Hermit crab

3425675765 · Oct 24, 2015

When does a hermit crab change shell's ? This is him and these are some shells I got for him aren't they good enough? My fighting conch just died would that be an option?

Waters · Oct 24, 2015

They will change when they outgrow their current shell.

3425675765 · Oct 24, 2015

Ik that but can I see when it's time? I don't want him to die because he couldn't change

melypr1985 · Oct 24, 2015

Your not going to be able to tell when it's time and help him into his new shell. He'll do it on his own when he's ready. Even if you hadn't provided shells, he would kill a snail and take that shell.

Cristy17 · Oct 24, 2015

That's right! I call it a home invasion!! You may want to get shells that are a bit larger than the ones you have. The one he is in is the kind that has a large opening compared to the other ones. Sometimes the timing is right and you can actually see them change shells! It's really cool watching the "up grade". But as melypr1985 stated, most of the time you will not see it happen.

3425675765 · Oct 24, 2015

Okay well I saw it happening at the store yesterday haha. But I'll keep an eye open for bigger shell's

Squishie89 · Oct 25, 2015

atjpatatatj said:
Okay well I saw it happening at the store yesterday haha. But I'll keep an eye open for bigger shell's

If you check in the reptile/amphibian area of your local petstore they might have some land hermit shells, you can use these, just don't get any that are painted in anyway and give them a good rinse in freshwater before adding to the tank.

melypr1985 · Oct 25, 2015

Squishie89 said:
If you check in the reptile/amphibian area of your local petstore they might have some land hermit shells, you can use these, just don't get any that are painted in anyway and give them a good rinse in freshwater before adding to the tank.

Oh! That reminded me! I've seen GLASS hermit shells. They are blown glass and it's super cool to be able to see the whole hermit inside the shell. Pretty sure they are meant just for land hermits, but I dont see any reason why a our hermits couldn't use them too. So neat.

Squishie89 · Oct 25, 2015

melypr1985 said:
Oh! That reminded me! I've seen GLASS hermit shells. They are blown glass and it's super cool to be able to see the whole hermit inside the shell. Pretty sure they are meant just for land hermits, but I dont see any reason why a our hermits couldn't use them too. So neat.

I tried and have those. My hermits had no interest whatsoever in them. Can always use them as a decoration if they don't go for them.