HCA: Hermit Crab Association

One of the crabs I bought was active and very vivid colored.He has hair on his legs and all black tips but I did not notice how bad his shell was. It is so badly chipped and cracked that I can not tell what type or size the opening is. He isnt able to fully retract into the shell either and he wont switch! Should I keep trying to encourage a switch or just let it be??

I'd say leave him be. Just provide plenty good shell choices for him. Shell guide: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=92552

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Agreed. You can purchase shells at your local craft stores, or online. Try to purchase shells that are a tad bigger than he/she is currently in. Here is the shopping resource guide: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/pa ... pping.html

Give your crab a bit of time.
Most crabs will change out of damaged shells as soon as they can, but may need to feel safe first, so leave him be for a few days.

Also, you want the crab's abdomen to remain moist: make sure the humidity remains high if the shell has holes in the base or spire, as it may not hold water as well.

I notice after boiling my shells in dechlorinated FW, then dipping in SW before placing them back into the 'tat while they're still fairly warm usually makes all of the crabs check them out.