How can I help my hermit crab for over a year to change shells if he's stuck?

Question

When the first crab molted the other one took it's shell. Now the first one is stuck in a shell that is way to small and he can't seem to get out of it.

I also have about 10 other shells in the tank of all sizes, so it's not as if he doesn't have one to change to. I think he is literally just stuck in the one he's in.

Answer 1

I doubt he's stuck. My crabs will try on a shell even if its obviously too small for them. And sometimes a crab just isnt ready to change even though he may look it. They stick their butts into it, realize they don't fit, then switch back out. If the crab got into the shell, he can get out. Make sure you have larger shells for him and he'll change when he's ready.
Also, natural shells vs. those that have been painted.
The only time I have heard of a crab being stuck in his shell is when his shell was painted while he was in it, the paint dried and literally glued him inside it. Unfortunately this is the case with a lot of crab now being sold in the pet stores. Painted Shells are sometimes okay but the top coat will peel once the shell has gotten repeatedly wet. It is best to provide only non-painted shells. They tend to be more difficult to find, but usually there are a few in the pet stores. Otherwise check the local craft store, they have some really pretty shells. If natural shells just aren't available to you, but sure that all of your painted shells are clean on the inside, with no paint or glue residue and no cracks or chips.

Answer 2

You can not force a hermit crab out of his shell, if you do you will rupture the blood vessles in it's abdomen and it will die.

If you have provided the correct type and size of shells with the proper opening size then he will get out when he can.

If you provided large enough salt and fresh water pools he will be able to loosen himself out and get into another shell. Make sure the shells are clean with de-chlorinated water and keep them moist.

BUt make sure there are water pools in the tank for him so he can do it.

Answer 3

if what your asking is why he transformations into purely that shell than i'd be able of help. all shells are different. some are lengthy some are short. those different ones are they perchance different? if so than that could want to be the reson. yet one element is for particular he purely fells tender in that one shell.

Answer 4

try putting a little bit of water in to moisten him, maybe this will help? Just make sure it's not enough to drown him. Just pour a little in and pour it out right away

Answer 5

if you put a bigger shell for him in the tank he'll crawl out of it and get into the other. maybe you'll have to operate. crack the shell and pull him out.