shell-possessive?

shamp10 · Post by **shamp10** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 12:32 pm

One of my crabs, Hermie, has been in the same shell for about 3 months (one he changed into shortly after we got him.) He has molted once since he's been with us, about a month ago..

He rarely expresses interest in changing shells. I have several extras available, and I rotate them once every couple of weeks to keep it interesting...

Anyway, I put a shell he hadn't seen in a while in the tank and placed him on it. Right away, he started checking it out, and did so excitedly for a good 15-20 minutes before he made the switch.

The other crab, Winston, (just a bit smaller) was hot to trot on the shell Hermie just ditched. He wanted it bad. When Hermie noticed that Winston was checking out his old shell, he charged over and took it back. He sat on it and was aggressive to Winnie, pushing him and flipping him over. About 3 minutes later, he switched back into the old shell.

This whole scenario has happened twice, with the same "new" shell being involved.

Is this even remotely normal, or do I have a whacked-out crab?

Xyloart · Post by **Xyloart** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 4:13 pm

Completely normal.

Crabs often experience "buyer's remorse" when changing to a new shell, especially when they really liked their old one and especially when they see another crab interested in it! He may take awhile to decide whether or not he wants to use the new one or stay in the old one and until he decides he wants to keep his options open. If you can find a shell similar to his old one maybe Winston could be happy with it and Hermie could feel more relaxed?

DustAndEchoes · Post by **DustAndEchoes** » Wed Nov 17, 2010 8:04 pm

You can have the largest selection of the best hermit crab shells in existence and still have crabs insist upon staying in the same shell for ages, even as they get too big for the shell! One of my crabs stayed in the same shell for almost a year, while her tank mates enjoyed raiding the shell basket on a regular basis. I