It is pretty cool to be born with your home right on your back.
But then again, sometimes it is not so cool, especially when your home goes through a growth spurt and starts to….itch.
Beings without shells often don’t realize that your shell is a living entity – it is as much alive as your skin or your nostrils or your adorable red-dotted feet.
So you have to let your large shell-less assistant know you are itchy using the only common language you share – “non-verbal communication.”

Luckily, by throwing in a dash of “cuteness” here and there, it is easy to get your large shell-less assistant’s attention whenever a new shell scratching session is in order.
(If you’ve just polished off your enormous hibiscus flower lunch and can use the time to digest, even better.)

I didn’t know you could do that. So adorable
I found out myself by accident when I noticed her trying to use the side of her enclosure to reach an itchy spot – always something new and extra-cute to learn!:)
How is Malti doing? How’s her health?
She’s hanging in there. I’m still seeking other opinions and options for helping her. We have a long road ahead. Thank you for asking about her. <3