Hermit Crab out of its shell

One of my hermit crabs is out of its shell, but it looks more like a moving appendage than a hermit crab. I've only had it a few weeks, and the lfs said it likely wouldn't need another shell for awhile. Does anybody know what's happening with Hermie?

 

John,

If you think it is looking for a bigger shell, I know you can purchase some. When I got mine I got a selection of larger shells in case he decided to move.

If you are concerned that he is at risk out in the open, I can't help you there.

 

You will know know he needs a bigger shell. He will start to look too big for his shell. I would buy some shells and stick them in there for him. Shells are cheap and won't hurt anything by being in there. Even if the crab doesn't want to use them copepods will probably use them for breeding.

 

I agree, he is probably looking for a bigger shell. good to have a few extras in there for them. i had a hermit that would switch shells almost on a daily basis, put a few extras in there and he finally found one he likes. Also on a side note, if he cant find a empty shell he likes. he may kill a snail and steal theirs, i have had this happen before aswell.