ummm....... well........ question about crabs

**jimpierce** · 01-20-2008, 12:03 AM

where is a good place to get shells for hermit crabs? Sooner or later they out grow the ones they are in don't they?

**Levi** · 01-20-2008, 12:11 AM

usually pet stores sell them

they even sell painted ones

**Dave66** · 01-20-2008, 12:57 AM

Originally Posted by jimpierce

where is a good place to get shells for hermit crabs? Sooner or later they out grow the ones they are in don't they?

Jim,
Gift/Hobby shops usually have bins of suitable grow-out shells. They are intended for crafts, but if they aren't coated in anything (shellac, polyethylene, etc.) they are fine to use. That's where I get grow out shells, as they are very, very cheap in gift shops. Takes most of them a while to sink, but all of them do. You'll be looking for marine snail shells of all kinds.

Dave

**~Erik3.8.07~** · 01-20-2008, 01:35 AM

sorry for hijacking the thread for a sec but i got a related question, when i was at my lfs today i asked if they had empty grow out shells and they gave me some empty snail shells for free, will my hermits even take these shells?

**Dave66** · 01-20-2008, 02:27 AM

Originally Posted by ~Erik3.8.07~

sorry for hijacking the thread for a sec but i got a related question, when i was at my lfs today i asked if they had empty grow out shells and they gave me some empty snail shells for free, will my hermits even take these shells?

If they are curved inside like all snail shells (even whelks are snails) the crabs'll use them if they need to when they grow. Just scatter them in inconspicuous areas 'round the tank. If the crabs need a grow out, they'll find them. They like to change shells in secluded areas for obvious reasons.

Dave

**Rue** · 01-20-2008, 02:29 AM

...maybe, maybe not...but if they're FW snail shells, likely not...

I get all my spare shells from the craft stores. Just make sure they're clean. Watch what kind of shell you give - it depends on the species of hermit. I have the Halloween Hermits in my tank and they need the shells with the flat openings. Other hermits need round openings...

**~Erik3.8.07~** · 01-20-2008, 02:32 AM

i have reg leg hermit crabs, im not sure what kind the empty snail shells are, but they were from saltwater snails

**Rue** · 01-20-2008, 02:47 AM

Then, if they're the right size and shape, they should be fine. However I would boil them for 5 minutes before putting them in the tank...just to be safe.

Put them in the water first, so they heat up slowly...and then let the water cool down before taking them out...less likely to crack that way...