By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Caleb_Schalk]Caleb Schalk
Handling is bound to come up when talking Hermit Crab care. To hold or not to hold, that is the question. Some feel it is a definite �no, no.� The reasons for this are pretty obvious. They�re smaller than you and have a natural aversion to dangling in mid-air, they also have pinchers, with which to make their point. Besides the stress imposed on a pet living with the threat of being literally swept off their feet at any moment, there is the real possibility of you inadvertently sending your pet flying in response to a well placed pinch. On the other hand, my crabs are my pets and I love them. I get to know their personalities, likes and dislikes. We follow some simple rules about handling the crabs, and haven�t had any problems.
First - we give new crabs something to settle in before we handle them.
Second - we don�t pick them up when they are buried. They could be getting ready for a molt.
Third - we do not pick them up by their shells. We place our hands flat in the cage and allow our crabs to climb on us.
Fourth - if we are holding them they are never more than 12 in. over a soft surface. A towel works well.
Fifth - We don�t allow climbing on any raised surface, for example a desk or table.
Sixth - Our crabs are always supervised when on the floor or ground outside. You�d be amazed at the speed that they can run (see our hermit crab races article).
When deciding whether to hold or not, please consider your feelings and your pets. Have Fun!
Mr. Schalk is an expert in hermit crab care. He has many years of experience in caring for these wonderful creatures. Please see his blog at: http://HermitCrabCare.wordpress.com
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