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Hermit Crab Growth Shells

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Hermit Crab Shells

Hermit crab cages, tanks and habitats are an important part of your small pet’s health and wellness, and so are growth shells. As hermit crabs grow, they need bigger crab shells to change into. And it’s best to keep these extra shells in their habitat. The hermit crab shells you’re providing your pet with should be larger than their current shell.

FAQs About Hermit Crab Shells

One aspect to look for in a new shell is size. Your crab’s shell should have an opening that is the same size or slightly larger than the crab. Your best bet is to provide shells in a variety of sizes. This allows your crab to find the ones that fit the best. Hermit crab shells that are too small will prevent your crab from withdrawing when they need to. The opening (aperture) can be round, oval or D-shaped.

Another thing to look for is the type of shell. Natural shells are ideal. When you get a new crab, try to offer shells of a similar type to the one they already have before introducing something radically different. Painted shells can be used, too. Just make sure to watch for chipped paint and make sure the paint is non-toxic.

Live hermit crabs require a high-quality solid shell. You’ll want to dispose of shells that have become cracked or have holes. Your crab needs to keep their gills moist, but holes in the shell can let in too much water or cause injury.

Yes, any good hermit crab habitat will include multiple shells for your pet. Your hermit crab may pick a favorite shell and stay there for a long time—but they should still have other options to enable them to grow in a healthy way. They may need to switch shells when they grow or molt, and they will be more content with a variety of shells in their tank to choose from.

Before you put a new shell in your pet’s environment, you want to make sure it’s clean and free of any debris. You should clean the shell with hot water and let it air dry before providing it to your hermit crab.

A hermit crab needs a new shell if the current one is too big, too small or if their current shell becomes damaged. You’ll want to provide multiple shell options for your pet before they need a new shell. That way, they won’t be in any distress, and they can choose the optimal time for them to move from shell to shell. Painted shells must also be discarded if the paint is chipped or begins to bleed color. You can also browse hermit crab supplies for new shells just for fun. Crabs see shells as a type of camouflage, so a shell that blends in with surroundings can be great.