HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I was wondering if any more experienced crab owners have used these products? They seem to be the most popular items at pet stores (and by popular I mean the ONLY crab supplies for most things).

I got two packages of large shells from them, and was given another by someone else. The shells were varied in size, which was nice, but they were VERY varied. One of them looked like it was large but the actual opening was very small, and it's heavy, so its not really all that useful, and another shell was really strange. It was very light and strange feeling, almost like it wasn't a natural shell but man made, and it was lacquered! I took a piece of steel wool to it and got off the glaze but still! what on earth! There was another shell just like it in the pack I was gifted.

So of the 4 shells I bought only two are really useable. I mean I guess my crabs could wear the light ones but I don't know if they'd want to, a the openings are really large but not deep at all. All in all I don't think these shells were selected very thoroughly.

Does anyone have a suggestion for affordable shells? I know there are sites which sell them a la carte but I don't know how to measure my guys and would rather get a varied bunch

I pick up most of my shells from THCP, Deltona, and local beach shops. I've also occasionally found some at yard sales or thrift shops and some came with adoptions. Some crabbers have luck at WalMart and craft stores but I don't find any usable shells at the ones here.

Both Deltona and Naples will typically try to give you a slight range of shells if you order multiples in one type. They both have comment sections on the order that will allow you to put in that they are for hermits and if they can do that it would be appreciated.

Here are links

http://deltonaseashells.com/turbo-----t ... trochidae-

http://naplesseashellcompany.com/hermit ... ction.html

Naples also has a sizing guide

http://naplesseashellcompany.com/sizematters.html

Can you take pictures of your guys next to a ruler, and maybe we can guide you too...

Picture instructions

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=87783

Naples has a special section for hermit crab shells, almost all round openings for PPs. Their shells start at $0.55 each, depending on size. Each shell is listed with the external size range and the available opening sizes. When ordering, just click on the opening size desired. I received my Naples order of 5/8", 7/8" and 1" opening shells on Monday and they're all beautiful, especially the polished silver turbos (very lightweight), the pearl banded turbo and the pearl banded tapestry (these latter two are heavy so only my biggest guy can wear them now).

I agree...Naples is the best. Excellent quality and fast service.