When attempting to pet
a Hatch, inexperienced handlers make the mistake of reaching out too quickly for
the creature’s head.
This triggers a
fear response in the Hatch, as its photosensitive patch of skin called the “parietal
eye” interprets this sudden light as an incoming aerial predator.
It is difficult to classify
the Hatch’s diet as the term “omnivore” does not extend to non-organic material
it is capable of ingesting.
A more appropriate
term is “totumvore”, given that it can consume and find nutritional value in
nearly every known substance.
The proper way to pet
a Hatch is to touch any of its four feet to first make it aware of its presence,
then either scratch the soft segmented underbelly or firmly pat the creature’s thick
chitinous back.
