HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi

I have had 2 hermit crabs (different types) for 6 months now and fingers crossed and with great thanks for your help they are doing very well and seem happy.

However, there's always a but , when one goes, down to molt there's, always one very lonely crab left .. All by themselves... For weeks.. Very sad.

So I've been thinking of getting a third crab (tank will accommodate another one happily). Hoping this, will increase the odds of two being 'up' at same time

The store I went to for my guys are great and they have more in.. But... How sensible is this do you think? Will I upset the status quo or am I over thinking this?

Thanks xx

What size is your tank, crabs, and how deep is your substrate? If you can fit another crab, just quickly dip him into the freshwater pool so he smells like the tank. Then just keep an eye out for signs of agression. They'll probably be just some antenna wagging.

Hi

Thanks 60x60x60..7inches substrate. We have antenna wagging already between the two I have but snuggle up together to sleep ..
Advice sounds good thanks

Oops my guys are in 5cm shells at mo (give or take).. Would try to add similar size I guess...

Wendy UK wrote:Oops my guys are in 5cm shells at mo (give or take).. Would try to add similar size I guess...

Hi
From what I’ve read around in posts by more experienced crabbers, size differences matter less in crab world and may make things less tense because they don’t compete for the same size shells.
YMMV
I have my three mediums together and just have an ungodly number of shell options for them




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That is correct- different sizes can cut back on shell fights and just general competitiveness. I put one of my smallest with one of my large crabs, and they’re like, idk, almost inseparable! Little Gene is like big Barry’s own personal helicopter parent! So sometimes different sizes work even better that way.


Dave the Wondercrab~Pat~MaggieMoo~Billy~
Pop~Corn~Ten~Sam~Tim~Gene My PP clan

I've seen my little crabs stare down a larger crab or push them away. It's so funny.

Different sizes... That's, really interesting.. Brilliant thanks... I'm learning so much from you guys...