Four Abandoned Hermit Crabs Pick Out New Shells | The Dodo

This woman found 4 hermit crabs in a box on the road — so she took them home and let them pick out new shells ❤️

We talked to Ariel, who told us that painted shells are actually toxic, and how they each have distinct personalities!

Keep up with Ariel on TikTok @arielly1219

[gorillaprutt]

It is SO cute that it's called shell shopping when they pick a new shell

[cherrybombtea]

i got two hermit crabs from a boardwalk carnival when i was maybe 7. my parents were mortified because they were quite confident i wouldn’t even win a plushie, but that very night my dad went out to a petsmart 15mins before they closed & bought them a decent sized tank & everything he thought they’d need off the top of his head. did loads more research the next day & fully kitted them out, i constantly joke that they were more spoiled than his own kids. they became more of his pets than mine, i was actually scared of them for the first year. my dad even liked to take the not so shy one out & let it explore his desk while he worked. they just passed away last year (13 amazing years with them! i also learnt to love them very quickly) & my dad kept both their final shells & now they sit on my dads desk. he never liked hermit crabs before that, it was awesome to see his thoughts on them do a complete 180. he still considers them his favourite pets he’s ever had!

[codychoigang]

we need to care so much more for 'exotic' pets and remain accountable with them! Thanks so much
Edit: I have started a semantics war downstairs. I meant exotic pets as non-dog/cat pets, since that's how they're referred to where I live (US) 🤷‍♀️ i think everyone can agree on the main point of treating all animals, small and big, with love.

[Mehp]

I wasn’t aware painted shells were toxic to them. I’ll remember that.

[dillonstiles]

when i was a kid i was given hermit crabs and no one thought to give me extra shells to give them options. they ended up killing each other over the shells and this just taught me why.


This blew up. Screw that one guy below. I was 8 years old. I am now 23 and own a bearded dragon that I take the best care of and appreciate all the heartfelt messages from y’all

[sdd]

I totally agree.pets are not disposable or gotten on a whim.

[IamHISabelle]

Growing up, if I wanted another animal other than our three small dogs, which I frequently just found outside in my neighborhood and brought home 😂 (ex: frogs and toads in Colorado and a baby tortoise and lots of lizards in California) my dad made it a rule that I had to make a presentation (like a school one) of what the animal was, what it needed and why, and how long they lived etc etc. as much information I could provide to convince my dad I would be responsible and not forget about it a week later. And I had to respect his decision despite compiling the research. (: it really helped me despise between excitement and interest vs. longing and really wanting a certain pet!

[megaddams]

Thank you for talking about the research. No one does research lately and it bothers me. Im a mantis owner and so many people were like "i found one outside how do i take care of it?!"
Put it back outside. Only keep insects if theyre hurt or born in captivity

[shlingusdingus]

I've heard that Hermit crabs are the most neglected exotic out there because they're listed as low maintenance or easy to care for. Regardless of whether an animal is "low maintenance" or not, any animal deserves absolute comfort and care, nothing less.

[adamwilliams]

I hate how this happened, but I love seeing when people are willing to care for the little guys that some could care less about.

[kenjiluv_]

I had two hermit crabs, one recently passed away(old age and sickness) but the other is still healthy and thriving. I did a TON of research before getting them to make sure they lived their best life. It warms my heart to see these cuties getting a good home ♥️

Remember: there’s no such thing as a starter pet. Every animal has its complications and needs!!

[maryworwood]

Theres a guy ive seen that takes shells to beaches and takes the trash. Some hermit crabs were using like screw on lids for toothpaste 😢 he carves words and stuff to the shells and its so cool to see them switching to new shells ❤❤

[galinareznikov]

How could anyone just put them out like trash! Thank you for being you and saving these precious little buddies

[garg]

I absolutely love seeing them have such a good and caring home 😍

Hermit crabs are definitely among the most misunderstood and subsequently mistreated pets

[PeterOrmiston]

As a crustacean ecologist and conservationist who had hermit crabs, loving the love for the lovely lovable crabbys in the world ❤❤❤❤❤

[Mavsaic]

WE LOVE A QUEEN WHO CARES FOR ANIMALS OF ALL KINDS! ALL animals deserve good lives and to be loved and cared for properly ♡

[sammykablammy]

I used to work at a pet store and the amount of people who think hermit crabs are “easy pets” or not worth a lot of effort can really be shocking. Thank you kind human for taking care of these lil guys 🥺

[ashburger]

The "easy" pets are always hardest to care for CORRECTLY

[abananab]

I have a soft spot for hermi's! My mom had some and I learned that they're more complex than they seem. ❤❤❤ Thank you for taking care of these babies!

[bikizuzu]

Watching them so excited over shell shopping is wonderful! They're honestly just like us -- think how nice it is to get new shoes when yours are worn out or too small, right? Thanks for rescuing these little buddies! I can tell life is really good for them now. 🤩