Should I get a couple of new friends for my hermit crab?

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GreySun369
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24 Oct 2011, 8:54 pm

This is something I've been wondering about. You see I originally purchased two hermit crab pets from a gift shop in Florida a few months ago and had them set up in an old aquarium we had originally purchased for fish. I got everything they needed such as fresh beach sand, spring water, and extra shells for when they grow too big for their current shells. The sad thing is I got the two crabs because I read in a book that crabs live better when they're in groups and I thought my two crabs would be very happy together, then one day I woke up and was devestated when I found that one of the crabs killed the other and stole his shell. :(

I've been taking care of my single hermit crab all this time and he seems to be doing well, but I keep wondering if I should try to find him some more crab buddies one day? The guide book says crabs do better when they're in a group but I'm really afraid of the possability that they might try to kill each other again. For all you hermit crab experts out there, do you think it's OK for my little hermit crab to live by himself without any other crabs? It won't effect his health or anything will it? I know some animals will get depressed if they live alone and have no other animals to keep them company.



ValentineWiggin
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25 Oct 2011, 12:42 am

If I'm not mistaken, they're generally considered social animals, so a group would be preferable to a pair.
As for shell worries, have a wide variety available to them (natural shells, not the toxic, painted ones) and get hermies of different sizes so they are not in direct competition for shells.


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GreySun369
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25 Oct 2011, 8:34 am

Wow, I didn't know that the painted shells were toxic. :O The two I purchased already came with painted shells and the extra shells I purchased were painted. I guess I'll have to try and find some normal shells.



Taupey
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25 Oct 2011, 11:18 am

I'm not an expert but I do think it would be cool. Hermit crabs are fascinating to watch, do you have any photos of your little guy/gal you can posted?


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GreySun369
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25 Oct 2011, 11:20 am

Taupey wrote:
I'm not an expert but I do think it would be cool. Hermit crabs are fascinating to watch, do you have any photos of your little guy/gal you can posted?


I could try to take a picture of him when he's moving around his aqarium. :)



Taupey
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25 Oct 2011, 11:22 am

GreySun369 wrote:
Taupey wrote:
I'm not an expert but I do think it would be cool. Hermit crabs are fascinating to watch, do you have any photos of your little guy/gal you can posted?


I could try to take a picture of him when he's moving around his aqarium. :)
That would be cool. :)


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Your Aspie score: 167 of 200
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