HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So my girl Scar, one of my first hermits, rather large. just changed into a shell way to small for her. Like half of her is always sticking out. will she be okay? i mean i have over 40 shells ranging sizes, but she willingly chose a shell thats way to small for her, i put her in a circle of larger shells to see if she'll change back. Any Help Please.
Note* sorry if this doesnt belong here. But im scared for her health if she stays n the shell shes in,

If she doesnt choose a shell out of the circle within the hour ill pick her up for a picture so you guys can see what im talking about. Im going to leave her alone for now though.

Hmmm she'll probably change soon just give her some time. Can always post pics anyways

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KayedeeLove<3 wrote:Hmmm she'll probably change soon just give her some time. Can always post pics anyways

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My Cam is horrid so my bad,

I wouldn't worry too much. As long as you have plenty of proper sized shells, she will change into what she is comfortable with.


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Yes some crab are stubborn! She'll switch! If you are terribly worried of crab aggression you can iso her with her size shells until she switches! I would consider it desperate measures... If you see any kind of bullying etc.

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KayedeeLove<3 wrote:Yes some crab are stubborn! She'll switch! If you are terribly worried of crab aggression you can iso her with her size shells until she switches! I would consider it desperate measures... If you see any kind of bullying etc.

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Alright thank you for the help! Everyones Normally nice, Besides Trimega, but he is up on his perch not messing with anyone, If i notice any odd behavior towards her ill put her in my 40gal iso. Thank you again!

CodyPfettscher wrote:

KayedeeLove<3 wrote:Yes some crab are stubborn! She'll switch! If you are terribly worried of crab aggression you can iso her with her size shells until she switches! I would consider it desperate measures... If you see any kind of bullying etc.

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Alright thank you for the help! Everyones Normally nice, Besides Trimega, but he is up on his perch not messing with anyone, If i notice any odd behavior towards her ill put her in my 40gal iso. Thank you again!

You're welcome good luck

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Crabs often choose shells that are too small just before they molt. This is because when they first come up they are smaller till the exo hardens and fills out.

I wouldn't worry about the shell your crab is in. Just make sure the shells you have are clean (which is why I love shell shops) crabs will change when they want to. I personally don't handle my crabs, and don't recommend the shell circle, or see any need to ISO in your case, but that's me. I boil my shells in dechlorinated fresh water, and then dip them in dechlorinated marine salt water before putting them in my tank.


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Just an Update. She Is Still in the tiny green shell. but she seems content with it. so i guess i was freaking out for nothing. i just never seen a larger crab choose a shell that only covers their back.Thank you for all of your guy's input.

KayedeeLove<3 wrote:

CodyPfettscher wrote:

KayedeeLove<3 wrote:Yes some crab are stubborn! She'll switch! If you are terribly worried of crab aggression you can iso her with her size shells until she switches! I would consider it desperate measures... If you see any kind of bullying etc.

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Alright thank you for the help! Everyones Normally nice, Besides Trimega, but he is up on his perch not messing with anyone, If i notice any odd behavior towards her ill put her in my 40gal iso. Thank you again!

You're welcome good luck

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so right after i posted that update i checked on her again and shes naked. i gently picked her up and moved her to the isolation tank with shells her size. now im really scard. first of my crabs to ever go nude.

Gently rinse in fresh dechlorinated water and slide her abdomen in the shell of her size. She has no chance without a shell
Hope she makes it!

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Okay, there is a reason why she went nude. Something is wrong. Hopefully you reshelled her like Kayedee mentioned. Please fill out this template so we can help you figure out what is wrong.
http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 27&t=46102

Edit: provide her with raw organic honey, dechlorinated fresh water, dechlorinated marine salt water, heat and humidity need to be a minimum of 80/80. Provide protein and calcium as well in the iso tank.