Scared to hold my hermies!

elvis_steveo_dave · Post by **elvis_steveo_dave** » 10 May 2006, 06:13

I'm scared to hold my hermit crabs! It's not like their huge, I think my biggest one is about the size of my thumb, but I'm still scared of them, not that they'll pinch, but... because they remind me of spiders! *shivers*

hermiesrokmysox · Post by **hermiesrokmysox** » 10 May 2006, 08:06

yet you enjoy hermies???

anyways, just lay on the floor with your hermit crab. lay your hand out flat and let the crab crawl on. don't lift yoyr hand until you get use to it. then when you do, lift your hand up a little and so on.

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 10 May 2006, 09:13

i agree. if you don't at least pick them up and let them walk around on the floor, they may get scared of being picked up and could pinch. it just takes time. they're fine walking around on your hands, mine go up my arm lol. one thing that i didn't know (until after Lemi molted) is that after they molt they have black bands on their feet, they're like needles. those can hurt. but they get dull after a while. good luck! they love being picked up and held, and the more that you do it, the more they'll enjoy it and get to know you. it's a good bonding experience for both of you. keep us posted!

elvis_steveo_dave · Post by **elvis_steveo_dave** » 10 May 2006, 09:20

UPDATE: Well, my dad "made" me, more like helped me forcefully, get used to holding my hermet crabs! I'm not so scared anymore! YAY! So far, two of my hermies, Steve-o and Dave, are getting used to me. Elvis though is still a little shy! Thanks for the advice!!

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 10 May 2006, 09:23

i dunno if this is a good thing, but the people at the pet store will cup a shy hermie in their hands and blow warm air on them. I tried that with Tweek (RIP) bc he was also shy, and sure enough, he came out and was friendly

they like warmth, so i think that's why they come out.

iluvhermies · Post by **iluvhermies** » 10 May 2006, 11:37

We have had several that were shy. We place them in the center of our hand and cup our other hand over it and just wait til they move and slowly move our hands away.

Post by **Wai** » 10 May 2006, 22:04

Also, don't hold them high up from a hard surface below - it could be a nasty fall.

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 11 May 2006, 04:41

yeah, i forgot about that. i'm always sitting on the ground when i let them wander. so when i do hold them, it's not 5 feet to the ground.

hermiesrokmysox · Post by **hermiesrokmysox** » 11 May 2006, 06:24

lol, yeah i usually am sitting on the floor and holding them. I am going to sheldule a time to hold them everyday...hmmm

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 12 May 2006, 02:45

hm, i know that other pets, like cats and dogs, love schedules. think hermies do too?

Scared to hold my hermies!

Scared to hold my hermies!

Re: Scared to hold my hermies!