Hermit Crabs    [21-02-2014] Which animal comes to mind when you think of pets? I’m betting you’re probably thinking of dogs or cats. Many kids beg their parents for a furry canine friend. But have you considered getting a smaller pet? Hermit crabs make great first-time pets, and American families are getting them more frequently. In fact, they are so popular that they can be found in almost all major pet stores now! One of the best things about hermit crabs is that they need little maintenance. This is a great selling point for parents, because you don’t have to bathe them, walk them, or entertain them like dogs or cats. Of course they need food and water, but that’s about it! Even younger kids can easily take care of these fun animals. Parents love this, since it teaches responsibility at a young age. Hermit crabs are also very inexpensive. All they need is a tank, some sand, food, water, and some shells. It is very important to have shells of various sizes, because they need bigger shells as they outgrow their current ones. This fun fact makes it possible for pet owners to decorate different shells before placing them in the tank. Can you imagine a crab walking around with a beautiful shell that you personalized? Next time you look for a pet, consider getting a hermit crab. It’s easy, inexpensive, pretty and loads of fun! Assistant Professor Soonyoung Hwang Language Arts, College of San Mateo, U.S.A. (editor@timescore.co.kr)     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)