For years, hermit crabs have been the first pets for many beachgoers. They can be a wonderful way to teach a child how to properly care for small animals. Unfortunately, many people choose a hermit crab as a friend based on how its shell looks, not on how it acts or how healthy it is. Usually, this means picking out a hermit crab whose shell is painted in bright colors or has a picture of a famous person or a favorite sports team on it. However, painted shells are dangerous, not only to the crab, but potentially your child.
Because they are hardy and easy to train, purple pinchers (Coenobita clypeatus) are the most common type of hermit crab sold in stores. Hermit crabs can live up to forty years in captivity. For a hermit crab, you should treat it like any other pet: a member of your family. Shemit crabs need the same care as other pets if you want them to live a long and healthy life. That care starts with selecting a hermit crab with a natural, unpainted shell.
While they may look pretty, painted shells can be deadly to hermits. Though not connected to their bodies, the shell is an important part of the crab’s biology. Due to the fact that hermit crabs like to sit in their food and water dishes, paint can slowly seep into their food and water. Additionally, hermit crabs store water in their shell, which they pass over their gills to breathe. Often wet paint gets inside the shell and does not dry before the crab moves in. As the paint dries, the crab gets stuck inside the shell and can’t get out. It slowly dies of hunger or suffocation inside the shell. Natural shells also help regulate the crab’s body temperature. Anything on the shell’s surface may prevent this process leading to stress and ultimately death. Besides the dangers to hermit crabs, painted shells can be hazardous to children.
Many painted shells originate from the Pacific fishing trade and are sold wholesale from overseas. The paint used is unregulated and may contain lead, a well-known hazard. In the US, lead was banned in 1978 from being used in paint and toys for kids. But in other countries, it is still widely used. Children may be exposed to lead from shells coated with lead paint.
It is important to pick a hermit crab based on temperament and health instead of its shell. Look for one with a calm nature. A hermit crab that climbs and moves around a lot is healthy, but one that is too active or jumpy could be stressed. If the hermit crab looks lethargic or has the smell of an old boot, it may be ill.
Hermit crabs usually change shells once a year after a molt when they grow. Sometimes they’ll change if their shell is damaged. When picking shells for your new friend, pick natural ones with big, round holes, like moon and turban shells. Be sure the new shells have an opening slightly larger than the one the crab currently occupies. Place a few shells in the crab’s habitat around the full moon, especially after a molt. They’re more likely to do it at night when they feel safe, so give them some privacy. It’s important to remember animals do what they want, and we must be patient.
Natural shells are beautiful, healthy home for your hermit crabs, and there are so many to choose from. Your new friends will thank you, even if they can’t say it.
Remember, hermit crabs are living creatures and should never be treated as toys or summer souvenirs.
Painting hermit crab shells can be a fun, creative way to make your crab’s home more colorful and attractive Who doesn’t love a pop of bright, happy colors? But before you break out the acrylic paints, there are some very important factors to consider.
Painting hermit crab shells incorrectly can actually be extremely dangerous and even fatal to your pet You must take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of your crab
In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about safely painting hermit crab shells, including:
- What kind of paint should be used
- How to properly prepare the shell for painting
- Painting techniques to follow
- Drying and curing times for the paint
- Signs your hermit crab may be having issues with its painted shell
- When it’s better to just avoid painted shells altogether
First and foremost, understand that not all paints are okay to use on hermit crab shells. Making the wrong choice could have devastating consequences. So let’s start with what type of paint to use.
Only Use Crab-Safe Paint for Hermit Crab Shells
The most important rule here is to only use paint that is specifically formulated to be safe for hermit crabs. Avoid general craft acrylics or spray paints, as these will contain toxic ingredients that can leach chemicals into the crab’s environment.
Look for paint that is:
- Water-based
- Non-toxic when dry
- Free of VOCs, aromas, and fumes
There are some specialty crab shell paints made just for safely decorating hermit crab shells. These are the best option, as they are designed not to chip or flake off inside the tank.
If using regular acrylic paint, research the brand to make sure it is non-toxic when fully cured and sealed. Some paints may market themselves as non-toxic but still contain chemicals like formaldehyde that can be harmful to pets.
When in doubt, seek out paints made specifically for hermit crabs and aquatic life. Their safety will have been properly vetted.
Thoroughly Clean and Prepare the Shell
Before painting a hermit crab shell, it’s crucial to clean and prep the surface properly so the paint adheres well.
Here are the steps for prepping a shell for painting:
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Wash the shell thoroughly with mild soap and water, scrubbing to remove dirt or grime.
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Allow the shell to dry fully.
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Lightly sand the outer surface of the shell to rough it up a bit. This allows the paint to grip better.
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Wipe sanded shell with a dry cloth to remove dust.
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Apply a crab shell safe primer or sealer. Let dry fully.
Taking the time to properly clean and prime the shell will help the paint stick tightly to the surface without chipping or flaking off.
