RateItAll: The Opinion Network

Had them, they are really easy!

Had some.
Quite boring.

ehh....they die to easily

Seriously? Get a real pet. Jeez.

i dont think u wanna tell some one u have crabs!

I loved mine, they didn't really pinch or anything and they loved to cruise the house.

is not fluffy and you cant play wit it or anything you jus gots to feed it[i guess] ugh!!

NOT ENOUGH MEAT!!

they are interesting.

never had one

They are ok. I have had them before.

noo boorrrinng

worst pet i ever had lol

interesting tourist

NOT ALL THA MUCH FUN

still trying to figure out why people want crabs as pets

Personally, I'd like a pet dungeness or snow crab that I could visit at my favorite seafood restaurant now and then.

Come to think of it, I'd need a colony of them.

nice quiet pets

They don't do anything, so why not?

they r good 4 little kids! not 2 much 2 take care of them!

Boring!!!!!!

A pretty weird pet to me but I've never had one. I'm sure they have their own fascinating qualities, though.

I have to like 'em! They remind me of the Jersey Shore!

Interesting little creatures that are pretty cute and just crawl around all day. Make sure, if u have one, that u keep it hydrated.

Had one

I had some of those too! But they kept getting out of their cage and we would find them in all sorts of weird places e.g. the kitchen sink, the sock drawer, and the washing machine.

I have two of these little guys, and on certain websites and encyclopedias I've read, their lifespan as pets are 4-6 months, but mine have not only been processed through what kamylienne described as pathetic and inhumane, but are healthy and lively even after 1 and a half years due to my constant watering, regular cleanup, and food stocks. These guys are really amazing first pets, and actually have feelings, and are cuter than loud dogs probably bred in puppy mills, as unfortunate as those are. Give them sand, and lots of it, area, and lots of it, and lovs, and lots of it; take them out, and let them climb around your hands while not crushing them for extended bonding, and bonding with them truly works, for once I got them, mine were scared stiff of me due to the horrid treatments, but after a while they grew to show affection of one another and of myself. They are animals, as disgusting as ourselves, and should be treated humanely. If you are planning on getting a couple, take care of them, because they get very doggy and ill even one day with no water.

i never owned 1 but i love fishes.

that would be kinda cool, but I wouldn't know what to do with it.

again...boring...and kinda creepy

OMFG why would you pay for a fucking crab, you can get them from a whore free

these are bottom feeders so its hard to find food for them they are not sociable either. they are cool to watch though.

Not my thing, but I know some people like them, and I would guess that they're fairly low maintenance.

gimme 2 for the barbie !!

them things r cool

they really dont do much,and they hurt!!!

Kinda boring

their cute but they dont live long

they are cool...but they die way too easily

I suspect that they make great starter pets, and somewhat more active then fish. But they also have to be handled carefully, since they have pinchers.

Rather a safe pet for kids, but when they die, boy do they stink and very soon!

Boring. As I said eslewhere, they may be good as a first pet for children, but I prefer pets with a little more spunk.

As a hermit crab enthusiast myself, I would rate hermit crabs highly as creatures, I do not recommend them as pets. I'll explain: There are two basic types of hermit crab: the aquatic kind, which live completely underwater and are great little additions to saltwater aquarium setups with coral, and land (tree) hermit crabs. I've been keeping land hermit crabs for about seven years now. I am quite attached to these little guys, and have watched them enough to know that each little crab has his/her own quirks and personalities. It had taken me quite some time to put together a "crabitat" that is more suitable for their needs. They like to climb, they like to dig, and they love their occasional popcorn treat. "Hermit" is a misnomer; these crabs are highly social and at night you can hear them chirp at each other. In the wild, they live in groups of 100 or more. These guys are hypoallergenic, are not known to have zoonosis (diseases which can be transmitted from animal to human), and they are a great deal easier to keep (once you understand their needs in humidity and environment) than most other pets. However, I wish I had researched these animals more carefully than I had when I got them. As of yet, scientists have not been able to artificially duplicate conditions for land hermit crabs that would be favorable for them to reproduce. This means ALL hermit crabs purchased are actually wild-born. They are often sold at seaside stores more as novelties, with gaudy painted shells and sold with enclosures that are in no way beneficial for the animal. At five dollars per crab, very few people care about the welfare of the creature beyond the "oh, how cool" reaction. Knowledge about hermit crab care is also highly limited. Most pet stores who carry hermit crabs keep them in highly unsuitable conditions. A specific popular online trading site, when confronted with complaints from hermit crab enthusiasts (including myself) dismissed our concerns about hermit crabs being shipped in terrible conditions, as they didn't feel that hermit crabs really merited that kind of consideration. (They are wrapped up in gauze and mailed in cardboard boxes, with no water, and through harsh temperatures that they cannot withstand; though their rules state that live animals are NOT to be traded in that fashion, clearly they feel that it only applies to cute and furry animals). If this level of mistreatment occurred to a little puppy, animal cruelty charges would be filed without question. Many people are ignorant of hermit crabs, and there are enough examples here. One rater (side note: actually, it was her comment here that brought me to RIA in the first place; if you wonder why I'm here, blame her) writes how these creatures have "no feelings" and "no emotion", then proceeds to relate how she tried to stomp one to death in front of the little girl who owned it (a hypocritical and shameful act for a person who is clearly old enough to know better). And, of course, there are those who consider them ugly. Here's a nice, healthy dose of reality for you: if hermit crabs weren't nearsighted, they'd probably think that you're not exactly all that hot, either. You know how most people think that various hairless varieties of animals look naked and ugly? What do you think WE are? We're soft, squishy and have odd patches of fur. Don't think too highly of yourself. It is because I care about the welfare of these creatures that I would rather they not be considered "pets". With the extreme mistreatment of these animals and the lack of knowledge in how to best take care of them, I would highly recommend that people refrain from encouraging the unethical treatment of hermit crabs by supporting pet stores who mistreat them.

