I witnessed my first shell fight
I've run into many snags in trying to move & do my re-setup of the pp's 29gal tank, so they are still in the 10gal iso tank...3 in one & 4 in the other
It's bad, I know. Luckily I am GOING to complete their home tomorrow. I've never had any trouble & I think the fight was due to the current conditions
As I walked in to "say goodnite" I saw Jewel & Midge in a big pincher lock, Midge naked & Jewel holding her in the air while sizing up poor little Midge's shell. If only I could've rationalized w/Jewel..."Jewel, hon, you barely fit in the shell you're in & the shell you took Midge out of is even smaller. So do you think this is a good choice?"
Thankfully my daughter was by my side & able to help...I had her grab 2 containers & the distilled water for me. Once I had both set up I took Jewel out (as soon as I reached in, their pinchers unhooked), took Midge's shell from her, set her in one container w/2 other shells, scooped up Midge, put her in a container w/her shell & watched them. Midge jumped back into her shell in less than 3 seconds. Jewel sized up the shells I gave her & finally chose a striped turbo that's a bit big for her but a beautiful shell. I put Midge into the other tank & had to move someone from that tank over or it would've been 5-2! But who to pick
I decided to put who I think is Paco in the tank w/Jewel. He's in a really thick tapestry shell (I know that won't stop a shell fight) & i'll be checking on the situation throughout the night. Like I said, they'll be back in their usual home tomorrow but is there ANYTHING I can or should do to keep the peace for tonight? I'm maxed out on extra tanks (even a kk is currently being used!) & I can't really split up a 10gal...I guess I could just for the night, I don't know
I'm so frustrated w/all that has gotten me to this point & the night before our return to normal they go bonkers on me
Jewel doesn't know it yet but she's grounded
You did the right thing is separating them out for the night, and I'm sure Paco will be fine now that little miss Jewel found a new shell!
It's just like having human kids :roll:
but I they're just huddled together on a cholla. My guess is the switching from place to place has been stressful so they're just hanging out & slowly getting use to it. They're eating & all so I'm not too worried. They tore up a couple superworms today but I found out I'm allergic to them