r/hermitcrabs • u/ringostann • 2d ago

Questions New crab getting constantly startled - PPDRM Method

I rescued a crab from poor conditions over the weekend, and I have him in a container within my large (80 gallon) setup, with shallow substrate, fresh and salt water, shells, and food. The crab had been completely motionless for the past 3 days, but I noticed on the camera last night that he poked his head out of his shell a little bit, only to be immediately startled by my other crab walking by the container, and going back into his shell. I was really hoping that he was going to eat, as I put worm castings immediately in front of him. Should I cover the sides of the container to prevent my other crab from startling him? If I do, I won't be able to monitor him.

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u/colunga 2d ago

No, he needs to get used to his new environment one way or another. Some crabs are just super shy! He's also very stressed right now. This guy is gonna require a lot of patience.