HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I often try to take my crabs out of the tank and let them run around my floor but get worried after a few minutes that I could be hurting them because of the lack of proper conditions. So how long is it safe for me to allow them out to exercise? I've searched around but haven't been able to find a answer. I would assume they enjoy it, the tank has gotta get boring. Do you allow yours out?

Crabs are a hands off look and love pet. They should never be out of their tank except if absolutely necessary and even then only for a minute or two


Still in denial I've managed to pull this off.

I don't take my crabs out and assume they get enough exercise climbing and digging in the crabitat. Some crabbers do let their crabs out to wander around; the most celebrated crabber, Carol Ormes of Florida, let her two crabs out to mosey around her house for about 30 minutes each day and had the crabs for more than 30 years! See the article about her below:

http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-expert ... -long-life

I think it depends on outside conditions. I may let my crabs out this summer on days when temps and humidity mimic the tank. I think that lady who's crabs lived so long lived in FL, so the conditions would be what they needed. I think she even had an outside, open air habitat for them (can't really remember though)......

Really? So even handling them isn't the norm? My smaller crabs I let be but my jumbo and two large ones are the three who I'll handle and allow to roam around.

Heatherleighhh wrote:Really? So even handling them isn't the norm? My smaller crabs I let be but my jumbo and two large ones are the three who I'll handle and allow to roam around.

Hi there, hermit crabs have modified gills. They need the warm humid air to breath. Taking them out of the tank is like causing a human an asthma attack. I always strongly suggest not handling any more than absolutely necessary. If you have stuff in your tank for them to climb and explore and hide and dig they are going to get enough activity without needing to leave home... BUT that's just my opinion.

Carol used to do hours out of the tank, every night, for decades. There is a newer movement to be hands off with them, but the veteran crabbers were all very hands on when I first got mine, with no ill effects. The trick is to let them settle in and have a good molt before interacting with them.

I'll take mine outside with me on really hot and humid days, but i also keep them in a hamster ball that i've misted just in case my outside humidity gauge is off(i never learned how to calibrate it) they will run around on my driveway for a bit. I make sure there aren't any ants or anything that can hurt them first. I've never done more than 20 minutes. Some crabs understand the hamster ball. Some crabs don't. And if you try the hamster ball, i suggest drilling some extra foot holes for them.

I don't handle my crabs often either. They just don't seem to enjoy it, IME.

There's always been crabbers that do, crabbers that don't, and those in between with handling since I've been a member here.

I have a few more outgoing crabs that I bring out to show people, but even then they aren't out more than a couple minutes. I handle them for quick pictures and/or to measure them, and to move them if they're in my way during a tank rearrange. I've never really seen the point of handling them extensively since they aren't cuddly and kissable. Even my more laid back crabs always run off and hide after they're back in the tank, so I interpret that as being annoyed at me.

I don't have anything against crabbers who handle more extensively but I'd never recommend it if the crab hasn't had one normal molt in captivity.