HCA: Hermit Crab Association

My biggest crab Hulk, is getting on my last nerves!! He is such a gentle giant, he always lets me give him little kisses and never punches me. But he refuses to leave his shell! He just came up from a molt and I thought he would finally change from his small, painted one he came with. It's got chipped paint and everything! There are more than enough shells to choose from, shells that I boil once a week and clean. He switches sometimes but only for a short time before going back to the other shell. Him and another hermit crab even fight over this shell! I want it gone! Here are some pictures


My four hermies ~ Hulk, Biscotti, Sampson, and Double D <3

Unfortunately, you can't force him to change shells. His butt just must like this particular one. All you can do is keep offering appropriate-sized alternatives, and just try to be patient. Some crabs are just stubborn. How many different shells do you have available, and what types are there?

LOL it's the butt that counts! Meg is right. There's something on the inside that Hulk likes better than all the other shells.
I heardthat soaking the shells in SW might make them more enticing, so maybe you can try that..


Crabbers unite!!!

megmaholm wrote:Unfortunately, you can't force him to change shells. His butt just must like this particular one. All you can do is keep offering appropriate-sized alternatives, and just try to be patient. Some crabs are just stubborn. How many different shells do you have available, and what types are there?

I have about seven available for him, because he prefers smaller ones, and I also have bigger shells and same size ones of course too. He had picked a new turbo but got it stolen from him by the crab that always tries to steal that painted shell besides turbos I have D-shaped ones and stuff? I don't really know the names too well aha

YYWW wrote:LOL it's the butt that counts! Meg is right. There's something on the inside that Hulk likes better than all the other shells.
I heardthat soaking the shells in SW might make them more enticing, so maybe you can try that..


Crabbers unite!!!

thanks!! I actually will try that. I don't know what could be in that plastic that Hulk loves so much, but maybe when he molts more he'll be forced to leave it finally! ^-^


My four hermies ~ Hulk, Biscotti, Sampson, and Double D <3

Good luck!!


Crabbers unite!!!

I've posted on other shell-related threads about my PP Felix. He's been with me over 6 years, has molted many times and has changed shells exactly once! He was in a small green turbo when I got him and has been in a rather seedy-looking larger green turbo for at least three years now. In fact, he came up from a molt on Christmas, poked around in the shell shop on the 26th, decided that his faded turbo is still better than any of the snazzier offerings and is still proudly (defiantly?) wearing it . Over the years, that shell has undoubtedly been customized on the interior and makes him feel comfy and secure. So don't worry: when Hulk outgrows his paint job and no longer feels secure in it, he'll change.

Crabinski wrote:I've posted on other shell-related threads about my PP Felix. He's been with me over 6 years, has molted many times and has changed shells exactly once! He was in a small green turbo when I got him and has been in a rather seedy-looking larger green turbo for at least three years now. In fact, he came up from a molt on Christmas, poked around in the shell shop on the 26th, decided that his faded turbo is still better than any of the snazzier offerings and is still proudly (defiantly?) wearing it . Over the years, that shell has undoubtedly been customized on the interior and makes him feel comfy and secure. So don't worry: when Hulk outgrows his paint job and no longer feels secure in it, he'll change.

oh my gosh! One of my crabs constantly changes shells, while Hulk is always in the same one. Felix sounds like such a cutie ha ha!! I think it's adorable when the crabs get comfy in one shell, but not in Hulk's case because it's such a gross shell! here's to hoping he outgrows it soon!


My four hermies ~ Hulk, Biscotti, Sampson, and Double D <3