New crab won't change shells!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:38 am

We left him over night with a bunch of new shells, and he still hasn't changed shells!! I think everyone else has though! I'm really worried about him. Has anyone else had problems with a crab refusing to change shells? Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:43 am

Well, I don't see how not changing shells is a problem. Crabs are pretty picky about shells. It's not unusual for a crab to remain in too big a shell or too small a shell if they feel comfortable in it. Some crabs will stay in shells until they're very worn down and still refuse to change shells. ^^; It really all depends on the crab.

I don't think you've anything to worry about really.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 8:53 am

Are you sure? He can't retract at all, his shell is so small. Thanks for the reassurance!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 9:06 am

Is it really that tiny?

Okay, then try spritzing potential shells with Sea Salt water. It will make the shells a little more appealing.

Sometimes, crabs really are strange. O.o; Won't change no matter what. I've heard of similar cases.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:04 pm

I've often had crabs go in shells smaller than what they were wearing before so I think the crabs know what they are doing. Just make sure you have a lot of types shells with different sizes and you will be fine. I think it also depends on the species. When I brought home my PPs two out of the three changed their shells within an hour or two after being introduced to the crabitat. I only had an E change his shell once and he went back into his old one so I would say they are less prone to changing their shells from my experience.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:20 pm

Out of my five, only one has changed his shell. He did that on his second night home. The other four just don't seem interested. I've gotten them more shells than they could ever need and still nothing. Three of them have shells so small that they can only pull in far enough to cover their eyes! They are just terribly picky. Or maybe lazy about their "clothes"!

They are guys, after all.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jun 27, 2006 11:18 am

I am sorry to report that Reynaldo died yesterday. he had been very lethargic and began dropping legs. I put him and another sick crab into ISO and provided them with honey and both types of water nearby. Thanks to this sight, I hope I provided them with as much comfort as possible during their last days. Thanks to all!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 3:25 pm

I am so sorry to hear that.

annopia · Post by **annopia** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 3:28 pm

I'm sorry for your loss.

Caroline