HCA: Hermit Crab Association

when we got my hermit crab he was very active, we picked him out from the bunch because he moved around the most. once we got him home and into his cage he hasn't been active at all! i can sometimes get him to come out, but he always gets scared and goes back in his shell. what would be the reason for his change in activeness? can i correct it?

It will take some time. Your hermit crab has been put through a lot of stress. First taken from his home near the beach, then shipped in horrid conditions or forced into a painted shell, then placed in not so good conditions at the pet store, then placed in your home.

All of this change take a toll on the hermit crab. It's recommend to leave them be for atleast a week or two before you take them out. This will help them adjust, prevent limb loss, and even death. (When a hermit crab becomes to stressed often they will drop their limbs).

You will want to look at this article on PPS: He may be showing signs of it:
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/Po ... ndrome.doc

You can check this out for additional care information:

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=77536

how long does it typically last? we've had him about 2 months now.

What kind of crab is he? Is he the only one? How big is he? Maybe he's getting ready to molt?

Just some questions. Inquiring minds want to know! hahahaa

i do not know what type he is, he has the blue claw though. he is the only one in the tank. i honestly would have no idea if he was ready to molt or not....or how one might tell....

Get another one...you should never just have one. They need another one.

And he is probably a purple pincher.

we actually have two, but before we got this one i had another one and that one died from what looked to be fight between him and the other crab, so ive been kind of weary from putting two crabs in the same cage....

Do you have plenty of shells for them to choose from that are the right size and shape? Having a good selection of shells for them to choose from can help alleviate shell fights. Especially when a new crab comes into the tank.

we didn't have extra shells in the cage at the time when it happened because we had just gotten them that week and didn't know all the stuff we needed to buy for them. the other one didnt look like he needed a new shell thought, and still hasnt switched shells.....i just dont want the same thing to happen, it was rather traumatic....

Pm me your address and name and I'll give you some. I have so many, and I would like to share!

that would be awesome, thank you!

Got it! Will be in the mail before the weekend!

thanks so much! hermie will be very appreciative

Hermit crabs live in huge colonies in the wild, usually 100 or more strong. Therefor it is highly advisable to keep 2 or more in captivity. They are highly social animals. Keeping one alone is considered to be depriving them of needed stimuli to be fully happy and healthy. This may be the reason for the inactivity.