Normal Hermit Crab Behavior

Hermit crabs are easy to keep and fun pets for the entire family. It is important to know what normal is for your hermit crab so you can know the difference between normal and a problem.

  1. Behavior with Other Hermit Crabs

    • Hermit crabs love to interact with each other and are very social. However, it will often seem like they are being mean to each other and not getting along. Wiggling their antennas at each other and pinching or pushing each other is common. (See Reference 1)

    Behavior with Humans

    • When you first get a hermit crab, he can be very shy and not come out when he is being held. Some hermit crabs never grow out of being shy, while others are social bunnies and love being played with. Every hermit crab has a different personality and will define the relationship it will have with its owner. (See Reference 1)

    Sleeping Behavior

    • Do not be alarmed or think that the hermit crab is just hiding from you if he spends all day in his shell, because hermit crabs are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and are awake at night. (See Reference 1)

    Eating and Drinking Behavior

    • Many owners will become alarmed when they never see their hermit crab eating or drinking. However, this is normal because since hermit crabs usually eat and drink at night. They also eat very little, and rarely actually eat from the food bowl itself. It is also normal behavior if your hermit crab tries to dig under his water bowl and knock it over. In order to prevent this, try sinking the dish into the rocks of the cage a little. (See Reference 1)

    Chirping

    • Although this seems like normal behavior for a bird, hermit crab make a noise that is referred to as chirping. It is unknown why they make the noise, but it is neat to hear. (See Reference 1)