Hermit crabs need to change shells as they grow, and it is up to us owners to provide a good variety of shells for them so that there's a good chance they will be able to find a shell that they like. Many crabs like to change shells often, and have no problems moving on when they outgrow their shells. Others tenaciously cling to their favorite shells and refuse to change, even when the need to change is abundantly clear. Ecuadorian crabs are somewhat famous for this, and mine is no exception. Also, some crabs are reluctant if there is competition -- like they are afraid to try a new shell in case a tankmate takes over their old comfortable shell and it turns out they don't like the new one. My crab Ringshark seems to have taken this to a brand new level -- competition isn't an issue for her (she doesn't play well with others), she has a good range of shells, and she is much too large for her current shell, but she just will not change. I was really excited because I found a couple of big, lovely shells in a style Ringshark seems to like at my local craft store (tip: craft stores can be a good source for shells). She spent a long time checking them out, and goes back to them now and then, but no luck getting her to change. So I'm off looking for new sources of shells again.
Related reading: changing shells may or may not coincide with molting, but molting is a separate process where the crab grows a new exoskeleton (the hard covering on its actual body). Find our more about molting in the Molting FAQ.
Photo of the newly rejected hermit crab shells © Lianne McLeod
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