FIRST of all: Hermit crabs are WONDERFUL pets. i have five of them. They are sweet and lovable and adorable. I take EXTREMLEY GOOD care of mine, and so far, all of them who have molted, have successfully made it through. SECOND OF ALL: i need help! today, as i was checking up on my crabbies, i noticed one was gone! i noticed him climbing the side of the aquarium the other day, but i didn't think he would escape! what should i do!!!!!! im scared for my baby!!!!

FIRST of all: Hermit crabs are WONDERFUL pets. i have five of them. They are sweet and lovable and adorable. I take EXTREMLEY GOOD care of mine, and so far, all of them who have molted, have successfully made it through. SECOND OF ALL: i need help! today, as i was checking up on my crabbies, i noticed one was gone! i noticed him climbing the side of the aquarium the other day, but i didn't think he would escape! what should i do!!!!!! im scared for my baby!!!!

Hermit crabs make great pets . If ur gunna say that they are boring than don't bother cause if u have a hermit crab, luv it, and take care of it you know how great they are.Me and my brothers even talk to them, hand feed them, and make them obsticle courses outside of their cage and watch them.

Hermit carbs are cute!!! I had one a while ago

I LOVE MY HERMIT CRABS!!!!

Great...if you like pets that sit there like rocks. I prefer pets that move, but I guess everyone has different tastes.

Hey,chickbaby5 where did you learn that word from? I bet you came from that word! Hermit Crabs are social pets!!! Don't say that in the computer!!! NOW SHUT UP CHICKBABY5!!!

I want to buy a hermit crab for my 4 y.o. niece. Does anyone know where to buy them, preferably in San Francisco? email me at ambj1994@yahoo.com Thank you.

i was obsessing about the dream hermie im gonna get all through my fiends bday party. and the other person, go stick your pet cork up your ***.

they my not be the greatest but you can talk to them.they actually listen to you when you need to talk to someone or something.So go and play with a piece of cork if you don't like them.so if you like like cork then go and play with it.now go and play with it.But if you do like them then your okay.unlike the people who hate them.

Pretty easy pet really. Low maintenance and fun sometimes. As a kid we would put our crabs in he centreof a string circle a see whos would get out first. Yippee!

HERMIT CRABS ARE GOOD PETS.THOSE OF YOU WHO LIKE PLAYING WITH A CORK BETTER GO AHEAD,WHAT DOES A CORK DO ANY WAY SIT THEIR.HOW WOULD YOU LIKE SOME ONE TO STOMP ON YOU.HERMIT CRABS ARE INTERESTING THEY LIKE TO CLIMB TAKE BATHS AND MUCH MUCH MORE. THOSE OF YOU THAT SAID THEM MEAN THINGS ABOUT HERMIT CRABS YOU PROBOLY DON'T EVEN KNOW ANY THING ABOUT THEM.SO GO HAVE FUN WITH A CORK IN YOUR CAGE.

When I was a little girl I went to the beach shops everytime I went to the beach to buy a hermit crab. I didn't know much about careing for them and all the bad things other said about them happen to me. Like the smell. But now that I have the net and I'm all grown up...I have built a great tank to keep them in and they don't smell. You have to know how to care for them and they are GREAT PETS! FUN,EASY, and They are like all great pets rolled into one!

