Shell changing

[TheLayla420]

I am so worried about "Bubba" we started calling him,I bought him at a small pet store 12 days ago. The reason I picked him is because he was the only one in an actual sea shell,all the rest had paint and glitter. So I have put several different shaped and sized shells for him to change into,he just won't do it. And you see him out from under the substrate except at night to eat or drink,my baby one is out all the time,I pick him up and he comes right out of his shell.


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[TheLayla420]

I am so worried about "Bubba" we started calling him,I bought him at a small pet store 12 days ago. The reason I picked him is because he was the only one in an actual sea shell,all the rest had paint and glitter. So I have put several different shaped and sized shells for him to change into,he just won't do it. And you see him out from under the substrate except at night to eat or drink,my baby one is out all the time,I pick him up and he comes right out of his shell.


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this is the baby,not shy at all



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[Hermiearth]

Can you fill out the emergency template? Not changing shells isn't a big deal, I have a crab who hasn't changed his shell since I got him a year ago despite there being lots of options. And burrowing during the day is also normal- he is probably de-stressing after being in the pet shop. But please fill out the template so we can help you if any of your tank conditions are off


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[TheLayla420]

Ok ty

[TheLayla420]

You're probably right about the de-stressing,the only shells in the pet shop for him to get into were painted,and he just wanted real shells!! They do this,I'm sure,cause they can charge $13.99 for a "fancy" hermit and only $8.99 for plain shell. Then when a child whose parents help care for them,can't seem to keep them alive,they keep coming back for more crabs to kill,cause the only thing they sell are the harmful pellets,and that's what they recommend,along with gravel,tap water etc....

[Hermiearth]

Yeah, it's awful. Also the low humidity is a big killer. It causes blisters on there gills and they basically slowly suffocate


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[LadyJinglyJones]

As for the shell, hermits modify their own shells to make them lighter & more spacious. If your crab is happy with its current, probably heavily modified shell, it'll be a while before it opts to begin over with a new shell. And as mentioned, thats okay.

I'd suggest not picking up the smaller one though... it's probably stressfull for it. It can't know that your intentions are good!

[GotButterflies]

The other thing that I would like to mention is that those shells are ones that hermits don't really care for. Here is the shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552

[TheLayla420]

As for the shell, hermits modify their own shells to make them lighter & more spacious. If your crab is happy with its current, probably heavily modified shell, it'll be a while before it opts to begin over with a new shell. And as mentioned, thats okay.

I'd suggest not picking up the smaller one though... it's probably stressfull for it. It can't know that your intentions are good!

they like to be held,there is one that doesn't so I leave her alone

[TheLayla420]

The other thing that I would like to mention is that those shells are ones that hermits don't really care for. Here is the shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552

i don't need a shell guide,I use natural sea shells and them pick,he picked the moon shell


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[GotButterflies]

The other thing that I would like to mention is that those shells are ones that hermits don't really care for. Here is the shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552

i don't need a shell guide,I use natural sea shells and them pick,he picked the moon shell


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The shell guide tells you which of the natural shells they do and don't prefer. I'd hate to see you purchase shells they don't like...but, that's up to you. It's a quick read/reference


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[daws409]

The other thing that I would like to mention is that those shells are ones that hermits don't really care for. Here is the shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552

i don't need a shell guide,I use natural sea shells and them pick,he picked the moon shell

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The shell guide tells you which of the natural shells they do and don't prefer. I'd hate to see you purchase shells they don't like...but, that's up to you. It's a quick read/reference

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Definitely recommend the shell guide! Shells are expensive and even more so if you buy the wrong ones then have to buy more to get the correct ones.... Just saying better to do it right the first time and save money.

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[soilentgringa]

Just wanted to toss out that if you do not provide your crabs with the proper shells, they can and will literally tear another crab out of a more desirable shell.

PP's like turbos especially Mexican and tapestry turbos.

E's like nerites and babylon shells, as well as turbos. They modify the insides of their shells to suit the shape of their abdomen.

There is already a shortage of shells in areas where land hermit crabs live and I usually advise against removing them from beaches.

Many beaches have seacombing laws in effect.



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[soilentgringa]

The other thing that I would like to mention is that those shells are ones that hermits don't really care for. Here is the shell guide: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552

i don't need a shell guide,I use natural sea shells and them pick,he picked the moon shell


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None of the empty shells in that picture are favored by hermit crabs, with the exception of the heavy magpie the purple pincher is wearing.

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[KayedeeLove<3]

I agree with these guys. If it's not an 'O' shaped opening vs. the 'D' shaped openings the white ones have, it will cause problems. Shell fights (which will leave the losing crab naked), crabs with shells way to small, or the crab is to low in the pecking order to fight for a shell so he will just hop out of his shell. The most dangerous part of crabbing in my experience is a naked crab. Every body needs the shell guide. Even if your 'Letting him pick' he will just remain in the shell he's in. Also he may not change until he goes down for a good molt.

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