Should I get rid of these shells?
Should I get rid of these shells?
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2020 5:50 am
- Location: Australia
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
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!
Last edited by Meg'sAussieCrabitat on Fri Feb 14, 2020 7:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
5th year of crabbing with my 6 Aussies; Lily, Cocoa, Belladonna, Acorn, and Mango in a 65-gallon crabitat.
Also an owner of beautiful Sussex chickens; Adelaide, and Marshmallow, and my cat, Bluebell.
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
It could be. Mine like green turbo maybe it is preferance
Hi, I have been crabbing about 7 now, and these guys have put up alot with my growing pains.
Proud mama of 2 shell babies:
1 e, and 1pp
Proud mama of 2 shell babies:
1 e, and 1pp
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
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
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
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.
Hi, I have been crabbing about 7 now, and these guys have put up alot with my growing pains.
Proud mama of 2 shell babies:
1 e, and 1pp
Proud mama of 2 shell babies:
1 e, and 1pp
-
- Posts: 2378
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2017 9:56 pm
- Location: Coal Region in Pennsylvania
- Contact:
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
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.
To us a shell is ok as long as the opening is correct. To a crab it is their home indefinitely.
Coenobita Curiosities offering crabby decor
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoenobitaCuriosities
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CoenobitaCuriosities
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
Looks like I might be selling all of the unwanted shells after I purchase more tapestry shells lol
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
- Posts: 459
- Joined: Tue Dec 11, 2018 12:20 pm
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
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!!Links wrote: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.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
I would definitely buy !!! Throw a price ive been looking for good shells for my babies
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
- Tech Support
- Posts: 10552
- Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 am
- Location: Leetonia, Ohio
- Contact:
Re: Should I get rid of these shells?
Look for fluctuosus aka Striped Turbos. All of my purple pinchers have always been in those or Tapestries, split about 50:50.
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram