A few questions on hermit crabs

Question
Hi

I have 2 daughters 12 and 9 years if age. My 12 year old wants a few hermit crabs I don't know much about hermit crabs so I was wondering if hermit crabs would even be good for my daughters, how long hermit crabs live and what size tank I need for 3 to 7 hermit crabs.

Answer
Hermit crabs can make good pets depending on your child. They do much better when left alone and excessive handling, especially right at first, can lead to stress related death. If your kids want a hands on pet, hermit crabs aren't the best choice even though they are marketed so strongly toward children.

However, many kids keep HC's very happily, working and planning the tank layout and feeding them different foods. Some crabs are more social and will tolerate handling but that is not true of all crabs.

Hermit crabs, in good, stress free enviornments can live 10+ years. 3 to 7 crabs . . . . I would move them into a 20 gallon. If you stay closer to 3, you could get by with 10.