Did you know that with proper care, hermit crabs can live up to 20-30 years? That’s a very long time to have a pet! They might be small animals and people tend to mistake them for an “easy pet”, but the truth is they require so much maintenance. And little did you know that something might suddenly go wrong such as they suddenly start leaving their shells and refuse to return into it.
And this is a big problem, since hermit crabs are highly vulnerable to harm and injuries since they have soft abdomens. They might harm themselves or other hermit crabs may harm them. So they really need their shells, not just for shelter but also for their own protection.
In this article we will be discussing the potential causes why your hermit crabs are leaving its shell.
Finding a better shell than their first one
Do know that hermit crabs do not have their own shells as snails do. They only borrow any shells they can get their claws on as long as they fit and comfortable with it. Some hermit crabs even use old cans or even coconut shells as their shelter and for protection.
But they don’t do this on a regular basis, they will only do this if they feel that the shell they are currently using is not that comfortable for them or it’s too small or big for them.
In the wild, they have a wide variety of options for shells but in captivity, it’s a different story. So as a hermit crab owner it’s important for you to provide them a variety of shells to choose from. Especially if you’re taking care of multiple hermit crabs since that will prevent them from fighting each other for the shells they want to move in.
They are about to enter the Molting phase
When hermit crabs enter into molting phase it usually leaves its shell since it’s about to shed its exoskeleton. Here are some of the signs that your hermit crab is molting:
- Your hermit crab becomes lethargic or inactive
- It’s not as social as before and isolating from other hermit crabs
- Body and legs’ color become lighter or pale in color, usually it’s beige
- It’s become restless
If you notice one of these signs then chances are your hermit crab is about to molt or already molting. Don’t worry though and DO NOT try to get it out of its tank since it’s very sensitive during this phase and you will do more harm than good.
Your Hermit Crab is Sick or Stress
When you provide a shell for your hermit crab it’s very important for you to sterilize the shell before giving it to them as the shell might have mites or fungus that will harm your hermit crabs. They can get skin disease from any bacteria or fungus that may be present on the shell. That said before you give your hermit any new shells it’s very important for you to clean them first.
Stress
- If you just bought your hermit crabs from a pet store, chances are they are most likely stressed since they are captured in a let’s say not very humane way. Yes it’s a dark thought but do put it this way since pet shops (not generalizing) will not care how they harvest the pets they sold that includes hermit crabs. So chances are your hermit crabs are experiencing physical stress from getting caught then delivered to a pet shop. So provide them a comfortable home with enough food and water.
- As mentioned before, hermit crabs will fight another hermit crab for their shells, so if you’re taking care of multiple hermit crabs and you noticed a hermit crab not on its shell then chances are that hermit crab lost on another hermit crab and got its shell. They will fight if they sense there aren’t enough shells provided on their tank.
- The temperature and humidity of the tank don’t meet their needs and hence it makes them uncomfortable and causing them stress.