New Crab in Tank w/Old crab

[kittykat112358]

I have had a hermit crab for about 8 months and it used to have a friend but he didn't make it through a molting process unfortunately. Today I decided to get him a new friend since he has been all alone. It is now their active period, and the original crab has climbed up onto the coconut hiding hut and appears to be trying to escape the tank. Earlier they were both inside the hut, and seeming to be fighting over who could have it. Neither have screamed or started screeching, but the climbing behavior worried me. Is my crab stressed out? Is he unhappy with his new partner? Is it okay to let them be, and will they get used to each other.
I am going to go tomorrow to get another coconut hut. I have a bridge that they can sleep under but they both seem to have a preference for the hut.

[LadyJinglyJones]

Getting another hut is a great idea.

They need time to get used to each other - one crab will end up dominant over the other. This is normal.

Climbing is natural behavior - they are also called tree crabs & have a natural inclination to get up high... especially when the barometric pressure indicates that a storm comming on (they can sense this! )

[kittykat112358]

Update to this situation... Both crabs refuse to sleep apart, they will only sleep together under the coconut hut. As well they seem to be "cuddling", sleeping extremely close to each other, and when active very close and they like to always be touching each other, or otherwise are always doing things together. I suppose this means they like each other?

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[LadyJinglyJones]

Hermit crabs are pretty social critters. Your first crab is probably relieved to finally have some company.

[Astronna]

That sounds adorable You should post a picture!