HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I just got 1 hermit and discovered after getting home the beach store was 100% wrong about their care. I went back exchanged the small cage for 3 more hermits. All 4 are now in a 20 gallon tank with coconut fiber a little over 4 in deep. Salt and fresh water (not tap) food and they had some apple last night. My question is as soon as I added the substrate today they all immediately burred themselves and I’m not sure if they are already molting or just stressed from everything. I have not gotten them extra shells yet but have ordered some. Should I be worried if the shells won’t be here until next week?

It’s not the end of the world if the shells don’t arrive right away. If the crabs are molting they might not even come back up before then, anyways.


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Ok I was kinda worried because I didn’t see the part of the forum suggesting to gradually increase humidity. I have the humidity at around 70% and just added the substrate so I was thinking it was too much change in such a short period. Only one is in a painted shell so I hope he switches soon.


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Brittbyrd wrote:Ok I was kinda worried because I didn’t see the part of the forum suggesting to gradually increase humidity. I have the humidity at around 70% and just added the substrate so I was thinking it was too much change in such a short period. Only one is in a painted shell so I hope he switches soon.


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In 5 years I have never done a gradual humidity change and have never noticed any ill effects specifically due to that.


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Thank you!


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