Handling Hermits

[Ro Bow]

Can you handle your hermit crabs? When i say that i mean keeping them in the water, but letting them crawl on your hand. Any answers are ok.

 

[BanjoBandito]

Sure, why would it be a problem? I mean they may pinch you but it'll be fine. My cleaner goby gives me a manicure every time my hand goes in the tank. My 4 year old usually is elbow deep in my tank touching anything he can (he's gentle...somehow). I'm sure there's issues with the oils on our hands and various other containments but I've never had that type of issue.

 

[Dolphins18]

You can handle them out of the water as well, but not for too long, they also will usually retract into their shells when picked up.
This one went for a climb up a baby mangrove this morning and spent about 30 minutes out of water.

 

[Ro Bow]

ok great