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How to Handle a Live Crab and Live to Tell the Story
Handling a live crab can be a little tricky. Instead of looking at them from a distance wondering how to handle a live crab, here are a few tips for you to use the next time you are eye to eye with one of these tasty crustaceans.
Use Crabbing Gloves
If you are going to be handling a lot of crabs, it may be worthwhile to invest in a pair of crabbing gloves. They will protect your skin from being cut by a crab's claws. They are made of thick rubber. You still need to be cautious; just because they cannot cut you does not mean they cannot still grip your finger really hard. Even with crabbing gloves, you will want to pay attention to the rest of the crab handling tips.
Without Gloves
You can safely handle crabs without gloves, but you need to be careful. You want to pick them up from behind, where their claws cannot reach you. The crab will wave their claws, hoping to intimidate you so you let go. Take a firm grip with your thumb on top of the rear of their top shell with your fingers grasping underneath. Keep those fingers curled away from the front of the crab, or they will grab them in their claws. Once you get used to handling crabs, you will not have to worry about doing it right. Never let your guard down, because that is when you will make a mistake and the crab will get you.
Tongs
You can use tongs to move crabs from place to place. This works well if you have several crabs in one cooler or if you are putting them into the kettle. Make sure, you have sturdy tongs, and that you have a good strong grip on the crab so he does not escape to go scuttling under the dining room table.
What if You Get Pinched?
If you do end up getting pinched by a crab, you may have a time getting him to let go. Getting pinched is painful and can sometimes cut your skin. Sometimes you will get lucky and he will go flying if you flick your wrist quickly. The one sure way to get the crab off your finger or hand is to put him in water. He will release his hold and swim. If you have a nice cooler of water handy, he will not get away. If you do not, well, take the loss and be happy you have your finger instead.
Crabs do have bacteria living on the outside of their shells, so if the crab manages to break the skin, you want to wash it out extremely well. Use topical antibiotics if you can. If you notice the wound is looking worse, see your physician. While rare, it is not unknown for people to get blood poisoning from a wound inflicted by a crab. Crabs may be small, but they should be respected for the power they have in those claws. Take care that you come out of the encounter in one piece.
