HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi! I recently got a new hermit crab (I call him mifflin) a few days ago. He’s adjusted well and gets along great with my other hermit crab (dundie). However, I saw him do something odd today with his shells. I saw mifflin climb onto the larger shell and I stayed to see if he was changing shells. I saw the smaller shell looked stuck in the larger shell and was worried mifflin was not able to get out. The opening of the larger shell was big enough for the smaller shell to fit snuggly in. I waited a few minutes before attempting to lightly push the smaller shell out of the bigger one. Mifflin was holding onto the larger shell with his legs while wearing his normal shell. He held himself up and inside this shell for a bit. His normal shell was inside the larger one to the point I could not see mifflin at all. He did eventually come out wearing his normal shell. Is this normal behavior?

Very! He may have been exploring the shell or using it as a hide.

Apparently, some crabs just like a little extra shell. I have one who has moved into the snack dish. He even threw out the snack (the grape). He does try on shells from there, so maybe in his case he's using it as an extended-stay dressing room? But I have seen him in there when not shell-shopping.

wodesorel wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 13, 2021 3:13 am

Very! He may have been exploring the shell or using it as a hide.

I took it as a “I need more hiding rooms” and I gave him some more spaces to hide. It hasn’t happened since then! Thank you

Crabnado wrote: ↑

Wed May 12, 2021 2:01 pm

Apparently, some crabs just like a little extra shell. I have one who has moved into the snack dish. He even threw out the snack (the grape). He does try on shells from there, so maybe in his case he's using it as an extended-stay dressing room? But I have seen him in there when not shell-shopping.

So cute! Yes, I’ve noticed he gets indecisive of which shell to wear so he keeps 3 in his hide at all times lol

I just rescued a small crab, Kermit. His shell opening is appx 3/4". He stuffs his little face end into a shell with an 1 3/8" opening and sleeps there lol!

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