Hermit crabs aren't aggressive, but they may pinch to hold on if they think they are going to fall. Therefore, you should hold your hand flat and level with your fingers together if you want to place them on your hand. Let them come out of their shell enough to see before putting them on your hand.

When holding them by the shell off your hand, don't hold them that way for very long. Since the crabs aren't attached to the shells, they must strain their bodies to keep from falling when held aloft; the only thing holding them inside their shell is the curved ends of their tail. Their natural instinct is to grab onto whatever they can with their pincher claw--namely your hand. If you are pinched, don't try pulling them off; they'll only tighten up more. Run lukewarm water over your hand, and slightly increase the water temperature until they release.

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