HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So, this seems like a really dumb thing to be concerned about, but one of my crabs moved shells last night or some time during the day and the shell he picked seems a bit too big for him. (I know I shouldn’t pick him up, but I picked up his shell to measure because both of the hermit crabs I just got seemed to be in shells too small) I picked it up and he wasn’t in there anymore! So, we found him in another shell. Is this too big? Should I be concerned about shell jacking with my other hermit crab? I planned on ordering them both shells tonight as we only have three more on hand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is the size of the shell he came out of.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wouldn't worry. Some crabs like pajamas that are way too small, and some like ones that are way too big. My crab Kaulder was in a shell that was just a bit too big for her before she molted. But since she's molted, it fits nicely...that is if she would have stayed in it. She's probably changed shells 6 times since then lol.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

I just wasn’t expecting it so soon! Lol. But I have more shells getting here on Wednesday so hopefully the other crab can wait until then.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's great you ordered more shells. I wouldn't doubt if he'd hop into one of those as soon as you put them in there.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

Like CrabbyLover77 previously mentioned, don't worry! It's fine!
Just make sure their previous shell is clean in case they change their mind and want to go back!

GotButterflies wrote:Like CrabbyLover77 previously mentioned, don't worry! It's fine!
Just make sure their previous shell is clean in case they change their mind and want to go back!

And boy do they change their mind...a lot haha!

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

GotButterflies wrote:Like CrabbyLover77 previously mentioned, don't worry! It's fine!
Just make sure their previous shell is clean in case they change their mind and want to go back!

The problem with that is it has some holes in it and I think that’s why he was so quick to move out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah I see. Check to see if it holds water. If it holds water it is fine.

Jadeamber22 wrote: The problem with that is it has some holes in it and I think that’s why he was so quick to move out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That could be a possibility of why he chose a shell too large, because it was better than something with holes. But you're in good shape with new shells on the way. Then he can pick pants that fit him better.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

GotButterflies wrote:Ah I see. Check to see if it holds water. If it holds water it is fine.

It does not just ran some water through it. But that is the shell I bought him in. Poor guy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ah man! Poor guy for sure! You can always crush it up and use it for calcium

He’s wandering around now though. He seems to be liking the new shell. I had to replace their water bowls and put a tunnel in instead of the big pyramid I had as a hiding place before because I was wanting to be able to keep an eye on them to make sure there was no fighting. I don’t believe he is please with the new arrangement though because he is walking around chirping.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Typically when they chirp they are in distress or if they are displeased with something.
My Es chirp for no reason though - If nothing is bothering him - he might just be like them!

GotButterflies wrote:Typically when they chirp they are in distress or if they are displeased with something.
My Es chirp for no reason though - If nothing is bothering him - he might just be like them!

Maybe! I’m hoping he will be okay. I’m just very nervous because I’ve never done this before. Lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk