So just what is it that makes the land hermit crab a wonderful pet?
They are hypo-allergenic - If someone in your family has allergies to fur of any kind then the hermit crab is a wonderful pet because they not only are they fur-less but they are clean animals.
They are suitable for apartment, dorm living, bedroom spaces - this was one of the contributing factors in my purchase of land hermit crabs over six years ago. Their living enclosure only takes up a small space
They don't need to be taken for walks - land hermit crabs receive plenty of exercise from climbing up and down driftwood, exploring coconut cabanas or digging. A really pampered hermit crab could be seen tumbling around in an "Exersphere"1 Watching a hermit crab moving around the room inside an Exersphere or similar is more entertaining than a good night of TV watching!
They don't need to be house-trained like a dog or cat - they won't lick at your face first thing in the morning or bark or scratch to ask to be let out at night.
They are quiet animals - excepting the noise of the shell of a hermit crab tapping gently against the glass. They are odor-less unless the tank is unkempt, and they eat virtually anything!!
Hermit crabs are wonderful pets for children and adults alike - Most of the members of the Hermies eGroups Community that I founded are in fact adults. There are many children in the group but it is the parents that really enjoy crab watching of a night time, when you see a peak in activity and typical hermit crab antics of hanging upside-down, changing shells, climbing driftwood, digging, dancing against the glass and drinking from the waterdish.
This is just a brief glimpse into the wonderful world of the land hermit crab owner and why they make such a wonderful pet.
Don't be fooled, these hardy and curious critters do need a comfy environment for them to really flourish and stay healthy and hyperactive, but it's not rocket science, just plain ol' common sense!
1. Exercise ball like those ferrets, gerbils and hamsters are put inside to exercise
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