My crab changed into a smaller..
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- Zygote
- Posts: 57
- Joined: 24 Jul 2009, 23:08
- Gender: Female
- Hermit crabs: 7
- Total gallons: 20
- Total tanks: 2
My crab changed into a smaller..
My crab changed into a smaller shell the same day i brought him home that is far to small for him, he only just fits in it and the shell he left he could fit perfect in , just wanted to know what would motivate him to do so. thanks
- emmac350
- Coenobita
- Posts: 1949
- Joined: 22 Sep 2008, 08:08
- Gender: Female
- Hermit crabs: 6
- Total gallons: 40
- Total tanks: 2
- Contact:
Re: My crab changed into a smaller..
Crabs change shells sometimes for reasons we don't understand - this doesn't mean that his new shell is bad for him. Lots of crabs, before they molt, will change to a smaller shell because bigger ones are harder to dig in and after they molt they are smaller until they finish hardening. That could be why he changed. Or maybe he really hated his shell - maybe something was in it poking his abdomen, or maybe it was too thick/thin for his tastes. Crabs all have their own preferences about shells and while we may not be happy with it, it's not our tummies in the shell!
If you want to encourage him to change shells, you can try rinsing your shells in ocean water and don't completely dry it out inside - this can sometimes get even the most stubborn crabs to change shells.
If you want to encourage him to change shells, you can try rinsing your shells in ocean water and don't completely dry it out inside - this can sometimes get even the most stubborn crabs to change shells.
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Mommy to:
Rack, 23 Sep 08; Benny, 23 Sep 08; Slightly, 3 Jan 09; Nibs, 3 Jan 09; Curly, 3 Jan 09; Spaz, 5 Jul 09
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Mommy to:
Rack, 23 Sep 08; Benny, 23 Sep 08; Slightly, 3 Jan 09; Nibs, 3 Jan 09; Curly, 3 Jan 09; Spaz, 5 Jul 09
If you are contacted privately and enticed to join another forum, please inform a moderator. This is an unethical practice.
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- Zygote
- Posts: 57
- Joined: 24 Jul 2009, 23:08
- Gender: Female
- Hermit crabs: 7
- Total gallons: 20
- Total tanks: 2
Re: My crab changed into a smaller..
I dont mind what shell my hermies choose to live in as long as there ok and comfortable and that the shell they choose wont be detremental to their health, I had a closer look at the shell he left tonight and in the crease at the bottom there is a hair line crack thats realy small, maybe he didnt like the shell for this reason. thanks