Are hermits picky about new shells?

[oceanluvr]

Well, I found out recently that one of them had molted (I have 3 total) so I bought about 6 new shells all different sizes. Ive seen 2 of the crabs go to every single shell, check them out, and then just leave it alone.
So my question is... are they picky about their new shells? Is 6 new ones enough or do I need to buy more?
Thanks for any advice you have

 

[kraze3]

I have a couple handfulls of different sized shells in my tank. They can be picky. They need to find a shell slightly bigger than what they have with enough room to be comfortable. SOmetimes my hermits try and new shells and then decide they like their old better. SOme switch to a new shell and go back. its best to have a bunch on various sizes for them to choose from.

 

[wab]

Hey, From what i have read they will kill for what ever shell they like if its occupied. I have 10 in my 45 and between the snail and the 10 I bought from the lfs everyone seems with all the free housing lying around. No homeless in my tank. LOL

 

[drparker]

Yes, they can take days to decide it's kind of fun to watch. You want to have some just slightly larger than the current one. Once the first one moves somebody will probably take his old shell.

 

[Ms_Jerk]

When I put new shells in my tank, one of my hermits went to a shell that was 2-3 times bigger than his old one and is still lugging it around!

 

[loosecannon]

Yes they like the ones there butts fit in to !

 

[WaterKeeper]

They also don't want to put their butt in a shell already occupied; part of the reason for the close inspection.

 

[loosecannon]

Hey! Waterkeeper are you following me ?

 

[PharmrJohn]

I gave my large hermit a choice of four or five. He tried again and again, each one. Then, while at the LFS, I was looking through their shells and found, what I thought, the perfect housing. I was right. He tried it. He liked it. He hasn't moved in months. Yes. They are picky.

 

[oceanluvr]

Wow. I guess they ARE picky little suckers!
Well, I'll probably buy some more shells I suppose.
Thanks guys