Here’s my submission for @PonePone’s December Subspecies Competition!
As time progresses more than 12 years since the introduction of the Hasbio™ Fluffy Pony, communities across the nation have seen and felt the effects of rampant reproduction from these creatures. Likewise, this surplus of fluffies has resulted in a substantial feral population as well.
Several instances have been documented of failed experiments breaking free, resulting in new subspecies of fluffy. More so in recent years, it’s been seen that some feral populations are simply “evolving” so to speak. Creationists are seething at this, but evolutionists aren’t exactly all to happy about it either.
Micro fluffies are no exception to this development. In coastal areas, new subspecies of micro fluffies have been discovered…
Hermit Micro Fluffies
After observing the wildlife in the area, feral micro fluffies along coastal Florida began adapting to behaviors that benefited them. Wild hermit crabs skittering around would find refuge in shells and shell-like objects to offer them protection. It’s unclear whether the fluffies began to mimic them as an actual plan for protection or as a method of playtime, but the net results are positive for the hermit fluffies.
As an unsanctioned subspecies, hermit fluffies aren’t legally allowed to be sold at Fluff Marts. Third party resellers and breeders have been shown to sell them alongside accessories.
Identification
Hermit fluffies are fairly easily distinguishable from your standard micro fluffy. Their ears are slightly smaller, lower and a little more wide-set to give them a better opportunity to listen for threats as they cower in their shells. More typical identification can be summarized in the following short guide:
Behavior
Hermit fluffies’ lives begin in the same manner as most feral fluffies. During mating sessions, the female hermits will always exit their shell in order to allow for copulation (males have also been shown to exit their shell for this, but most do not). Once the deed is done, the hermits will always return to their shell. Expectant mothers will exit their shell for the final week of pregnancy both to allow for room to let her belly grow and to birth her young in as reclusive a spot as possible. For the first week after they’re born, they will remain in this spot as their mother cares for them and leaves only to get food or drink.
As the babies grow and begin to walk and talk, they’re ready to leave with their mother. Most get to ride in the shell atop their mother’s plump rump for cushioning. Foals with bad colors tend to receive the same treatment as most fluffies, feral or not. Some parents care for them the same as the rest, but more often they are rejected, killed, or are allowed to live with their family at the expense of ridicule and mistreatment.
Hermits are drawn to containers that they can wear on their back, much like a hamster is drawn toward a confusing and horrific death. Once their manes begin to sprout, hermits begin seeking a suitable shell, which they call their “home”. Hermit fluffies’ shells can be immensely important to them to the point that they will fight other fluffies for them, even within the same herd. It is also not uncommon to see “shell swapping parties” much the same way as hermit crabs do. Hermit fluffies will sometimes gather and trade shells for a better fitting one, or more commonly a “prettier” one based on their tastes.
Their cloven hooves allow them to dig more effectively in loose sand and dirt, which is convenient for birthing and picking out shells. Interestingly, they’ve learned how to imitate crabs in this manner as well. They’ll often spread their front hooves to use as a claw. This allows them to pinch and grab things, which they use often for feeding and adjusting into their shells. Sometimes they will use this as a method of defense/offense to pinch their attacker or target.
Shells
Common shells consist of beach litter, such as old cans or hollowed coconut shells once used as cocktail cups. A favorite of many are the discarded walker tennis balls, thankfully there are plenty of these due to the many retirement communities in the area. Some are even left out on purpose by some of the sympathetic elderly. Deluxe shells are more sought after, and these include mainly washed up conch shells and custom-made designer shells sold at some pet stores.
Diet
Feral hermits’ diets consist mostly of “wawa sketties” - aka seaweed that washed ashore. Like many ferals, their diet is also largely supplemented by other foraged foods, usually garbage.
Domestic hermits are often fed micro fluffy kibble and spaghetti, much like other domestic fluffies.
—End Description—
I hope you all like/vibe with this concept. I see plenty of opportunities for abuse (see example below), sadbox(think suffocation/turtle stuck on its back) and weirdbox(maybe they dance by twerking or something idk).
Maybe you could do some hugbox-ish content if you can get past the fat asses.
Enjoy! And please feel welcome to @ me if you ever use this concept! I would love to see it!