Never Paint a Shell With a Crab Still Inside
This should go without saying, but NEVER attempt to paint a shell while your hermit crab is still occupying the shell. The fumes and chemicals would be extremely hazardous to your crab.
Before painting, you must:
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Move your hermit crab safely into a spare shell that fits its current size.
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Only paint empty, unoccupied shells.
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Let all paints cure fully before inserting your crab back into the painted shell.
It’s best to have a few natural shells ready in different sizes to house your crab temporarily while customizing its main shell. Just be patient and do not rush the painting process.
Use Thin, Even Coats of Crab-Safe Paint
When painting the prepped hermit crab shell, use thin, even coats of your non-toxic paint to cover the surface. Thick globs of paint are more likely to chip and flake off inside your crab’s environment.
Follow these tips when applying crab shell paint:
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Shake the paint well before using.
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Apply paint in a well-ventilated area away from your crab.
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Use thin, smooth brush strokes to apply the paint.
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Allow each coat to dry fully before adding another.
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Apply 2-3 thin coats for best coverage.
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Paint the outer surface only – never the interior of the shell.
Take your time with the painting process to get a smooth, lasting finish. Rushing through it can compromise the paint.
Let Paint Fully Cure Before Use
Once you’ve finished decoratively painting your hermit crab’s shell, it’s critically important to allow ample time for the paint to fully cure before putting your crab back into the shell.
Here are some guidelines for curing times:
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Allow paint to dry and harden 24-48 hours before reinserting your crab.
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Let the painted shell cure for 1-2 weeks before placing it into your crab’s main tank habitat.
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During the curing period, place the painted shell by itself in a separate terrarium or carrier without your crab.
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Monitor the paint during curing – if it starts flaking or chipping, remove the shell and do not allow your crab to use it.
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Longer curing times are better to ensure paint is fully hardened and non-toxic.
Rushing this process risks exposing your crab to wet paint or paint particles, which could be ingested or absorb through their gills, potentially causing a life-threatening respiratory infection.
Look for Signs of Distress in Your Hermit Crab After Painting
Once the curing process is fully complete, your painted shell should be safe for your hermit crab’s use. But it’s still important to monitor for any signs of distress.
Pay attention to whether your crab seems:
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Uncomfortable or irritated in the painted shell.
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Trying repeatedly to get out of the painted shell.
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Less active than normal.
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Not eating or drinking normally.
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Having trouble breathing (decreased oxygen in the gills).
Any abnormal behavior could indicate a reaction to the paint or materials used on the shell. In that case, immediately remove the painted shell and replace it with a natural shell.
When in doubt, have backup natural shell options available in case your crab doesn’t take well to painted shells, even when properly prepared.
In Some Cases, It’s Better to Avoid Painted Shells
While you can minimize risks when painting hermit crab shells using the proper products and techniques, sometimes it may be wise to just avoid painted shells altogether.
Some reasons to steer clear of painted shells:
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Your specific crab seems uncomfortable or stressed in painted shells.
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You’re unsure of the exact paints and materials used to decorate the shells.
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The paint jobs appear to be poor quality or flaking/chipping paint.
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Your crabs are super active and rambunctious – shell paint likely won’t hold up.
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Acquiring natural shells is easier and removes any risks.
Use your best judgment when deciding whether to paint your hermit crab’s shells. While following safety precautions is key, avoiding paint altogether is the foolproof option for their health and happiness.
Painting Tips to Review
To recap, here are the most important tips for safely painting hermit crab shells:
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Only use specialty crab paint, or research that regular acrylics are non-toxic when fully cured.
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Clean and prime shells before painting.
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Paint empty, unoccupied shells only.
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Apply thin, even coats of paint and allow thorough drying between coats.
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Let paint fully cure 1-2 weeks before use.
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Monitor for signs of distress, and remove paint if issues arise.
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When unsure, opt for natural unpainted shells for your crabs.
Painting hermit crab shells can allow you to customize their homes with fun colors and designs. But the process requires diligence to keep your pet safe. Always err on the side of caution.
With the proper precautions, you can find ways to safely decorate your crab’s shell that will add beauty and visual interest to your underwater environment. Just be selective in your materials, meticulous in your process, and observant of your crab’s health after painting.
If navigating all those factors still seems iffy, there’s certainly no harm in simply appreciating the diverse natural beauty of the shells your hermit crab selects on its own. With a little creativity, you can design a thriving habitat that keeps your pet healthy while expressing your own artistic style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use nail polish or model paint?
Avoid using any household paints and finishes meant for human use. The chemicals these products contain can be very dangerous if ingested by your hermit crab. Opt for crab shell specific paint only.
How do I remove paint from a shell safely?
Lightly sanding the outer surface with fine grit sandpaper can help remove paint from a hermit crab shell. Wipe clean after sanding and make sure to get all paint dust off before allowing your crab to use the shell again.
Can I use super glue or epoxy on shells?
No, any adhesive not specifically formulate
