09/04/2026
It’s almost time for the Tri-State Fair and Mom says I’m not allowed to protest so here’s a photo of my sweet crabby baby, Henrietta. Husband won her for me at the fair last year because she was so dang cute and I just HAD to have her. Looking up “hermit crab care” on the way home sent me into total panic mode as I learned that hermit crabs are basically the pet sold to go home and die. How freaking sad 💔 So if you’re going to the fair and think you might fall into this trap, here’s some stuff you need to know.
1. Hermit crabs are not a hands-on pet. While you will have to handle them from time to time, it should be limited to health checks and tank cleanings. Being handled stresses them out. Henrietta will come nearly all the way out of her shell to reach around and pinch whoever picks her up 😂
2. They are not an “easy” pet. Hermit crabs come with a long list of needs including: a tank (10 gallons per crab), a humidifier, two water pools (one fresh, one saltwater), a heating pad, play sand/coconut sand blend for the tank, a selection of shells to “shop” from, food (a variety of fresh and dried), green sand, tank enrichment (running wheel, stuff to climb, fake plants,) and a friend since hermit crabs are social creatures. The tank requires monitoring to make sure it maintains proper heat/humidity levels, especially since hermit crabs breathe through gills and can slowly suffocate without the right level of humidity. Don’t skimp on the enrichment, either. Henrietta spends A TON of time on the running wheel and she’ll climb anything. My girl is fearless and strong 💪
3. The hermit crabs purchased at the pet store (or won at the fair ) are not bred in captivity. They are snatched up from their home and tossed into an overcrowded tank until they are sold. Most eventually die from inadequate care. Henrietta has a shy tank mate (Arabella) who came from Petco. I purchased her after learning that crabs need a friend and while I’m glad that they are not alone in the tank, I feel so guilty for contributing to the problem. They even told me that I could come back and exchange her if she died within a few weeks 😭
Hermit crabs are no joke, y’all.