm when first handling a new hermit crab. It may take a few days for it to get used to you. Do not force it out of the shell, or spray it with water. Simply hold the crab in your hand, giving it time to relax.

Tips & Warnings

• When you first bring a new crab into your home, you may hear it chirping frequently. As it becomes comfortable, this behavior should subside.
• Bigger tanks often mean less stress on your pet. If your hermit crabs fight often, they may need more space to roam.
• Remember that crabs are wild animals and they may eat each other. If you find a wounded crab, you should isolate it and give it time to heal. Most times, you will only find scattered remains.