Shell questions

This is where you discuss shells for your hermit crabs. Not for selling/swapping shells, use Classified Ads for that.
Post Reply

Topic author
Kelly4779
Posts: 15
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2018 10:48 am

Shell questions

Post by Kelly4779 » Mon Dec 10, 2018 3:56 pm

A few shell questions:
We purchased a pre set up terrarium with 3 PP. There were no extra shells, so we need to buy some.
1. If the crabs burrow most of the time and can't measure them do I just guess the size? Or how do I know?
2. Should I buy shells that are similar shapes to what they currently have?
3. Are the shells from petstores any good, or is it better to buy online somewhere?
4. Where online should I look to buy shells? They need to deliver to Canada (for a reasonable price)
Here are pictures of my 3 crabs in their current shells.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/NRRuLLjFYBz2pFxB8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/gN8VoG8vsFyz53Mu6

User avatar

Motörcrab
Posts: 2378
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 9:56 pm
Location: Coal Region in Pennsylvania
Contact:

Re: Shell questions

Post by Motörcrab » Mon Dec 10, 2018 7:36 pm

1. You can guess sizes of shells but expect to have a lot of wrong sizes shells. If you read a few topics about shells it happens a lot, sometimes two or 3 times. You are better off waiting until you can measure then pick shell approximately 1/8" to 1/4" larger.

2. You can get different types of shells. Most crabs prefer Turbos although some will pick different types. There is no telling what they will pick or even switch at all.

3. A lot of pet shops sell shells for crabs that they can't even fit in. Some only sell painted and others have a shiny coating on them. You can sometimes luck out in craft stores or at Wal Mart. You can usually find bulk bags of shells. You can usually see a few good type shells, if they are the right size.

4. There are several links to online stores in the "Navigation" section on here. Look at the "Shopping Resources". I believe some places are noted as "ships to Canada"

Hope that helps.
Coenobita Curiosities offering crabby decor
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoenobitaCuriosities

Post Reply