This is a tricky question. It'­s true that hermit crabs are marketed toward children, especially the ones found in tourist shops and in mall kiosks. Brightly colored painted shells jump out and grab the attention of anyone who walks by, but especially children. What kid isn't attracted to a Sponge-Bob shell and the strange creature living inside it. Store employees are quick to assure a questioning parent that they require very little care, almost no supplies, and can live inside a very small kritter keeper. Soon you are walking out with a new crab
in a small plastic box and a very big problem.

The ideal age for a younger person who wants a hermit crab is 10 and older. However, every child is different
and you would do better to watch for clues that your child would be a good crabby care giver rather than base the opinion on age. I've known good crabbers as young as 8 and bad crabbers of all ages. It really depends on their personality. So what kind of kid goes well with hermit crab caregiving?

1. Kids who are interested in science and biology (not a requirement but definitely a bonus. These types of kids seem to work out best.)
2. Kids who aren't put off by a hermit crab that will disappear for weeks at a time or who may not like being handled.

3. Kids who can maintain a care regiment that includes a varied diet, cleaning and maintenance, and monitoring humidity and temperature. (Or a parent who is willing to do it themselves.)

Hermit crabs are often pushed on parents as the easier version of the hamster. Nothing could be further from the truth. It would be much more accurate to categorize a hermit crab with other exotic pets like birds and lizards. In fact, I believe that iguana care and hermit crab care are very comparable. While you may be told that hermit crabs rarely live longer than a month or two, there are many hermit crab owners who have crabs as old as 4 or 5 years. Hermit Crabs in the wild can get to be up to thirty years old, and even older. A Hermit Crab is an advanced-level pet if you are dedicated to providing the proper care. In my many years of pet care, I have found that one of the biggest myths is that there are any animals that requires almost no care, except perhaps the pet rock. This is true for goldfish, Bettas, and especially Hermit Crabs.
If your son or daughter is thinking of becoming a hermit crab caregiver, consider adoption rather than purchase. Hermit crabs are harvested from the wild. Yes, that hermit crab you saw at the pet store was on the beach in the not-to-distant past. Go to www.hermitcrabadoptioncenter.com and sign up as an adopter. Post on your local Freecycle. Contact the Humane Society and leave your name and number. There are a lot of unwanted hermit crabs out there who need a loving, knowledgeable home. All it takes on your part is a little bit of patience.

If you just can't wait to get your Hermit Crab (and a few buddies) and must purchase them. Stay away from crabs in painted shells. The stress that a crab undergoes in the process of harvesting and then forcing them into painted shells diminishes your changes for Hermit Crab success. Shop around. Find crabs in natural shells. Your hermit crabs will be happier and healthier for it.