Ever since I became the accidental owner of a hermit crab two and a half years back, I've become somewhat of a missionary for dispelling people's misconceptions about them as pets. Most pet stores sell them as short-lived boring pets needing minimal care and suitable for young children -- only a few steps above a pet rock.

As is the case with MOST pets sold with this promise, that's bullshit.

Hermit crabs may not be the hardest pets to care for, but they do require more than just a sponge, some sand, shells, and a bit of hermit crab chow. Many people also think they don't move around much -- no. My crabs spend most of their time climbing, exploring, and digging. They're quite active critters.

Some add-ons to the advice:

1) I have yet to come across a store selling hermit crabs that gives them enough substrate to bury themselves fully. This forces them to attempt molting above ground, which very rarely ends well. Most boardwalk sellers just keep them on wood and chicken wire and sell them in little plastic carrying cages.

I prefer to use Eco Earth soil as a substrate, but sand is also an option. Do not be alarmed if your hermies are under for MONTHS -- I once had a crab vanish for four months before reappearing. The bigger the crab, the longer molting takes.

2. In the wild, hermit crabs are scavengers. They clean the beach! It's also important to remember that sodium can kill them, much like their distant cousins slugs. Here's a good list of food that they can safely have: http://www.epicurean-hermit.com/ind......php?topic=2.0

3. Hermit crabs live in huge 'herds' in their natural habitat, often hundreds of hermies strong. Thus it's a good idea to have at least two or three in a tank. They will actually vie for dominance when newly introduced! This process usually passes without any injury -- you'll likely hear the 'we're havin' us a DISAGREEMENT' scratching sound crabs make. Eventually a decision will be made and that particular argument may only come up again after a hermie has been underground awhile for a molt.

4. Plus they're ugly as hell.

5. I use a Zoo Med heating pad, but some people use lights and other methods.

6. Now, I'm not saying if you have a crab die earlier you're a horrible owner. They're still rather fickle animals and sometimes the cause of death is impossible to pinpoint. However, realize that (much like when purchasing a turtle or parrot) owning a hermit crab is not supposed to be a brief affair. If you get bored of taking care of things quickly, the hermit crab is not for you.