Do hermitcrabs itch?

Where we discuss the behavior of our hermit crabs, as in fights, pecking orders, shell swaps, etc. Please post all naked-crab posts in the Emergency forum.
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Sarasobo
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Do hermitcrabs itch?

Post by Sarasobo » Wed Aug 16, 2017 8:22 pm

This may sound like a really strange question especially the way it was written but I've observed some odd behavior from a few of my hermit crabs that looks too me like they are possibly itchy?? What I am seeing is some of my hermit crabs will sit still and move in and out of their she'll part way vigoursly almost like they are scratching an itch within their shell all other behavior from them seems to be very healthy although they do have 1 or 2 types of mites in their crabatat that I'm almost certain are harmless to them but I just want to be sure they aren't uncomfortable or suffering in any way
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soilentgringa
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Re: Do hermitcrabs itch?

Post by soilentgringa » Wed Aug 16, 2017 9:09 pm

They're usually pooping, adjusting shells, or grooming themselves when they do things like this.

I mean I guess they could be itchy but either way, this is harmless behavior.

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wodesorel
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Re: Do hermitcrabs itch?

Post by wodesorel » Thu Aug 17, 2017 12:29 am

I've always thought of that as grooming behaviour. Non shell dwelling crabs like fiddlers spend a lot of time grooming and keeping themselves clean.
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Topic author
Sarasobo
Posts: 84
Joined: Thu Oct 09, 2014 9:27 pm
Location: Michigan

Re: Do hermitcrabs itch?

Post by Sarasobo » Thu Aug 17, 2017 9:04 pm

Very interesting hah just wanted to make sure they were ok :crabbigsmile:
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