QuestionI recently got two hermit crabs for my sons birthday (which I care for of course) and we have had them for about a month now. I have a few concerns I wanted to ask someone about. First of all, I am SCARED to hold them, the first one ducks into his shell and wont come out when we try to hold him or her regardless of the amount of time. The second one will come almost completely out of its shell and spread its legs wide which freaks me out. What can I do? Secondly they bury themselves in the sand (not too deep, just under the surface) and usually never move from their spots each on the other side of the tank. The temps is maintained at about 80 degrees and the humidity fluctuates between 65 and 80. We have shells in the tank, the proper food, and a water dish, as well as a climbing wall and a 1/2 log for them, but they don't seem to use any of that. Is it normal for them to be so immobilized?
AnswerIt's perfectly normal to be apprehensive about carrying them. There is no guarantee that they won't pinch. New crabs are often more likely to pinch than crabs that have become use to you. It is perfectly okay to lift them by the shell. I rarely allow crabs to sit on my hand unless they are smaller.
Have you had them very long? It's common for a new crab to isolate himself/herself as they destress.
