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Why does he keep changing shells?

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2023 7:36 am
by Snowyleopard
I got a new hermit crab a little over a month ago from a souvenir store. My crab was in a painted shell so I supplied him with at least ten shells that are about his size, and he quickly switched into a better shell. But since then he’s switched shells at least two other times, is he just trying to figure out the perfect fit shell? Or is there something wrong? I believe that he stays in each shell for a few days, but I had just noticed him in a different shell the other day but today he is in another new one.
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Another crab I got at the same time has yet to change out of his shell, should I wait and see if he eventually changes, or could he be stuck in his shell?

Re: Why does he keep changing shells?

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2023 12:36 pm
by curlysister
It could be exactly that, he is just trying to find his favorite. The other one might simply like the one he is in.
That said, be sure you are offering 3-5 extra shells per crab. And be sure that they are the appropriate type and size for your crab. Have a look at the 'shells' care sheet for more info.

Re: Why does he keep changing shells?

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2023 12:43 pm
by Snowyleopard
Okay, Thank you. I do believe that they are purple pinchers, and I have about 30 turbo shells in various sizes, as well as other types of shells incase they wanna be different. None of them seem stressed I’ve just never had a crab change shells so much in such a short amount of time. Hopefully the other one changes shells soon enough, he’s in a painted shell and I want to get it out of there asap

Re: Why does he keep changing shells?

Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2023 1:20 pm
by Serendipity
I put in a really pretty new emerald green shell for my crabs, and both Mango and Coconut (Both my medium sized crabs) tried it on but took it off, although Coconut had to try it on and take it off like five times before finally deciding he liked it! Honestly I think the crabs are just indecisive and can't figure out if they like the new shell better or not! :D So overall I think it's okay for crabs to switch shells all the time, like you guys said earlier, it's like they are just trying to find there favorite shell. :crabbigsmile:

Re: Why does he keep changing shells?

Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2023 9:21 pm
by Prayingmatis
One of mine kept doing that too