Hermies need shells to live in. They are not TRUE crabs and therefore they need a shell to protect their soft and delicate abdomen that can get easily damaged. Not all shells suit hermit crabs, obviously they need to have an opening thats large enough for them to fit into. The perfect shell for a PP crab should be just the right size so that when it withdraws its large purple claw can cover the enterance and act as a door blocking the way into the shell. Some crab however like shells that are a bit more snug and some perfer them a little more spacious, whatever the way the crab knows what shell is best for him. It is up to you however to offer a good amoutn of shells for them to change into. There should be at least three per crab. The shells you offer your crab should be that bit bigger than its current choice, this is b/c as the crab grows it will need a larger shell. In particular offer new larger shells after a moult as the crab will prob. be seeking a shell that is a little bigger than the previous one.
Not all crabs like the same shells. Different species prefer different shells. PP crabs are notorious for their love of shell swapping and even watched closely you might even be able to witness a shell swap. They will probe the shell for ages before switching them, youd be amazed at their pickyness... Now about E crabs. They too are notorious for their lack of shell swapping. Many people have trouble getting their E crabs to change shells. This is maybe b/c they are offering them the wrong type of shell. E crabs love the natural look and are fond of moon shells and others like that with a slotting enterance as opposed to a round opening.
You cannnot make a crab swap shells if It doesnt want to. If you try to remove the crab you will kill it as a crab understands that if it leaves its shell its a gonner so itll do its best to stay in it even if it means being torn in two.
SOme crabs have strange shell preferences. My crab Barney for instance will not be seen in anything other than a murex endivia shell! He wouldnt even look twice at a turbo! Funny innit???
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