QuestionI recently bought a new hermit crab from petco.I kept him in quarantine for a few days after I bought him. He's very active, friendly, and doesn't have mites. I placed him in with my other hermit crab last night, and I noticed an immediate change in behavior from my other hermit crab. He went from being semi active to not being active at all. He sat in one spot all last night. Whenever I would hold him he would be coming out of his shell before he was even on my hand, and today it took me a good amount of time and a lot of coaxing to come out, and instead of running all around my hand, he just sat there. Is this normal? Or should I do something?
AnswerWhen you first get a hermit crab from the store it is best to leave them alone for about a month or two to let them destress. Just go in the tank to give them food and water. Also when introducing new hermit crabs to your other hermit crabs it is best to give them a dip in some warmed dechlorinated tap water so that all the crabs smell the same.
Your other crab may be getting ready to molt. Lethargy is a sign for a possible molt. Make sure to offer proteins, honey, and calcium as the crab will need to stock up on foods.
For more information on hermit crabs feel free to visit this website.
www.hermitcrabaddiction.net/forum
