Should I get rid of these shells?

[Julsie]

So I went on a shopping spree and purchased around 50-60 shells for my 10 crabs and all of them immediately switched shells except 1 out of my 2 larger crabs. I have 2 for sure (maybe 3) large crabs and I bought 1 polished pearl green jade banded turbo shell 2” - 2 1/2”. Before I purchased my last 2 crabs all my crabs were small/med besides the 1 large one and he didn’t even check any shells out. I just rescued 2 large crabs from horrible conditions and they both changed shells immediately. They were in the “fancy” shells not painted ones but the decorative ones. The larger one out of the 2 I bought checked out the green jade banded turbo and changed shells into something different. Is the shell maybe too heavy for them and they don’t like it? They seem to prefer these tapestry looking turbos instead of the gold mouth/silver/green turbos. So looks like i’ll have to order more larger tapestry shells for the other 3 big ones? Even though the 2 out of the 3 changed shells more than once I still don’t think they prefer the shells they are in and would rather be in them vs. the decorative shells they came in. So to sell these or keep them as extra? I don’t wanna overcrowd on too many shells especially shells they don’t favor.


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[Meg'sAussieCrabitat]

If you do get rid of them, you could sell them to someone else online. I'm sure many crabbies would gladly take in your unwanted shells!

[Links]

I wonder if they prefer the tapestry because they’re lighter. I briefly tried grinding down (wearing a mask) a green turbo and it can be done I just need the time to do it.


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[angelbear]

It could be. Mine like green turbo maybe it is preferance

[Links]

Could it be sort of like a fad maybe they want to be like the crab that does it first like a fad you better start dressing like all the cool kids



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[angelbear]

I think some has to do with weight. Some the space they can sit in confrotably. Also if they develope a taste of a specific shell others may not use it would makes less competition.

[Motörcrab]

Most of our Purples, and Straws seem to prefer the tapestry over all other shell types. It is probably a 6 to 1 ratio! Crabs only know what they want in a shell. Like angelbear said. It is weight. They also check the opening size and inside of the shell. I watched a crab check out one shell for 45 minutes! Only to walk away and not pick it.
To us a shell is ok as long as the opening is correct. To a crab it is their home indefinitely.

[Julsie]

Looks like I might be selling all of the unwanted shells after I purchase more tapestry shells lol


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[Links]

I’m thinking about throwing in random shells they don’t use once in a while just to keep them interested. If that’s even a thing.


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[Overmountain1]

I’m thinking about throwing in random shells they don’t use once in a while just to keep them interested. If that’s even a thing.


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You should! They love options. You may or may not have seen my silly Corn in her ginormous Fox shell- I honestly didn’t think anyone was ready for that one but she clearly loves it. You literally never know!!
Mine seem to love tapestry turbos, and turbos with the band as well as the pearlized shells- especially my largest ones. They love the pearlized I think bc they still get their fav turbo, but without all the weight!
@Julsie- there are a couple diff places you can also donate shells like that to be put back on the beach for other wild crabbies! Just something to consider!


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[Phoebe21]

I would definitely buy !!! Throw a price ive been looking for good shells for my babies


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[wodesorel]

Look for fluctuosus aka Striped Turbos. All of my purple pinchers have always been in those or Tapestries, split about 50:50.