QuestionMy son got his first hermit crab in May for a b-day present, along with a habitat. We knew nothing about hermits, and I am amazed at how much there is to know! I have learned tons from this site, but there are a few things I'm not sure about. We got Henry a friend about 2 weeks ago, and when we brought it home it tried on just about every shell in the habitat, went back to it's own shell (within about 2 hours) and then basically went in the cave and really hasn't come out since. He's still alive, but I'm wondering is he still suffering from stress, or is he possibly about to molt? I'm surprised we didn't end up killing Henry with his first molt with us, I didn't know what they do, and we kept digging him back up. Anyway, the new guy is completely buried now, and I'm wondering should I at least uncover him or still just let him alone?
Also, I read that hermits need algae. Can I just feed them pellets like you give algae eating fish?
Thanks in advance for your reply!
AnswerHermit crabs can dig under to destress or just to dig. Never dig up a crab unless it's an emergency. For instance when the substrate is flooded or the crabs have mites. Other then that it's best to leave them alone. To me it sounds like he is destressing since it's been only 2 weeks.
They can have algae. Pellets aren't reccomended, there are seaweed sheets and flakes you can get for them. Here's a webstore you can check out for ideas.
www.hermitcrabaddictionstore.com
If you'd like other information on land hermit crabs feel free to check this site out.
www.hermitcrabaddiction.net/forum
