Safest way to pick up crabs?

[Drake X. Bit]

What's the safest way to pick up crabs? I know that you're obviously not supposed to pick them up by their their limbs, but I know picking them up by the shell can really spook them into thinking your a predator. I'm thinking of cupping them into my hand, and carrying them. Is this too much caution?

[LadyJinglyJones]

They aren't going to like being carried in any manner. If you cup them, make sure you wont drop your crab it it pinches a skin fold in your hand.

[Rawrgeous]

If I need to take them out I like to hold them by the shell and also give them a platform to stand on such as a plate, my hand, etc.

[Drake X. Bit]

If I need to take them out I like to hold them by the shell and also give them a platform to stand on such as a plate, my hand, etc.

That sounds like the best way, that is, if you haven't fully gotten acquainted yet. I strive to be able to hold out my hand, and have my crab just stride over, and sit down.

[Rawrgeous]

I've had mine over a year, and I only handle them when doing tank maintenance to put them in a container, and then to put them back. Otherwise they really are more of an observational pet. I feel like holding them just for the sake of holding them stresses them out a bit, so I let them be. I know for a fact none of my hermits would just walk over and plop onto my hand just because.

[GotButterflies]

They aren't going to like being carried in any manner. If you cup them, make sure you wont drop your crab it it pinches a skin fold in your hand.

And don't say you won't...because it happens to all of us! I don't hold mine, I am very hands off. However, when I upgraded my tank last year, I had to transfer my crabs over to their new tank. I picked up the shell and was focused on looking where I was going to put him/her. That crab came out and pinched my finger sooo bloody hard!!!!!! I said a few choice words and yes, dropped the crab. It's instinct. Just like it was that crabs instinct to pinch my finger. Luckily it was over the sand in the new tank. I just left it alone at that point. I felt terrible. I'm giving myself another guilt trip now....oh memory lane is great....sigh...My poor crab! I had a dang blood blister on my finger for weeks!!! It was painful!!

[soilentgringa]

I'm one of those folx that don't handle their crabs unless absolutely necessary.

If you do need to pick them up to move them, I suggest grabbing the back of the shell and quickly but gently transferring them into a container with walls high enough that they can't escape while you do your tank maintenance or whatever it is you need to do that would require moving them.

Since they're prey animals and anything larger than them looks like a predator, I don't recommend playing with them or taking them out of their tank to let them run around.

[PinchersAndShells]

If you do need to pick them up to move them, I suggest grabbing the back of the shell and quickly but gently transferring them into a container with walls high enough that they can't escape while you do your tank maintenance or whatever it is you need to do that would require moving them.

I second this. Just make sure the container gives them plenty of room to move, and put something for them to climb on in there (I have taken down a plastic plant and placed it on it's side last time.) When I put them in a separate container all together and didn't give them anything to do someone's shell was stolen, thankfully I got the crab into a new shell immediately.