Hermit crabs are quirky, charming pets that require special care. One of the most important things they need is an adequate shell to protect their fragile exoskeletons. Hermit crabs outgrow their shells as they grow and will need to switch to larger shells periodically. But where can you find fun, safe shells for your hermit crab? Check out this guide to the best places to buy hermit crab shells.
Online Retailers
One of the easiest ways to buy new shells for your hermit crab is from an online pet retailer. Large sites like Petco, Petsmart, and Pet Supplies Plus have a great selection of stylish and secure hermit crab shells available. You can shop by size, color, shape, and price point to find the perfect shells to suit your crabs’ needs and your decor.
Online shopping is convenient since the shells can be shipped right to your door. It also gives you the most variety to choose from in one place. Be sure to check reviews and product details to ensure the shells are natural and safe for pets. Purchasing them from a specialty pet site provides peace of mind.
Local Pet Stores
Another great place to find new shells is your local independent pet store. While the selection may not be as big as a large online retailer, visiting a pet store allows you to see the shells in person before purchasing.
Having the shells in hand helps ensure you are getting the right size and fit for your hermit crabs. You can also get valuable advice from the staff on choosing and preparing shells. Local stores are the way to go if you want the personal touch.
Shell Shops
In coastal tourist areas, shell specialty shops are a neat place to find unique shells for your hermit crabs. Shops like Shell World in Florida collect and clean beautiful specimens from local beaches. Picking out your own shells makes for a fun coastal adventure.
Just be absolutely sure to ask if the shells have been properly cleaned and sterilized for pets. Hermit crabs have specific needs, so get confirmation before making any purchases. When in doubt, it’s better to stick to shells marketed specifically for hermit crabs.
Beaches and Tide Pools
Collecting your own shells can be rewarding, but shells found in the wild do require proper cleaning and preparation before giving them to your hermit crabs. Make sure to thoroughly wash shells found at the beach to remove bacteria, parasites or chemicals.
Soak them in fresh water for at least 72 hours, changing the water daily. Then boil the shells for 10 minutes before adding to your crab’s habitat. Supervise your hermit crabs closely when introducing new shells from the wild to watch for any signs of distress.
Craft and Floral Shops
Stores that sell craft supplies and artificial floral arrangements actually carry some very cute faux shells perfect for hermit crabs. These realistic plastic shells come in gorgeous colors and designs while being totally safe for pets.
Look for larger shells clearly marketed as decor rather than craft supplies, which may contain small pieces. The openings of craft shells may need to be carefully sanded or trimmed to the proper size for hermit crabs to easily enter and exit. But they make for fun, eye-catching shells.
Online Marketplaces
Websites like Etsy or eBay can reveal handmade and vintage hermit crab shells from artisans and independent sellers. This is a good route to go if you want unique, upcycled, or custom painted shells.
Be wary of any shells from these sites that may have previously been used as home decor, and ask sellers about how they clean and sterilize shells before purchasing. But you can find some really one-of-a-kind shells for your crabs.
So give your hermit crabs a happy home by providing them with suitable new shells from any of these great sources. Your crabs will love exploring exciting new shells tailor-made just for them!
How To Measure Hermit Crab Shells
Hermit crabs need to trade in their shells for bigger ones as they grow. To provide an appropriate selection, you will need to measure the shells to ensure they are big enough.
A shell is measured across the widest point of its opening. Using a ruler, carefully measure your hermit crab’s existing shell. The diameter of the shell at its widest point is what you need to note down. Once you have your measurements, you can do the same for potential new shells.
New shells should be roughly a ¼ inch wider than the hermit crab’s existing shell. Pick 3-5 new shells that vary in size to give the hermie a few options. It is also wise to match the general shape of the existing shell, especially at the opening. “O” shape and “D” shape openings are the most popular with hermit crabs.
Hermit crabs are known to conduct “home improvements” on shells to make them more suitable for each hermit. It is normal for these critters to modify their homes, even if it’s a perfect size.
All About Hermit Crab Shells | Where To Buy? How To Choose? | Lori’s Hartland
Where can I buy a hermit crab shell?
Hermit-Crabs.com has answers. Hermit Crab Association is a fourum with lots of hermitcrab topics. Hermit Crab Land has great information. Care and Keeping of Hermit Crabs is an educational facebook group. Buy hermit crab shells measured by the opening size. Browse our seashells by oval or round openings.
What size shell does a hermit crab eat?
Small hermit crabs usually inhabit shells with 3/8″ to 1/2″ openings. Medium crabs have shell openings ranging from 1/2″ to 1″. Large crabs have shell openings ranging from 1″ to 1 3/8″. Jumbo crabs live in shells with up to 3″ openings or larger.
Can you take a hermit crab from the beach?
Check if a hermit crab is inside the shell before taking it from the beach. Hermit crabs or snails may tuck themselves away from sight. It’s common to bring home a hermit crab accidentally. Once you have a selection of shells, they must be sterilized: Boil the shells for 5-10 minutes.
How do you know if a hermit crab is good?
Hermit crabs favor “O” and “D” shape openings. Hermit crabs make improvements to their shells to make them more suitable. No matter where you source shells, check for imperfections, holes, sharp edges, cracks, and fractures. Hermit crab shells can be found in pet stores or online in bulk.