Hermit House 501(c)(3)
Education
We help people understand the vital role hermit crabs play in healthy ecosystems.
Education
We share practical care knowledge and advocate for ethical treatment of hermit crabs worldwide.
Conservation
We work to end the sale of wild-caught crabs and protect the habitats they rely on.
Captive Breeding
We build dependable breeding programs and support new breeders through mentorship.
Our mission is simple: Keep Wild Hermit Crabs Wild.
Hermit House was granted 501(c)(3) status on October 12, 2022. We did it!
Mission focus: Education, conservation, and captive breeding work together to keep wild hermit crabs in the wild.
We are working hard to build reliable captive-breeding programs, mentor aspiring breeders, and educate the public about ethical hermit crab care.
Conservation
We protect wild populations and the lands they inhabit.
Captive Breeding
We develop reliable captive-breeding methods and mentor future breeders.
Impact snapshot
Ethical breeding with measurable progress.
5 species raised
- C. clypeatus
- C. compressus
- C. lila
- C. variabilis
- C. rugosus
501(c)(3) nonprofit
Official nonprofit status granted October 12, 2022.
Global community
Mentorship and collaboration connect keepers around the world.
Our approach has seven parts
Focused on ethical breeding, mentorship, education, and conservation.
Breeding & Research
We establish and improve captive-breeding programs for land hermit crabs.
- Reliable breeding systems
- Ethical husbandry standards
- Continuous research and care
Mentorship & Community
We mentor and support aspiring breeders around the world.
- Breeder mentorship program
- Community collaboration
- Global participation
Education & Advocacy
We educate the public on the capture and abuse of wild hermit crabs.
- Ethical pet care resources
- End the sale of wild-caught crabs
- Preserve habitats
Crab Con
We host Crab Con, our annual educational hermit crab conference.
- Workshops and expert talks
- Care and conservation training
- Community gathering
Captive-bred babies
New life, new hope
Media & outreach
Hermit House members, led by founder Mary Akers, work tirelessly to share conservation messaging through interviews, news features, and public discussions focused on ethical care.
Key themes we stand for
- Keep Wild Hermit Crabs Wild
- Conservation-first decisions
- Education before ownership
- Long-term care commitment
- Transparency about breeding challenges
Friends of Hermit House
Partner organizations and allies who support hermit crab welfare.
Crab Con
Hermit House's annual educational conference
Crab Con connects hermit crab enthusiasts worldwide. Talks, workshops, and hands-on sessions help keepers care for hermit crabs responsibly.
