How to Wake Up Hermit Crabs

i Hand holding a hermit crab image by Oleksandr Bondar from Fotolia.com

Hermit crabs are noctural creatures with a variety of personalities. You may have a rather inactive little guy that sleeps a lot and moves very little. To check him during daylight hours, this may require some nudging on your part to wake him. Just remember to avoid the grumpy pinch.

Step 1

Pick your hermit crab up by its shell and place it in the palm of your hand. Keep your hand stretched taut; once the crab wakes up, he may decide to pinch you out of self-defense. Continue to hold him and talk softly to him until his natural curiosity kicks in and he begins to move about.

Step 2

Mist the hermit crab with a spray bottle of dechlorinated water. You are already doing this several times a day to help keep him moist and provide humidity in the tank. Two or three small squirts, at most, should wake him up.

Step 3

Check the temperature and humidity inside your crab's home. They require a temperature of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity. Without this, they may become inactive, withdrawn, sick -- and hard to wake. Make any necessary adjustments to keep your little guy comfortable.

Step 4

Bathe your hermit crab to wake him. Gently flip your pet over and dunk him in his water dish. Room-temperature water will get his attention but not shock his system.

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