1. Prepare your hands: Before handling your hermit crab, make sure your hands are clean and free of any chemicals or strong scents that might irritate the crab. You can also wet your hands with dechlorinated water to help keep the hermit crab’s exoskeleton from drying out while being handled.

2. Approach slowly: Move your hand slowly towards the hermit crab. Quick movements may startle the crab and cause them to retreat into their shell or pinch, which could be painful.

3. Gently scoop up the crab with one hand: Place your hand underneath the hermit crab, making sure not to place any pressure on its legs, and allow the hermit crab to crawl onto your hand.

4. Cup your second hand over the first: To ensure the hermit crab remains safe and secure, gently cup your other hand on top of the first one, so that it has a stable surface to navigate across.

5. Hold patiently: Give your hermit crab time to adjust to being held by allowing them to walk around in your hands for a few moments before moving them around too much.

6. Protect their antennae: Be mindful of their delicate antennae as they move around and try not to touch or damage them while holding the hermit crab.

7. Maintain a safe distance from objects: Keep your hands away from surfaces or objects that could potentially injure themselves while they explore in your hands.

8. Keep an eye on their shells: Make sure not to accidentally grasp or pull on the hermit crab’s shell, as this could cause stress or injury.

9. Handling multiple crabs: Hold just one individual at a time to prevent any aggressive behavior or potential injuries when two crabs come into contact with each other.

10. Limit handling time: Hermit crabs are more comfortable in their natural environment than during handling, so keep your interactions brief, ideally limited to a few minutes at a time.

11. Return them to their habitat: Gently lower your hands into the crab’s habitat and allow them to crawl back into their home on their own.