Hermit crab shells...?

Question

My hermit crab is way outgrowing its shell and i htink it should change shells but i dont know what to do for it and everything. Do i just lay a shell in there with him or what? Please answer this and thank you.

Answer 1

Take a good look at the shell your crab is in, he will probably want to move into a shell with a similar opening. Purple Pinchers, the most common crabs, prefer shells with an opening that is in the shape of an "O". Ecuadorian crabs prefer shells in the shape a "D". You can measure the opening with a ruler while the crab is retracted into the shell. Try getting similar shells that are 1/8th of an inch larger - 1/2 of an inch larger.

There are several websites out there that will help you through the process of sizing and ordering new shells. http://www.naplesseashellcompany.com/ is one of my favorites. Once you've got a good selection in your tank they will do the rest but you can encourage them by filling each shell with dechlorinated water and laying them in the tank with the opening facing up.

Answer 2

My kids have seven hermit crabs. Just put a few larger shells of various sizes in the cage with him. He will take care of the rest. You don't have to do a thing.

Answer 3

Hello..yep go BUY some shells at pet stores that sell the crabs..you don't want wild found shells ...they make nice decorations too..so just have several bigger & bigger then what he's in, they'll just pick one, crawl in & call it Home :) Take Care

Answer 4

just get several shells a little bigger than his now and lay them in there and he will do the rest. They are so cool huh!

Answer 5

all he needs are a few diffrent size shells and he will choice the one that he wants

Answer 6

yes! i used to have one and i just laid several out for him and he climbed out of his old one and chose his new!