Location of shells

[Hermiesguardian]

Is it better if most of the shells are in one spot or around the crabitat? And does it matter if they are hole up? I know they'll get knocked around. But from what I've seen, it seems like a shell change is very difficult for a crab. Trying to get a hold on something round and usually smooth.

[LadyJinglyJones]

They're more likely to investigate shells turned mouth up. But they can turn shells over.

What makes shell changes so laborious isn't that they're physically difficult, rather that crabs take time to examine the shells thoroughly, inside & out. Each crab has its own criteria to fulfill before making the leap - and well they should because as soon as they abandon the old one, it may be snatched up by someone else, so there's little room for regrets. (Watched this twice in my tank today. )

Shell shops keep shells cleaner longer. Shells on the surface of the sand have to be rescued from being buried periodically.

It's up to you.

[Hermiesguardian]

They're more likely to investigate shells turned mouth up. But they can turn shells over.

What makes shell changes so laborious isn't that they're physically difficult, rather that crabs take time to examine the shells thoroughly, inside & out. Each crab has its own criteria to fulfill before making the leap - and well they should because as soon as they abandon the old one, it may be snatched up by someone else, so there's little room for regrets. (Watched this twice in my tank today. )

Shell shops keep shells cleaner longer. Shells on the surface of the sand have to be rescued from being buried periodically.

It's up to you.

Got it. I've only seen one in the shell shop and he was just on his way elsewhere.

[ROSIEonFIRE]

Yeah my crabs don't seem to be crazy about my various "she'll shops" either. I have two shell shops and I rarely see anyone in them. I do have a few shells arrayed on the ground near the front of the tank (to entice them out to where I can watch them) which I rotate from time to time.

[GotButterflies]

Look at it this way - perhaps your crabs are happy I very rarely see my crabs in the shell shops either. BUT - if there was a shell jacking or if they needed a shell - they would know where to go!

[Hermiesguardian]

I repositioned the shell shop and lined it with burlap. Also hooked one of those bird ladders to it so they have easy access. We'll see. I saw one the other day checking out a few shells that were on the ground. But just like Goldilocks, didn't find the right one. I don't know how they would find the shell shop. Can they smell the shells?

[LadyJinglyJones]

They would see them - their vision is pretty good. Our tanks aren't so huge that a crab can't figure out where things are from a cursory exploration.

[Hermiesguardian]

They would see them - their vision is pretty good. Our tanks aren't so huge that a crab can't figure out where things are from a cursory exploration.

Lol. Thanks. I wish the tanks could be so huge. It still breaks my heart that they were used to freedom and now they end up so limited in a tank.

[wodesorel]

I always find a good number of my hermits hidden among the empties in my shell shop. Even if it wasn't for ease of access, I would still do it for them since they seem to enjoy it.

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[Hermiesguardian]

I always find a good number of my hermits hidden among the empties in my shell shop. Even if it wasn't for ease of access, I would still do it for them since they seem to enjoy it.

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Wow. I hope they discover it. Most of the shells are in the shop. But I did leave a few smaller ones out for the new little guy.