Colorado State Fair crabs

[Jedi_Sena]

One of the carnival booths at the Colorado State Fair has a game where you toss balls into cups and win hermit crabs or bettas. The crabs were in a crowded cage and the climate in Pueblo is very dry. Two crabs at the bottom were frantically changing into one shell after another. I had never seen such hurried decision making. A lady was standing next to them pointing out the shell changes and I said "poor things" which she questioned. I answered that they're probably hungry since their pellet food is much too large for most of them to eat. She confidently assured me that I was mistaken and that they always feed them that. I hadn't realized that she was a carnie, but I could feel the compassion in her voice, so I know that she doubted what she was saying. I hope she at least gets some small-bite kibble.

What causes crabs to frantically change shells like that? the competition of so many crabs in a confined area?

[hermiesrokmysox]

probably because they were in a cage and made then feel out in the open and unsafe...you think? but i still don't really undestand it either........ poor crabbies.

[Jedi_Sena]

Well, the lady was supervising the crabs to draw interest to them and make sure that the crowd wasn't being abusive. There was a small kiddy rollercoaster nearby, so they may have been more jumpy from the vibration and movement. It was nighttime when I observed them. Mine always seem so careful in choosing their next shell and reject the shell if they are in doubt rather than try on one after the other, so what I saw was shocking.

[iluvhermies]

The very first crab I ever had changed shells several times right when I brought it home and we all sat there and watched it. They have done that before gave away crabs and goldfish at the big fair that comes here evrey year. It was before I knew all I know about them now.

[Jaci]

that's not cool at all. i don't understand how they are allowed to be treated that way. it's awful! the only animal that i saw in that situation are gold fish. even bettas are sensitive to sound and vibration, a carnival is a horrific place to keep either one of those animals.