Choose Shells for Your Hermit Crabs
Hermit crabs are unique in that they
must find and use a shell from another creature. A hermit crab carries this
"borrowed" shell around with them, and the shell protects their soft
abdomen and holds and regulates moisture within the shell (important for the
function of the gills for breathing).
Shell Changing
Some hermit crabs seem to change rather frequently, while others are more reluctant about changing shells. There seems to be some species differences, both in the frequency of shell changes and the shells preferred. Caribbean hermit crabs tend to change shells frequently, whereas Ecuadorian crabs tend to stick with one shell for a long time, even if is getting too small.
Some hermit crabs seem to change rather frequently, while others are more reluctant about changing shells. There seems to be some species differences, both in the frequency of shell changes and the shells preferred. Caribbean hermit crabs tend to change shells frequently, whereas Ecuadorian crabs tend to stick with one shell for a long time, even if is getting too small.
Crabs may or may not change shells
before or after a molt (where the exoskeleton -- the hard outer covering of the
body and legs/claws -- is shed and new one produced in its place).
Provide A Variety of Shells
Pet land hermit crabs need to be provided with a variety of shells so they can change their shells as needed or desired. Crabs can be quite picky about the shells they prefer, so it is necessary to provide a good variety of shells for your hermit crabs. If you don't have enough shells available, it can be stressful on crabs that want to change but can't find a shell they want. Sometimes crabs will even get into disputes over the "best" shells, so it is vital to have a good selection available. Crabs will fight to the death over treasured shells, so do not skimp on the number of shells available. The quality of shell is important too, as shells that are cracked or have holes are not suitable (don't hold moisture well) and crabs will not choose them.
Pet land hermit crabs need to be provided with a variety of shells so they can change their shells as needed or desired. Crabs can be quite picky about the shells they prefer, so it is necessary to provide a good variety of shells for your hermit crabs. If you don't have enough shells available, it can be stressful on crabs that want to change but can't find a shell they want. Sometimes crabs will even get into disputes over the "best" shells, so it is vital to have a good selection available. Crabs will fight to the death over treasured shells, so do not skimp on the number of shells available. The quality of shell is important too, as shells that are cracked or have holes are not suitable (don't hold moisture well) and crabs will not choose them.
Choosing Shells for Your Hermit Crab
There are a wide variety of types of shells available to buy, and it may take some trial and error to find the type of shell your crab prefers for changing shells. You need to provide multiple appropriately sized shells for each crab you have.
There are a wide variety of types of shells available to buy, and it may take some trial and error to find the type of shell your crab prefers for changing shells. You need to provide multiple appropriately sized shells for each crab you have.
- Size: for each size of crab, provide several shells with a similar sized opening, as well as some that are slightly larger. As well, if you think your crabs are in shells that are maybe a bit big, provide some that are slightly smaller. If you provide a good variety of sizes, chances are your crab will pick one that is the right size (if the shell is too small the crab won't be able to withdraw into the shell, and if it is too big it will be hard for the crab to hold onto and maneuver around).
- Shape of Opening (Aperture): provide shells with different shaped openings, at least until you figure out your crabs' preferences. Openings vary in shape: round, oval, D-shaped, or more of a slit shape. There seems to be distinct species preferences when it comes to shells preferred by hermit crabs. Crabbytalk.com has a good page on figuring out what type of hermit crabs you have along with the types of shells preferred by each.
- Type of Shell: it is good to provide some variety in the type of shells, but make sure you do have some shells of the same (or similar) type to the one your crab is currently using.
- Quality: shells that are cracked or have holes are not suitable. Hermit crabs need intact shells that are capable holding a bit of water to help keep the crabs' gills moist.
Painted Shells
You can often find painted shells in pet stores (some crabs are sold in painted shells, too) or crab kiosks. While these shells look cute, I recommend avoiding them as I believe natural shells are a better option. The paint can flake off, or get sticky (I've heard of at least one crab that was glued into his shell by sticky paint), or have unpleasant fumes. The coating of paint and sealer may also interfere with the shell's ability to help regulate humidity inside the shell. I also worry about the toxicity of the paint and sealer, but even if they are non-toxic I think that painted shells are unnatural and may change the feel, weight and shape of the shell enough to stress the crabs. I'd also avoid those little kits you can buy to decorate your own shells. Stick with natural shells.
You can often find painted shells in pet stores (some crabs are sold in painted shells, too) or crab kiosks. While these shells look cute, I recommend avoiding them as I believe natural shells are a better option. The paint can flake off, or get sticky (I've heard of at least one crab that was glued into his shell by sticky paint), or have unpleasant fumes. The coating of paint and sealer may also interfere with the shell's ability to help regulate humidity inside the shell. I also worry about the toxicity of the paint and sealer, but even if they are non-toxic I think that painted shells are unnatural and may change the feel, weight and shape of the shell enough to stress the crabs. I'd also avoid those little kits you can buy to decorate your own shells. Stick with natural shells.
Preparing the Shells
Before giving your hermit crabs any shells, boil the shells for 5 minutes, drain them and let them cool thoroughly. As well, I periodically boil all the empty shells from my crabs' tank to make sure they are clean and inviting.
Before giving your hermit crabs any shells, boil the shells for 5 minutes, drain them and let them cool thoroughly. As well, I periodically boil all the empty shells from my crabs' tank to make sure they are clean and inviting.
Finding Shells
This can be the tricky part. In my experience, pet stores tend to have a very limited selection. I have had some luck at craft stores (this was where I finally found a shell into which my larger Ecuadorian moved). However, online shops are a good source and some offer a tremendous selection of shells. The shells in online shops tend to be marked by size as well, which makes picking out the proper size shell much easier (I've never seen their sizes marked in shops). Here are some stores with lots of shell selection:
This can be the tricky part. In my experience, pet stores tend to have a very limited selection. I have had some luck at craft stores (this was where I finally found a shell into which my larger Ecuadorian moved). However, online shops are a good source and some offer a tremendous selection of shells. The shells in online shops tend to be marked by size as well, which makes picking out the proper size shell much easier (I've never seen their sizes marked in shops). Here are some stores with lots of shell selection:
- The Crabbage Patch - great selection of shells including some lovely carved shells.
- Naples Sea Shell Company - great Selection and great prices.
- Sea Shell City - decent selection and reasonable pricing, but avoid the painted shells (in another section of their site).
- PetDiscounters.com - good selection, including extra-large shells. Make sure you choose appropriate natural shells and avoid the large selection of painted shells, though.
Extra Resources for Deciding on the
Type of Shell to Buy
- A House for Your Hermit Crab (HermitCrabs.com) has more information on types of shells.
- Further help on identifying the species of your hermit crabs can be found at the Coenobita Species.com site.
- A House for Your Hermit Crab (HermitCrabs.com) has more information on types of shells.
- Further help on identifying the species of your hermit crabs can be found at the Coenobita Species.com site.
Reference: http://exoticpets.about.com/od/hermitcrabs/qt/hcshells.htm
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