Hermit crabs are fascinating creatures and keeping them as pets offers a deep insight into the natural world. They are hardy and low maintenance with simple care needs but aren’t the best pets for children. Hermits are incredibly delicate, don’t enjoy being handled, and usually don’t live for a long time in captivity. As a parent, you must choose a pet for your child depending on their interests and personality. You can discover more about whether hermit crabs are good pets for kids in the article below.
Hermit Crabs May Not Suit Children
Hermit crabs appeal to parents because they are hardy and low maintenance, but realistically, they aren’t ideal for most kids. One of the main reasons why they aren’t child-friendly pets is because hermits hate to be touched. They are also most active at night and spend much of the day hiding. Hermits also molt regularly and can be hidden and lifeless for several weeks during this period. Most kids want to interact with their pets and may quickly lose interest in hermit crabs.
That’s not to say that all children will get bored with pet hermits. If your kid is responsible, trustworthy, and interested in observing the natural world, then hermits can be fantastic pets. Another advantage of hermit crabs is that they don’t carry diseases and are hypoallergenic, so they are perfect for children with allergies. They are also easy to care for and have a simple diet. But ultimately, there are better pets for kids, and we’ll look at them later in the article.
Hermit Crabs Don’t Like Handling
If you’re considering getting pet hermit crabs for your kids, the first thing to know is that they don’t like handling. They are not cuddly, carry-around pets – and you must only touch them when necessary. Hermits are shy and incredibly delicate, and incorrect handling can injure them. They also become super stressed if kids touch or try picking them up. Hermit crabs aren’t aggressive creatures but may use their claws to nip a hand or fingers if they feel threatened.
Most kids enjoy interacting with their pets, and even if you tell them they can’t touch hermits, they may still try. Unsupervised handling will result in stress or even death for the hermit and possible trauma for your child if the crab pinches them.
When necessary, the safest way to pick up a hermit is by gently grasping it with your fingers at the back of its shell. Never pick them up from the front and handle them above a soft surface, just in case you drop them. Hermits can’t survive high falls. You should never touch, prod, or hold a hermit crab during molting.
Most Hermit Crabs Have a Short Lifespan
Hermit crabs can potentially live for over 10 years in captivity, but this is rare, and most have a short lifespan. Even with the best care, some crabs may only live for one or two years. Pet store hermits are often caught in the wild and kept in incorrect conditions. This can cause a lot of stress and drastically reduce their life expectancy. Sometimes, pet stores even give out incorrect care advice, which can also reduce pets’ lifespan.
Hermit crabs love living in groups; you should have at least four. Children may be upset if they regularly suffer the loss of their crabs, and you may also have to replace them often. Losing a hermit crab may also raise uncomfortable questions about life and death that you may not be prepared to answer, depending on your child’s age. If you want hermits to live long, healthy lives, as a parent, you must fully supervise their care.
Hermit Crabs Have Complex Care Needs
Hermit crabs are low-maintenance creatures with unique care needs, and you need special equipment to keep them healthy. They may be inexpensive to buy, but the set-up costs for a crab enclosure can add up.
Here are the essential items you need for a crab set-up:
1. A tank with a secure lid – hermits need 10 gallons for every two crabs.
2. Reptile heat lamps or mats – to provide a temperature of around 80 F.
3. A hygrometer and thermometer– to monitor the environment. Hermits absorb moisture from the air and need a constant 80 percent humidity.
4. Lights – hermits need lights for 12 hours daily.
5. A hydrometer – to measure the water salt content.
6. Shells – hermits need a selection of shells to choose from after molting.
7. Feeding and bathing bowls.
8. Sandy substrate for burrowing.
9. Tank decorations for environmental enrichment – you must provide tank decor such as caves, aquarium plants, and rocks for your hermits to hide in.
10. Food – the best diet for hermits is species-specific flakes and pellets, with
fresh ruit and vegetables three to four times weekly.
There Are Better Pets for Kids
Hermit crabs are the ideal pet for a minority of children, but overall, there are better first pets for kids. The perfect pet for your child depends on age, personality, maturity level, and interests. Large pets, such as dogs and cats, are ideal for older children, while birds, fish, and large rodents are well-suited to smaller ones. These pets are much more interactive and rewarding than hermits.
Keeping a pet teaches children about responsibility and boosts their self-confidence, so it’s beneficial for their development. But you must ensure your child is into having a pet; never try to force one on them. Let children partake in the selection process, and always thoroughly research the care needs of an animal to ensure that it fits your budget and schedule. If you want to introduce a dog or cat to your family, always choose a child-friendly breed.
