A hermit crab that constantly changes back and forth between shells can be a bit concerning for a pet owner. Let’s look into why your crab can’t make up its mind.
So, why does my hermit crab change shells a lot? If a hermit crab cannot make up its mind when choosing a shell, it’s most likely because it cannot find a right-sized shell. Adding a few different-sized shells to its tank might help the crab make a decision.
While this is most likely the case, there may be another reason. Let’s look into each and every possibility as to why your crab doesn’t like his or her shell, and what to do about it.
It Can’t Find The Right Sized Shell
It can be mesmerizing to see a hermit crab change shells for the first time. You get so used to seeing the crab with a shell on its back. It’s surprising to see its pale, smooth tail exposed. It’s something very few crab owners get to see, so feel special.
It is picture-worthy the first time, but after several shell changes in a single afternoon, a crab owner might feel uneasy. A crab is vulnerable without its shell. So, for its own sake, it needs to stop waffling and chose a shell.
But may not be the crab’s fault. Maybe the crab needs a few more choices before settling on a new shell. It’s like choosing a home, so who can blame your crab for being indecisive?
Also, this is a crab we’re talking about. They aren’t the brightest. Some speculate that the crab doesn’t realize it’s changing between the same two shells. Your crab thinks it’s looking at a new one with each change. You would think after changing shells every other hour that it would see a pattern.
But who can blame him? When buying a house, people don’t choose the first house they see. People take weeks, sometimes months to make a decision when buying a new home.
My recommendation: buy a few more shells. It’s very possible that your crab needs a bigger, or smaller, sized shell to feel safe. I would buy 2 or 3 shells slightly larger than its current shell. This way your crab will have plenty of choices. There’s no such thing as too many shells when it comes to hermit crabs.
I recommend doing your research before buying new shells. Obviously you’ve bought some before, but there are a few rules of thumb in buying new shells.
I always buy shells with an opening size 1/8″ larger than your hermit crab’s big claw. Buying 2-3 of these, plus some larger and smaller shells will surely fix your crab’s indecisiveness.
Try giving your hermit crab a bit of variety! When you present your crab with a few properly sized shells, throw a healthy mix of oval-shaped and circular-shaped openings in as well. Your crab may find that he or she likes one more than the other.
You might already know this, but avoid painted shells! Chipping paint on the inside of a shell has been known to poison hermit crabs. A shell without paint will keep your crab safer and, in my opinion, looks much better.
After buying the shells, brush off any noticeable dirt with and an old toothbrush, then boil them while fully submerged in water for 15-20 minutes. This will kill any bacteria or germs growing in the shells, keeping your hermit crabs free of pests.
Remember, hermit crabs change shells on their own terms! You should never try to force a crab to switch or change into a new shell. Just give it time and plenty of options and your crab will find a new home.
Other Reasons
Nine times out of ten, it’s because a crab can’t find a comfortable shell. But that one time, the crab’s environment is to blame.
Make sure you’re meeting the crab’s needs. It needs a healthy diet, plenty of space to roam and climb, and a humid environment at the right temperature.
Your crab might also be a bit stressed. Until it chooses its shell, move the tank to a quieter spot if possible. Avoid messing with the crab and let it figure it out himself. If it hasn’t done so in a week or two, I recommend purchasing a few more shells.
Unless there is something noticeably wrong with your crabitat, you should have nothing to worry about. Just provide the crab with a few more options when it comes to choosing shells.
Is this really a problem?
Sometimes an owner has plenty of shells and their crab still can’t make up their mind. If their environment is flawless and they have plenty of shells in their closet, is it really a problem for their crabs to change shells a lot?
Well no, it’s really not! Your crab should be safe of any predators found in the wild.
Also, plenty of hermit crab owners can back me up when I say, changing back and forth between shells is just apart of a hermit crab’s life.
If it happens often enough to raise eyebrows, that usually means you don’t have enough shells. If you have plenty to choose from, the crab is just enjoying itself. Don’t worry about your little friend and continue taking care of him.
Related Questions
How do I get my hermit crab to change shells?
To get a hermit crab to change shells, prove him or her with plenty of options at various sizes. It will then decide to move to a larger/smaller shell on its own time. You should never force a hermit crab to change shells.
How often does a hermit crab change shells?
A hermit crab usually changes shells every time it decides to molt. This happens about every 6 months, so be sure to have plenty of shells handy.
Hermit crabs sometimes move to a smaller shell before molting because they shrink during the molting process. They move up to a larger shell once the process is complete.
It’s always a good idea to have 2-3 shells of each size handy.
How long does it take for a hermit crab to change shells?
A hermit crab takes about a week to change shells and get used to its new mobile home.
If your crab keeps going back and forth between shells, you might need to present a few more shell options. The crab may not realize it’s switching back and forth between the same two shells.
How do I care for my hermit crab after he changed shells?
Your crab just went through a pretty uncomfortable transition and should have plenty of time to rest. You may have to hold back if you’re a hermit crab owner who likes to hold and play with your pet.
Give your crab about a week. Once he made a final decision and seems active, then you can go back to caring for him as usual.