Hermit crabs are sentient animals with complex social behaviours that are often kept in poor conditions. They require correct humidity, social contact, and access to a range of shell sizes to maintain their welfare.
Hermit crab welfare is severely compromised in most pet trade contexts. Small tanks with inadequate humidity cause respiratory distress and desiccation. Lack of appropriate shells forces crabs into undersized or oversized housing, causing mobility difficulties and social conflict. Isolation prevents natural social behaviour. Most hermit crabs in the pet trade die within months of purchase due to poor conditions. Research confirms that hermit crabs have nociceptors and show avoidance responses consistent with pain experience. Providing correct conditions is straightforward once understood.