QuestionI bought two hermit crabs the other day, and I watched as the one meant for a surprise for my sister changed shells several times and then picked one it liked. It has stayed curled deep into the shell ever since, and I am worried that it might be stuck. It is almost in the back and I can't see any part of it without looking really far into the shell, and only then I can only see a small pat of the claw. I think it may just be resting, as it was very active throughout the day and night, but I am also worried because the other four hermit crabs that I have had in the past had not done this. I am also worried because I don't want it to die and ruin the surprise. Thanks for the help.
AnswerDear Michele,
thank you for your question.
Many hermit crabs need to destress after you brought them home from the store. They have been harvested, shipped and kept at the wholeslaer's and pet shop in usually far less than ideal conditions and they need to recover from all that. It's also possible that the crab will molt in the near future and it's important that it is not disturbed during the molt. It's best to leave it alone as much as possible now and offer food high in calcium, chitin and protein: krill, dead insects, shrimps, brine shrimp, silkworms, mushrooms, extra cuttlebone, silversides or other fish ect.
If you are interested, you can find excellent info on crab behaviour and general care on these websites:
www.thecrabbagepatch.com
www.hermitcrabassociation.com
www.landhermitcrabs.com
www.epicurean-hermit.com
www.hermit-crabs.com
http://www.crabbytalk.com/
I hope I was of some help to you
Jennifer
