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What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 5:55 am
by Meg'sAussieCrabitat
Hello!
I'm a new user but have been using the information on the HCA for a while now.
I have 3 Aussie hermits in a 65 gallon, who are needing some bigger shells.
I have found Babylonian shells to be popular but was wondering what other's have had luck with?
They are needing some new shells that have 1-1/2 inch openings.
Would these be good?
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114089624017?ul_noapp=true
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-x-turbo-p ... 3661607705
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-x-Babylon ... 3891814814
Thanks

Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 11:15 am
by CrabbyLover77
Hi!
Here is an HCA care sheet on Aussie crabbies (it has small section about shells). Also, I think the shells you picked out are smaller than 1.5" inch openings. On a couple of the descriptions, it says the shell openings are a little over 3 cm, or appx 1 1/8" openings. Make sure you check the sizes of the openings and not just the size of the shells. Hope this helps!
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Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 11:16 am
by CrabbyLover77
Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 4:18 pm
by Meg'sAussieCrabitat
CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑Tue Feb 11, 2020 11:15 am
Hi!
Here is an HCA care sheet on Aussie crabbies (it has small section about shells). Also, I think the shells you picked out are smaller than 1.5" inch openings. On a couple of the descriptions, it says the shell openings are a little over 3 cm, or appx 1 1/8" openings. Make sure you check the sizes of the openings and not just the size of the shells. Hope this helps!
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Hello! Thanks for the reply! I did check the size of the opening. What I'm wondering is if this type of shell is what Aussies prefer?
Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 5:25 pm
by CrabbyLover77
According to the HCA care sheet, it's says the Aussie crabs will also use turbo shells, so the ones you picked out should work.

Maybe @aussieJJDude can help out and give some more suggestions of what other shells they might use.
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Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 6:24 pm
by aussieJJDude
Just saw your post.
My crabs hate turbo shells, I have a whole stack of them abd never seen one of my aussies change into one. They love oval shaped shells.
My crabs favourites:
- pheasant shells (firm favourite!)
- whale eyes (moon eyes)
- Ton shells
- land snail shells (this one here is a firm fav of my crabs!
https://simplyshells.com.au/shop/land-s ... rey-round/ - have also brought from this store, highly reccomend)
- Babylonian shells (as long as the opening isnt too narrow)
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Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 7:35 pm
by CrabbyLover77
aussieJJDude wrote:Just saw your post.
My crabs hate turbo shells, I have a whole stack of them abd never seen one of my aussies change into one. They love oval shaped shells.
My crabs favourites:
- pheasant shells (firm favourite!)
- whale eyes (moon eyes)
- Ton shells
- land snail shells (this one here is a firm fav of my crabs!
https://simplyshells.com.au/shop/land-s ... rey-round/ - have also brought from this store, highly reccomend)
- Babylonian shells (as long as the opening isnt too narrow)
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Ah see, I knew you'd know!

I'm totally clueless when it comes to Aussie crabbies lol. Thank you!
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Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 1:57 am
by Meg'sAussieCrabitat
aussieJJDude wrote: ↑Tue Feb 11, 2020 6:24 pm
Just saw your post.
My crabs hate turbo shells, I have a whole stack of them abd never seen one of my aussies change into one. They love oval shaped shells.
My crabs favourites:
- pheasant shells (firm favourite!)
- whale eyes (moon eyes)
- Ton shells
- land snail shells (this one here is a firm fav of my crabs!
https://simplyshells.com.au/shop/land-s ... rey-round/ - have also brought from this store, highly reccomend)
- Babylonian shells (as long as the opening isnt too narrow)
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Thank you! I think I'm going to get some land snail shells, Babylonians and some Japanese land snail shells (Do you think these are okay?)
Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Wed Feb 12, 2020 7:38 am
by aussieJJDude
Meg'sAussieCrabitat wrote:
Thank you! I think I'm going to get some land snail shells, Babylonians and some Japanese land snail shells (Do you think these are okay?)
They may not go after the Jap snails shells, but worth the try. Some crabbers say their crabs love them, so who knows really! Best to give them a wide variety to chose from.
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Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 3:55 am
by Meg'sAussieCrabitat
Shells arrived today, everything is great, perfect size, etc. Definitely recommend this shop

Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:15 am
by aussieJJDude
Meg'sAussieCrabitat wrote:Shells arrived today, everything is great, perfect size, etc. Definitely recommend this shop

Did you get it from the store I suggested?
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Re: What shell's do Aussie's prefer?
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 3:26 pm
by Meg'sAussieCrabitat
I ended up using the eBay seller because I wanted some of the Babylonians and jap snail shells. She even gave me different looking shells so I could tell the crabs apart when they wear them! I will definitely try out The shop you recommended next time I look for shells

I've already had a try-on of a Babylonian, and a full-on move into the Japanese snail shell, which is awesome!