Why Does He Not Like His Shell
Author: Preston Blackmore
During the growing period of hermit crabs, they would require a larger shell which fits their needs. As appropriate undamaged gastropod shells are supplied limited sometimes, often a vigorous competition has been observed between the crabs regarding shells. The accessibility of the empty shells at given places do depends on relative abundance of the gastropods and match for size for the hermit crabs. Similar significant issue is about the population of the organisms which prey upon the gastropods and leave shells intact.
Hermit crab shells sized
too small will not allow them grow appropriately like those hermit crabs having well fitted shells. The consequences of this dilemma will be that the hermit crab will probably be eaten, if they cannot retract entirely into the shell. Hermit crabs get annoyed if their desired shell is acquired by some other hermit crab. The natural reaction of the hermit crab will be to fight for the shell which could end up in death. To avoid these circumstances, provide several shells in your aquarium having different sizes so that your pet can choose their shell according to their requirement.
Generally, hermit crab stays in their shell majority of their time. They do tend to roam around when in search of a new shell. They would try variety of different shells which suits their requirement and then transfer themselves into them. Hermit crab shells are the protective guard in which they would stay greater part of their life. However, if hermit crab tries a new shell but doesn’t suit his taste, he would probably try another one or return to their old shell.
Individual personalities have been observed in hermit crabs. Hermit crabs have diverse personalities as there would be some looking for new hermit crab shells while other would prefer staying in their old ones until it become too small for them to live in. He would be forced to abandon his shell because of the smaller size of the shell.
Hermit crabs shells are an appropriate place for hermit crabs to hide and even for molting. Molting is a process by which hermit crabs have the ability to grow their missing part if any. Many hermit crabs don’t switch their shells that often. They are extremely peace loving creature but have tendency to fight for shell if they like one. You can make them happier by providing variety of hermit crab shells to them. Hermit crabs prefer certain type of shells. There are some shells which makes an excellent hermit crab shells. Some of the best hermit crab shells are pink murex, mountain land shells, fox shells, Aerolata shell, babylone shell and African turbo shell.
When you are selecting shells for your hermit crabs, make sure you don’t acquire those shells that have cracks or hole in them. Also, don’t provide painted shells to your hermit crabs as paint has harmful chemicals which can be proved to be destructive for your hermit crab. Painted shells don’t make good hermit crab shells and are harmful for them as well. Generally, hermit crabs prefer snail shells.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/why-does-he-not-like-his-shell-1892239.html
About the Author
Preston Blackmore is a hermit crab enthusiast. For more information on hermit crab shells, visit www.hermitcrabclub.com.