How do hermit crabs change shells?
The shell a hermit crab carries is not his own, but discarded shells of other animals. As the crabs grow, they have to find larger shells.Changing ShellsThe hermit crab simply walks out of its old shell and into its new one during a process called molting. The crab fits the shell on its back and covers its abdomen completely.Choosing a shellHermit crabs choose a shell that has a slightly larger opening then the one they currently have. The ideal shell is one where the crab can completely fit his body inside and block the hole with his large claw.Purpose of the shellHermit crabs carry a shell on their back to protect their soft abdomens. The shell also helps maintain the proper moisture necessary for a hermit crab to survive.Measuring For A New ShellAn owner of a hermit crab should carefully hold the crab and measure the large claw. The hole in the shell should be about 1/8 inch larger than the crab’s large claw.Best type of shellShells that are clean inside, no matter what they look li
