Hermit Crab Shells

Hermit crabs are kept as pets by many as they are interesting and fun and do not require much effort in maintenance. They are also not very choosy about the food they eat. One of the most unique characteristic features of hermit crabs is that they find and live in a shell from another creature, usually the sea snail. They carry around this borrowed shell to ensure protection for their soft abdomen and also to keep the moisture inside the shell regulated.

In fact, they get their name due to the fact that they borrow shells and live in them just as a hermit lives alone in a cave. The rate at which hermit crabs change their hermit crab shells differs among them. Certain crabs believe in changing shells quite often while others are not too eager to do that, even after it becomes small and uncomfortable.

It is found that crabs do not really change hermit crab shells either during, just before or just after a molt. Molt is the process where the crab sheds the exoskeleton or the hard outer covering of the legs/claws and the body to allow for fresh creation.

As a hermit crab pet owner, it is essential providing them with a variety of hermit crab shells so that they can change them whenever required. A good selection is essential to ensure that the crabs do not get into a dispute over the best shell available in the habitat. It is important not to compromise on the quality as well as quantity of hermit crab shells.

Tips on choosing hermit crab shells

You can find different types and varieties of hermit crab shells in the market. With some effort, you can identify the right kind of shells your pet prefers. It is important to remember to provide your crabs with multiple size shell options to enable them to choose what suits them perfectly.

  • Size of the crab must be taken into consideration. It is necessary to purchase different shells with the same sized opening as well as many shells with slightly larger opening. If your crab looks to be uncomfortable in his oversized shell, provide him with a smaller shell. The trick is in providing a variety of sizes to enable them to pick the right one.
  • Until you exactly identify the preferences of your crab, it is necessary to provide them with openings of different shapes. The variety of openings you can find in hermit crab shells include slit shape, D-shape, oval and round.
  • Provide your hermit crabs with different types of shells. It is vital however to ensure you also include the same type of shells your crab is using currently.
  • Ensure good quality shells that do not have any holes or cracks in them as they will not really hold the small quantity of water that is required to keep their gills moist. Choose from the attractive painted shells range from your local pet shop to add colour to their habitat.

It is important to boil the shells for some time, at least for five minutes, drain them and allow them to cool before placing them in the tank. You can choose from a range of shells either in pet stores, craft stores or online.