Hermit crabs love to communicate with each other and their human care-givers. If you are gentle, quiet, and receptive enough, you may begin to understand what your hermit crab is feeling!
Here's a general overview to get you started, but remember that your own patience will lead you to the best understanding of your pet.
CURIOSITY - Hermit crabs display their curiosity through rapid wiggles of the antennas and antunnules. You know you've got a hermit crab's interest if he's doing this!
CONTENTMENT - When accompanied with inactivity, hermit crabs outwardly will vocalize their peaceful contentment through loud croaking sounds.
ANNOYANCE - Hermit crabs display their annoyance with each other or their care-givers by displaying sudden jerking movements. Occasionally, croaking sounds are used to indicate annoyance. This is typically used when another hermit crab is on top of another.
FEAR - This emotion is best communicated in two ways: by retracting into the shell or by pinching with the claws. The latter is usually done in cases where the crab is fearful of falling.
BOREDOM - Hermit crabs display boredom by their inactivity. If your hermit crabs are inactive, offer them some stimulation! (However, inactivity can also be indicative of an upcoming molt, so be careful!)
Here's a general overview to get you started, but remember that your own patience will lead you to the best understanding of your pet.
CURIOSITY - Hermit crabs display their curiosity through rapid wiggles of the antennas and antunnules. You know you've got a hermit crab's interest if he's doing this!
CONTENTMENT - When accompanied with inactivity, hermit crabs outwardly will vocalize their peaceful contentment through loud croaking sounds.
ANNOYANCE - Hermit crabs display their annoyance with each other or their care-givers by displaying sudden jerking movements. Occasionally, croaking sounds are used to indicate annoyance. This is typically used when another hermit crab is on top of another.
FEAR - This emotion is best communicated in two ways: by retracting into the shell or by pinching with the claws. The latter is usually done in cases where the crab is fearful of falling.
BOREDOM - Hermit crabs display boredom by their inactivity. If your hermit crabs are inactive, offer them some stimulation! (However, inactivity can also be indicative of an upcoming molt, so be careful!)
With careful observation and patience, you'll begin to notice how hermit crabs communicate!
