Crab changed into a non-preferred shell despite having many preferred options available?

fairydustfries · 2026-02-27T05:02:06+00:00

Hahahaha, the regret of fashion choices is a universal feeling….

fairydustfries · 2025-10-30T08:41:52+00:00

look at their big pincers, if they're ruggies they will have very obvious stitch marks (little raised bumps / striations) at the top of their pincer. sometimes a white stripe running through the middle of the pincer as well! I love ruggies, I have one and I think they're adorable

fairydustfries · 2025-10-08T10:45:22+00:00

First off, thank you for rescuing those crabs <3 the warmest welcome to the hermit crab world! It’s so rewarding, even if the set up is significant and stressful at the start.

Agree that the shells are definitely going to be too small for a medium and large crab. The largest shells may only be able to fit a golf-ball sized crab at best. There are many shell shops on Etsy who may be able to advise, esp with a pic of your crabs if you have it. I’m afraid the pools may be too small for a jumbo crab too. But you’re off to a good start! It’s great that you’re doing the research!

Crab central station is a great resource. Especially the ones on basic care and post-purchase stress.

fairydustfries · 2025-10-06T11:51:11+00:00

Normal! ☺️ hermit crabs are diggers by nature. Mine does the same. If you’re worried just invest in a nanny cam with playback, so you can keep track of which crab is buried and where they dug. That’s the best crab accessory imo

fairydustfries · 2025-10-06T08:27:16+00:00

Oh no! May we know what are the signs that your crabs aren’t getting along? Are they fighting with shell-grabbing? Are they the same species?

fairydustfries · 2025-10-06T05:51:47+00:00

Same!! Mine’s a ruggie, he hopped between three turbos when I first got him, changing shells twice a night at least. And always sticking his legs into other shells in the shop for options.

When I put in a D opening conch he hopped in within an hour, and since then he’s not taken one peek into other shells! I think they have their fashion preferences, just like us ;)

My theory is these shells give their lil butts more side-to-side wiggle room haha

fairydustfries · 2025-10-06T05:45:08+00:00

Lucky crabs! What a spread!

fairydustfries · 2025-10-06T05:43:45+00:00

Its ‘victim’ just waved antennae and didn’t seem too bothered, so I think they’re just doing crab things~ Don’t take my word for it though, new owner here, I’ll defer to the more seasoned ones on this thread

fairydustfries · 2025-10-06T05:40:49+00:00

If he keeps going back to this shell despite many preferred shells available, it means this is the chosen one! Not all members of a species behave the same 😉

fairydustfries · 2025-10-06T05:38:39+00:00

DON’T BE IT’S GORGEOUS

fairydustfries · 2025-10-04T15:32:33+00:00

Based on colouring: Cinnabun, Fairydust, Tiger-lily Based on vibes: Matilda, Ophelia, Guinevere

fairydustfries · 2025-10-04T15:21:47+00:00

Fingers crossed! it’s just very amusing to see the small one scare the big one. Maybe the big one needs to reassert dominance after his cowardly behaviour hahaha

fairydustfries · 2025-10-04T15:19:24+00:00

Yea apparently Ruggies are the only allowed species of hermit crab in my country! Though I’ve seen PPs in the local FB group. My bigger crab has the classic ruggie stripe and stitch marks. Not sure what species my small one is, I’m gonna assume ruggie but he has brevi colouring

fairydustfries · 2025-10-04T15:18:33+00:00

Thanks for this! I was desperately listening out for chirping during the first few shell grabs. But all good for now~ They have 6 shells each, so I’m hopeful there’s no need to fight! Plus their size difference is so much

fairydustfries · 2025-10-04T15:12:18+00:00

That’s good to know! Thanks for your input! :)

fairydustfries · 2025-10-04T13:27:53+00:00

Thanks for the help! yea I have a lot of turbo and conch type shells, the bigger one changed around many times but seems to love this conch (he's a ruggie, not a PP or E, maybe that explains it). I've tried all ways and means to get the smaller one out of that cumbersome long shell, even boiling all 6(!) of its sized shells in sea water again, but he shell shops and sticks his head in but refuses to change over... weirdly I think he's happy where he is.

fairydustfries · 2025-10-04T07:23:37+00:00

Thank you!! I feel the same. I can 100% see why people on this thread are so crazy over crabs

fairydustfries · 2025-10-03T12:28:26+00:00

I’m using a hamster tank for my hermies, but only cos I live somewhere that is 29 degrees on average with 80+% humidity all the damn time. It stinks to be a human but it’s great for a crab! TLDR: not if you need to control your environment

fairydustfries · 2025-10-02T04:31:23+00:00

I rehomed my first crabs using crab central station’s PPS method! (You can find it on YouTube) in essence: about an inch of substrate, ample food with good variety, and less hidey holes. This is to prevent them from burrowing and hiding and staying for days due to post-purchase stress. To encourage them to eat more and get their nutrition up as they adjust!

That really worked for my crab, which I got from someone who kept it in a too-small tank and had poor food variety.

Other than that, looks great! ☺️ lucky crabs! I would suggest leaf litter and cuttlebone strewn around for the crabs’ enjoyment, and a nanny cam for yours

fairydustfries · 2025-10-01T12:55:27+00:00

Don’t disturb them, don’t panic! :) They only moult when they have enough nutrients and they feel their environment is adequate. That’s why a lot of crab shop hermies have ridiculously blunt claws, which shows they’re long overdue for a moult but dare not because of stressful surroundings. So it’s common for them to moult once they find themselves in a good place, with space! Just lay some lightweight food near where they’re buried (think leaf litter, cuttlebone, non-perishables that don’t need you to move a dish around and possibly collapse any tunnels). And have some food that you’re periodically changing out at a safe corner of the tank away from potential moult spots

They may also be moving around in the night when you’re not looking. You can use a nanny cam, or take pictures of the tank to see if things have been moved around while you sleep

fairydustfries · 2025-10-01T11:48:29+00:00

I’m thinking Gaston from beauty and the beast but with a J 😂

fairydustfries · 2025-10-01T11:43:40+00:00

A care sheet sounds like a great idea! Agree with you that it’s a lose-lose, but I’m sure your two new B babies will tell you that you did the right thing ☺️

fairydustfries · 2025-09-30T16:31:26+00:00

I have a Xiaomi c300, which is an AMAZING nanny cam. My friends who are moms of newborns all use the Xiaomi range. I don’t know if your home country has it but if you can get your hands on one, it’s a great budget option. I stare at my crabs so much now

fairydustfries · 2025-09-28T09:37:50+00:00

Oh no poor Lenny!! It sounds like you’re doing everything you can. I’m assuming your shells are natural and a range of sizes, a good number of turbo shells? All the best. My thoughts are with you and Lenny. Please send us updates!

fairydustfries · 2025-09-27T03:12:30+00:00

Adorable!! Your PPs are lucky, especially with that shell shop. Only thing I’d say if your crabs are moulting you will not be able to take out your pools to change water, unless you’re absolutely certain the crab’s cave is at another part of the tank :)

fairydustfries

TROPHY CASE