My kid lost her hermit crab in the house !!! I looked everywhere, but no luck. Does anybody have any advice on how to lure this thing back out into the open before it dies and stinks up my house?

very intresting animals

My high school biology teacher kept a few hermit crabs in the classroom, along with some other animals. I thought they were interesting to watch. I remember one day, one of them escaped and climbed onto the desk of the most popular (and meanest and snottiest) girl in school. It freaked her out so bad that she started crying like a baby and the rest of us in the class teased her about it for days. (The crab was unharmed.)

I have no interest in owning one, but if people like them, then that's cool. Everyone has different interests.

Hermit Crabs are great pets. I have 2 ecuadorian hermit crabs. They arent all that easy to care for but all the money time Ive put into them so far is well worth it. And you can too pet a hermit crab and they arent pests. People keep roaches and mice as pets and they are consider pests by many people. If you dont know anything about something then you shouldnt open your mouth and make dumb comments and try state things that are false.

Then have fun with the cork and while your at it stick it up your tush, through yur mouth, choke on it, and shut the hell up!

Hello! I think a lot of people underestimate these little creatures known as hermit crabs. Yes, they're different from dogs and cats. Yes, it seems they don't do much. But as you learn about them, you start to realize that you're wrong. They're very interesting creatures. They change shells, they dig, they talk to each other. Did you know that they chirp? After awhile, most crabs come to their person's voice. Hermit crabs are also a challenge. They're needs as pets are not totally known, and it's fun to learn and grow as new imformation develops. They cannot just grow like a cat or dog. They must molt and shed their exo-skeleton. It's a tough time when you must exhibit patience and self-control not to dig them up. When they're kept in the proper conditions, hermit crabs usually live longer than say, a gerbil or hamster. Also, you CAN pet a crab if it knows you.. but if petting was the only thing required in a pet, why would people keep fish, mice, or frogs? Some people even like to keep scorpions! I believe all living things have value if you look close enough. If you ever wanted a pet that was fun to watch, fun to play with, fun to care for, and a challenge to help grow and thrive, give it a try with a hermit crab. They really are wonderful, curious, little creatures.

I love my Hermit Crabs adn so don't my children, they can hold them and it teaches them a few lessons in caring for pets. AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WANT TO STEP ON THEM I HOPE YOU WOULD ENJOY IT IF SOMEONE BIGGER STEPPED ON YOU. For those of you who don't ahve them and think they are worthless and nasty why don't you do a little research before you start downgrading the pets and know what you are talking about

i jsut recently got 2 hermit crabs, and they are great! and yes they do communicate! if you have no experience with takeing care of one, you have no right to knock them. i love em, and i think they are the coolest pet ever! and they have feelings too! oh yeah, and those of us who prefer to play with cork, go ahead, i think it's legal. everyone has their thing, you may go out and buy a brand new civic, and i'll laugh at you, cause i prefer to buy an old car from the 60's or 70's or 80's, and beef it up, so it can eat your civic. just because you don't like it doesn't mean you hsould go around, knocking down other people's feelings.

My God, what's with all the hermit crab comments all of a sudden. Nothing against them, but I could have as much fun playing with a piece of cork.

Hermit crabs do make wonderful pets. They aren't messy, they don't need to be walked, many are very friendly and social. Yes, they require more care than most owners realize when they first get them. However, it's well worth it. They're also good if you don't have a ton of space, or live in housing where cats and dogs aren't allowed. On a more personal note, I feel inclined to comment on a few of the posters here. I was curious whether you are naturally that insensitive, or if it took practice? Anyone who would be so cruel as to try and crush a child's pet makes me wonder. I respect the fact that some of you don't "get" it. Fine, don't get a hermit crab (or several) Just please don't insult those who do.

Allllright. I have cooled off enough now to give you people the facts. 1) Hermit crabs can live over 75 years, and grow to be the size of cantaloupes. 2) Each hermit crab has their own personality. Some are gentle and easygoing, some shy and hyper. Some prefer silly spirally shells, some prefer curled "turban" shells. 3) A hermit crab grows through molting. They shed their hard exoskeleton to reveal a soft, inner one that expands and hardens. 4) There are two differant species of land hermit crabs sold in the US: The Carribean or Purple Pincher, and the Ecuadorian. Ecuadorians require special care and don't grow as large as Carribeeans. 5)Land hermit crabs are very social. They will become stressed and lonely without a few friends in their habitat. 6) Land hermit crabs have modified gills that have to be kept moist in order to breathe oxygen. 7) Hermit crabs are captured from the wild, and sent to petstores that often abuse them. Then people think they are cute and buy them without researching. These crabs soffucate from lack of