If you are new to land hermit crabs — or questioning whether the information you’ve received is accurate — this is where to begin.

Land hermit crabs are often harmed by well-meaning but incorrect advice. This page is designed to help you understand the realities of hermit crab care, the ethical considerations involved, and what responsible decisions look like before moving forward.

Take your time. This is not a checklist — it is a foundation.

Why Starting Here Matters

Most hermit crab suffering is preventable.

The majority of problems seen in captivity — failed molts, aggression, shell fights, shortened lifespans — are not caused by illness or bad luck. They are caused by misinformation, incomplete guidance, and care practices that prioritize convenience over welfare.

Starting with accurate information protects animals and prevents avoidable harm.

What You’ll Learn Here

The pages linked below are designed to be read in order. Each one builds on the last.

They will help you:

  • understand what land hermit crabs actually need
  • recognize harmful myths and common mistakes
  • evaluate whether this is a pet you can care for responsibly
  • learn what ethical care means in practice

This is not “advanced” care. This is baseline knowledge.

Begin With the Basics LINK PENDING

Hermit Crab Basics

An introduction to what land hermit crabs are, how they live, and why they are so often misunderstood. This page explains foundational biology, behavior, and environmental needs.

Start here if you are completely new.

Ethical Care Overview LINK PENDING

An explanation of what ethical hermit crab care means — and what it does not. This page sets standards and clarifies why survival alone is not the same as welfare.

Read this before setting up or upgrading a habitat.

Common Myths & Mistakes LINK PENDING

A breakdown of the most common pieces of bad advice and harmful assumptions surrounding hermit crab care, and why they persist.

If something you’ve been told sounds familiar here, that’s not uncommon.

Is This Pet for You? LINK PENDING

A reality check designed to prevent impulse decisions. This page helps you assess whether you are prepared for the long-term commitment ethical care requires.

Choosing not to proceed can be the responsible choice.

If You Already Have Hermit Crabs

Many people acquire hermit crabs before learning what proper care requires.

If that is your situation, education still matters. Improving conditions, correcting mistakes, and meeting standards going forward can significantly improve welfare.

Learning is part of responsible care.

What This Page Is — and Is Not

This page is:

  • educational
  • preventative
  • standards-based
  • designed to reduce harm

This page is not:

  • a sales funnel
  • a shortcut guide
  • a replacement for detailed care resources
  • an endorsement of the pet trade

How LHCOS Fits In

Land Hermit Crab Owners Society exists to promote ethical care, correct misinformation, and advocate for better outcomes for land hermit crabs both in captivity and in the wild.

Education is the first step in that work.

Where to Go Next

If you are ready to begin, start with: Hermit Crab Basics → LINK PENDING

If you are unsure or hesitant, read: Is This Pet for You? → LINK PENDING

There is no wrong pace. There is harm in skipping the foundation.