Holding Hermit Crabs

[quietthinker]

I thought of a question that probably has a really obvious answer, but I wanted to be sure. Since this site and all others stress the importance of proper temperature and humidity, is it really ok to hold hermit crabs and take them out of the tank? That must be a sudden change of temperature and humidity. And if it is, how long can you take them out without them becoming uncomfortable?

[emmac350]

It depends on what temperature your room is versus the temperature of the tank. In my apartment right now, the tank is maybe 1 or 2 degrees warmer than the ambient apartment temperature. The humidity isn't all that different (maybe 20 or so percent different, but I live in an area of a state with an average relative humidity of about 65-70%...gotta love Alabama!), but even if it was you could spray the air in the area you'd have the crabs out (i.e. spray the air over the exerciser or your bed) or boil water on the stove to raise the humidity.

[CrabbyJo]

I agree with Emma, the house temp is usually within a few degrees of the tank temp here, and I hadn't thought of checking humidity, Im' sure it's a bit drier here in Alaska. I do mist the air around them frequently when they are out and mist their gills as well. I feel so mean when I mist them tho lol. They aren't crazy about it.