How to Change Hermit Crab Shells

Hermit crabs must change their shells as they grow or they risk being out in the open with no protection. After outgrowing one shell, a hermit crab must find a larger shell to crawl into or they will soon die. A hermit crab owner can help a hermit crab by providing the necessary shells, but most of the job is up to the crab.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Grab Some Shells

1. Choose a few shells to keep in the hermit crab's cage. There should not be so many shells that the hermit crab can't move around freely, but there should be enough to provide the crab with a few choices. Hermit crabs often like to investigate a shell before making the switch. One or more of the provided shells may be rejected for its size or shape.
2. Provide shells that are slightly larger than the ones the crab resides in now. The shell shouldn't have too large an opening or the hermit crab will not be able to close up the opening with his larger claw. An unsecured opening is not a safe environment for the crab. The shells don't have to be much larger than the current shell. If the shell is a slightly different shape, but a similar size, the inside of the shell may be more accommodating to the crab than the hermit crab's current shell.
3. Look at the shell and make sure it's appropriate for a hermit crab to live in. It should not have any holes that could allow foreign objects into the shell. Most hermit crabs also prefer for the inside of the shell to be smooth. Feel the inside of the shell and reject any shells that have rough patches or sharp points inside.
4. Leave the crab alone if he seems to be getting interested in the other shells. Being out of a shell for even a few moments leaves a hermit crab vulnerable. For this reason, he will not want anyone around him while he changes shells.