Young hermit crab chooses biggest shell?

I m extremely new to hermit crabs, so everything this guy does is a mystery to me.
He came in with an extra small shell, but he isn t that big to begin with. For the sake of curiosity I got him, it, (no idea the gender) a few shells to see what would happen.
Some firm and heavy some big a pointy some with small holes, some big ones etc.

He tried the firm heavy one that was a few sizes bigger than his own, but eventually decided he didn t like it.
I figured the hole was too small so whatever..

Without looking elsewhere he went directly to the xtra large shell with spike on it. Lol

During investigation he could barely flip the thing, and yet within 15-20 minutes out pops him, and in the new cave he goes.
He can hardly walk in it, but refuses to get rid of his new mega mansion.
It s so big we have to place him over the food to get him to eat, then he ll drag himself away when he s done..
When we look inside he s usually so far in you can only tell he s alive when he shifts back inward.

But like I said before he absolutely refuses to move, so Ill leave him be but is this normal? Is he weird or should I be worried?

Ocimom2018-04-30T21:16:31Z

So? He's decided on the bigger shell. Let him choose what he wants. Remove the smaller shells IMO.

daniel g2018-04-24T04:37:52Z

Hermies can be finicky with shells, Been my observation they like the shells with pearlescent lining.
Wash the shells first, and examine them with a finger for rough or sharp internals.
They may choose thin or thick shells to suit their temperature preferences.
A lot of critical keeping needs can be overlooked by novice, A suggestion is plenty of reading about their care and crabitat. A good site worthy of reading through fully:
https://www.hermit-crabs.com/care.html
There are links to diets, shells, and molting, and a FAQ when things don't seem right.
A book available at many pet stores also worth it:
Hermit Crabs: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual, by Sue Fox
Properly kept, healthy, happy,and stress free, hermies can live a good 10 years if not more.
Take care of your little pets and everybody will be happy.
>>a good size gauge is if they can block the opening with their big claw, that is a decent size.After they molt and grow, they may want a bit larger shell, keep a few handy.

defend liberty2018-04-23T15:46:03Z

So long as he has a choice of different sizes, he'll choose whatever suits him best. No worries.

?2018-04-23T13:11:58Z

Size matters!

?2018-04-23T12:56:39Z

Wouldn't you?

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