3-5 Shells Per Crab question

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crabby33
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3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by crabby33 » Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:03 pm

I have two crabs and the recommended number of shells is 3-5 for both. So how many would that equal to? I want to make sure I have the recommended amount.

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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by Motörcrab » Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:36 pm

I find the numbers a bit misleading. If you have say 5 crabs that would be 15-25 total per recommendations. I find that to be a little high since a crab can only be in one shell at a time. If they switch, their old shell is avaliable too. If both your crabs are the same size I would say 8 shells would be a safe number to start with. The problem is you can have 30 shells for them to pick from and they may not like any. Or they may fight over a single shell. The more shells and variety they can choose from the better the chance of them choosing one they like.

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crabby33
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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by crabby33 » Thu Oct 25, 2018 4:07 pm

Yes, they are both the same size. They’re medium crabs.


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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by Motörcrab » Thu Oct 25, 2018 4:59 pm

I would probably order a minimum of 3-4 different types of shells. Then two sizes per type. I generally order my shells in steps of 1/8". I always figure if you have to pay for shipping you may as well place a larger order so you don't need make another small order in a week or two and pay shipping again. That second shipping fee could easily be an extra 3-4 shells or more depending on size.

Last time when I ordered shells from ebay I think I ordered around 25-30 shells for 8 crabs. About 10 of them were too small for my guys so my wife ended up getting them for hers. I still have 6 I never put in the tank. Out of the 10 or so I put in the tank, plus I already had 8 or more shells shells in there, I think only half of my guys changed into new shells. I still have 2 guys that won't give up the beat up shells they came in.
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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by AgentK25 » Thu Oct 25, 2018 5:47 pm

I consider shells like I consider tank space...the more the better. I believe the 3-5 shells is a per crab guideline (at least that's how I read it) and if you can afford to buy more, and have the space to accommodate them, the more the merrier. :)

ETA: I have as many shells as I can in each crabitat because I feel like it lessens my chances of shell aggression.
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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by fandt94 » Thu Oct 25, 2018 7:54 pm

I’ve lost count at how many shells I have in the tank at any given time lol....today my one crab literally tried out 5 different shells only to end up back in the original one he chose a week ago haha!
Mom to 3 human boys, 2 dogs - Hemi & Athena, 2 cats - Fat a$$ (realname Spark Plug) & Batman & 5 PP’s - Monstro, Pinkie aka Little Bit, Shellie, other 2 unnamed

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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by ciaraalston » Sun Oct 28, 2018 2:20 am

Out of my 6 crabs.. 2 are about the same size, so i keep about 5 shells of their size in the tank. They like to swap a lot, but they always go back to their originals.
2 of them are tiny, exact same size. They're ecuadorians. So i keep about 5 for them to choose from.
The other 2 are in medium sized. 1 likes murex shells, which isn't normal for a PP. so i keep 2 in for him, those are the only ones i have. and the other 1 i have 3 shells his size. so total i probably have 15 shells in their shell shop. it's a plastic pencil case, so there's plenty of space.
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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by aussieJJDude » Sun Oct 28, 2018 5:57 am

Remember, you certainly dont have to offer all shells in one go and do a weekly rotation. The guide is in place in order to help reduce the potential of a shell fight from occurring - since even if you may offer the correct shells, some times they not 'suitable'... - things like its thicker (heavier) than usual, may not be smooth on the inside, sits wrong or just not what the crabs want... adding choice helps minimize it.

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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by GotButterflies » Sun Oct 28, 2018 1:46 pm

Also try to remember crabs are going to go in there when you aren't watching too. I have soo many shells it isn't even funny. I keep my baskets full all of the time in every one of my tanks. It never hurts to add a couple of shells every day or every other day if you have the ability too. Keep it interesting. I like to think of it as enriching their environment. :) Try to get enough shells so that you can switch them out as often as possible :)
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Re: 3-5 Shells Per Crab question

Post by fandt94 » Sun Oct 28, 2018 4:28 pm

GotButterflies wrote:Also try to remember crabs are going to go in there when you aren't watching too. I have soo many shells it isn't even funny. I keep my baskets full all of the time in every one of my tanks. It never hurts to add a couple of shells every day or every other day if you have the ability too. Keep it interesting. I like to think of it as enriching their environment. :) Try to get enough shells so that you can switch them out as often as possible :)
This is what I do as I don’t have a shell shop...mine are scattered about and when they get too dirty I grab most of them...rinse them all real well and then boil them in dechlorinated water. In the meantime I have a *back up* batch of shells and I scatter all those about...keeps it interesting for sure!
Mom to 3 human boys, 2 dogs - Hemi & Athena, 2 cats - Fat a$$ (realname Spark Plug) & Batman & 5 PP’s - Monstro, Pinkie aka Little Bit, Shellie, other 2 unnamed

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