How to Choose Hermit Crab Shells: The Best Sizes and Shapes
If you are a hermit crab owner, you know how important it is to provide your pets with a variety of shells to choose from. Hermit crabs are constantly growing and changing their shells as they need or desire. But how do you know what shells are suitable for your hermit crabs? What are the best sizes and shapes for them? And where can you find them?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will show you how to measure, choose, and buy the correct shells for your hermit crabs, and discover more about how these crabs change their shells.
Why Do Hermit Crabs Need Shells?
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).
Hermit crabs need shells to protect themselves from predators, extreme weather, and wear and tear. They also need shells to hold moisture around their bodies, lest they dehydrate. Without a proper shell, a hermit crab will not survive for long.
How Do Hermit Crabs Change Their Shells?
Hermit crabs change their shells when they outgrow their current one, or when they find a more comfortable or attractive one. They can be quite picky about the shells they prefer, so it is necessary to provide them with a good variety of shells to choose from.
When a hermit crab decides to change its shell, it will first inspect the new shell carefully, touching it with its antennae and claws. Then, it will quickly pull itself out of its old shell and slide into the new one. Sometimes, it will try on several shells before settling on one.
Hermit crabs can also modify their shells by adding decorations, such as seaweed, coral, or sponge. They do this to camouflage themselves from predators, or to express their individuality.
How to Measure Hermit Crab Shells
Shell size is one of the most important considerations for choosing hermit crab shells. While most seashells sold for decoration are described by their total width (for example, 3 inches from end to end), the only measurement that matters for your crabs is the diameter of the opening.
To measure the diameter of the opening, you need a ruler and a caliper (or a pair of scissors). Place the ruler across the widest point of the opening and read the measurement in inches or centimeters. Then, use the caliper (or scissors) to measure the depth of the opening by inserting it into the shell until it touches the back wall.
The diameter and depth of the opening should match or slightly exceed the size of your hermit crab’s big claw (the one they use to seal themselves inside the shell). If the opening is too small, the hermit crab won’t be able to fit inside. If it is too big, the hermit crab won’t be able to hold onto it securely.
Here is a general guide for shell sizes based on hermit crab sizes:
– Small hermit crabs usually inhabit shells with 3/8″ to 1/2″ openings.
– Medium hermit crabs have shell openings ranging from 1/2″ to 1″.
– Large hermit crabs have shell openings ranging from 1″ to 1 3/8″.
– Jumbo hermit crabs live in shells with up to 3″ openings or larger.
How to Choose Hermit Crab Shells
Besides size, there are other factors that affect how suitable a shell is for your hermit crab. These include:
– The shape of the opening: Some hermit crabs prefer round openings, while others like oval, D-shaped, or slit-shaped ones. You can try to match the shape of your crab’s current shell, or provide some variety until you figure out their preference.
– The type of shell: There are many different types of shells available for hermit crabs, but some are more popular than others. For example, turbo snail shells are thick and sturdy, with round openings and spiral patterns. Murex snail shells are larger and spiky, with oval or D-shaped openings. Babylonia snail shells are solid and smooth, with beautiful colors and patterns. Nerita snail shells are good for very small hermit crabs, with round or slit-shaped openings.
– The condition of the shell: The shell should be free of cracks, holes, chips, or sharp edges that could harm your hermit crab or make it uncomfortable. It should also be clean and odorless, without any traces of paint or chemicals that could be toxic.
How to Buy Hermit Crab Shells
There are several places where you can buy hermit crab shells for your pets. Some of them are:
– Pet stores: You can find a variety of shells at pet stores that sell hermit crabs or other exotic animals. However, the selection may be limited or expensive, and the quality may not be the best. You should always inspect the shells carefully before buying them, and avoid painted shells or shells that are too small or too big for your crabs.
– Craft stores: You can also find shells at craft stores that sell seashells for decoration or jewelry making. However, these shells may not be suitable for hermit crabs, as they may be dyed, polished, or treated with chemicals. You should only buy natural shells that are not altered in any way, and wash them thoroughly before giving them to your crabs.
– Online retailers: You can find a wide range of shells online from various sellers, such as Amazon.com : 15PCS Hermit Crab Shells (6 Types) Natural Hermit Crab Shells, for Small to Large Hermit Crab Turbo Shells Hermit Crab Supplies : Pet Supplies. This product offers 15 pieces of natural hermit crab shells in 6 different types, suitable for small to large hermit crabs. The shells are unpainted, clean, and odorless, and come in various shapes and sizes. The product has received many positive reviews from customers who praised its quality, variety, and value.
How to Clean and Prepare Hermit Crab Shells
Before you give your hermit crabs new shells, you need to clean and prepare them properly. Here are the steps to follow:
– Rinse the shells with fresh water to remove any dirt or debris.
– Boil the shells in a pot of water for 10 minutes to kill any germs or parasites.
– Let the shells cool down completely before handling them.
– Dry the shells with a towel or paper towel.
– Place the shells in your hermit crabs’ tank in an accessible area.
How to Encourage Hermit Crabs to Change Shells
Sometimes, your hermit crabs may be reluctant to change their shells, even if you provide them with a good selection of new ones. This could be due to several reasons, such as:
– They are comfortable in their current shell and don’t feel the need to change it.
– They are stressed or scared by something in their environment and don’t want to expose themselves.
– They are preparing to molt and need to stay in their shell until they shed their old exoskeleton.
To encourage your hermit crabs to change their shells, you can try some of these tips:
– Make sure the new shells are the right size and shape for your crabs.
– Make sure the new shells are clean and odorless.
– Make sure the new shells are visible and reachable for your crabs.
– Make sure your crabs have enough space and privacy in their tank.
– Make sure your crabs have enough food and water in their tank.
– Make sure your crabs have enough humidity and temperature in their tank.
Conclusion
Hermit crabs are fascinating pets that need a variety of shells to change as they grow and molt. By providing them with the best sizes and shapes of shells, you can ensure their health and happiness. You can buy hermit crab shells from pet stores, craft stores, or online retailers, such as Amazon.com : 15PCS Hermit Crab Shells (6 Types) Natural Hermit Crab Shells, for Small to Large Hermit Crab Turbo Shells Hermit Crab Supplies : Pet Supplies. This product offers 15 pieces of natural hermit crab shells in 6 different types, suitable for small to large hermit crabs.
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We hope this article has helped you learn how to choose hermit crab shells for your pets. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!.
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