My crab changed into a smaller..

Questions about designing a terrarium.
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roxanne
Zygote
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..

Post by roxanne »

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 8| and the shell he left he could fit perfect in , just wanted to know what would motivate him to do so. thanks XD
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emmac350
Coenobita
Coenobita
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Joined: 22 Sep 2008, 08:08
Gender: Female
Hermit crabs: 6
Total gallons: 40
Total tanks: 2
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Re: My crab changed into a smaller..

Post by emmac350 »

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.
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roxanne
Zygote
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..

Post by roxanne »

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
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