I didn't realize how small everyone is until we got our adoptees. They are really only mediums, but the newbies seem so BIG!!The adoptees didn't come from optimal conditions, so they have been pretty slow the past two weeks. The owners seemed super nice, just not "into" the maintenance of hermit crabs. One of the 3 went under within the first 24 hours and we haven't seen him since. The second sat in the same spot for just over a week, and I worried constantly that he was going to surface molt. He's moving more now, but still slow. He seems to "sleep" a lot. Where they hang out of their shell just a little, but don't move and you can't see their antennae...? The third seems the healthiest. She has been the most mobile, and EATS and poops a ridiculous amount. (I'm used to smalls!) She was in a broken shell that she didn't seem interested in changing out of. It was REALLY bothering me. I peeked in the tank today, (our adoption was 2 weeks ago Sunday) and she had changed shells!!
I took her old broken shell out, and not only was the opening chipped, but it was PAPER thin!! Holy cow. I wonder if all that eating made her strong enough to carry a sturdier shell?So here are the pics I have:
Their former conditions:
That is less than 1 inch of the chunky reptile coco substrate, and it's bone dry. Poor things.
Here is them in their new 'tat. I was taking pics through the glass so I didn't stress them too much.
The one in the babylonia (?) is the one that went under within the first 24. Super cute.
Chipped shell baby. I named her Charlotte, but then I noticed she is a he.
Should I iso them until they have their first molt? I think they might like the space in the 20L, but I hate to compromise their health, or those of my original colony. Love my little guys.
!
She would take a turbo in the right size over keeping her original shell if it was uncomfortable, right??
They're funny little creatures. I wouldn't worry, the time will come, and who knows? Maybe she just likes oddball shells. 