Hermit crabs changing shells?

Question

I know that hermit crabs change their shell so often but does it hurt them? and when you pick them up by the shell could they fall out? also how are painted shells for them?

Answer 1

no changing shells does not hurt the crab but staying in a shell that is to small does and they could fall out if they wanted to and dont use painted shells because of the chemicals in the paint might harm them

Answer 2

i don't know if it hurts them when they change

but when you pick them up they can't fall out only if you actually pull them out, don't do that it will kill them.

painted shells aren't as good as natural ones its some like chemical or something like that they just aren't good for them. i refuse to buy painted shells

it explains it all in that link down there VV

Answer 3

No, changing shells does not hurt the hermit crab. Hermit crabs change shells cause they need a bigger home or they want a new home.

No, when you pick them up they can't fall out cause they hook into the shell with their body so they don't fall out. if one falls out it is most likey dead :*(

Painted shells are for them. but they have to be painted with special paint that doesnot effect the hermti crab or hurt it with the paints chemicals. I would suggest you buy shells at your petstore and NOT paint them your self. (hermit crabs love non painted shells so if you find a shell at the beach you could put it in your cage)

Answer 4

no it doesn't hurt them, they're changing one house for another..and make sure they/it has a variety of shells to choose from...

no they don't fall out, otherwise when they walk they'd loose their shells (and they wouldn't live in them anyway)

don't paint their shells...paint can be toxic, even if it says it isn't...(cause they can't test the stuff on everything.)

Answer 5

i love hermit crabs ...well no it does not hurt them to change but if you have no shell for them to change into they can die... they will come out and not have a shell to go in so the get cold and die... and when you are holding them bye the shell they cannot fall out b/the back feet are connected to a part of the shell in the back and he only release when its time to change there shells sounds funny but true and i love how people paint there shells they paint them so that they'll get a good profit on them to sell them>>>

Answer 6

OK i used to have hermits crabs:

Ok...no changing shells does not hurt the hermit crab they move into bigger shells so that they could grow bigger and that is why they molt. So if they are under the sand or don't move for awhile don't touch them because they are molting. This is when their skin gets really soft.

Next...As long as they are not halfway hanging out the hermit crab will not fall out, also as long as they fit in the shell...if it is not to big

And there is nothing wrong with painted shells;-) just make sure you don't paint them yourself get the ones from the pet store.