Bulk Shells?

[nsanders84]

Hopefully my first post isn't out of line. Local pet stores only carry small shells... I assume because no one's crab lives that long unless they actually research and learn about it. Some of my crabs are outgrowing my shell supply though and had me searching for more.

I've bought a fair bit at www.atlanticcoralenterprise.com and the shells were awesome. However, some of the shells I bought from them I need larger versions of but they don't offer it. I'm hoping to see where I can find large shells, preferably in bulk, online.

I'm open to all suggestions of good online stores where I can do bulk instead of $7 a shell so my crabs have a choice. As I'm sure you know, 10 of the same size and type of shell can be presented but only 1 will be good enough for a specific crab. I'd rather give them a selection.

The two types of shells I'm looking for pretty specifically are listed below... including the sizes I bought from Atlantic Coral Enterprise and if I want larger/smaller... but I'm open to general bulk shell store suggestions as well -

Brunnes Turban Seashells - 3/4 to 2" - Get bigger

Rapana Rapiformis - 3 - 5" - Get bigger and semi smaller

Thanks!

[mool]

I haven't found anyplace that sells the bigger, nicer shells in bulk. They don't have to because people will buy them singly. If you find a place, post so we can all get some!

[lostnotfound]

Also interested. Used to get them like this on Ebay but can't find them in bulk any longer. Only very small ones.

[KayedeeLove<3]

I just checked ebay you have to do some digging but i saw a post 5 lbs of assorted sizes for 10$

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[hermitcrabcottage]

I've purchased bulk "naturally harvested - untreated" seashell lots on Amazon, most of which have a lot of unusable (flat or no round opening) shells- but there are always a few really nice larger ones in the sets as well. They are usually sold in the craft section. Always make sure to look specifically for ones that aren't painted, dyed, or cleaned. I only buy 'untreated shells' (some still have sand in them). How big, exactly, are you looking for?

I've also put 'wanted ads' in Hawaii classifieds for specific shells with the measurements I'm searching for (2 inch round opening, etc). I typically get a few responses, and I worked with one woman who actually got me a majority of the shells that I use for my crabbies today. I'm assuming the same online wanted ads would work in any place with access to beaches (although I'd opt out of asking for shells in places where hermit crabs naturally live, because those shells are then collected and taken away from the crabs themselves). I chose to post in Hawaii, because I live relatively close (Alaska) and there are no land hermit crabs native to the area- so any shells harvested on dry land aren't necessarily being stripped away from land hermit crabs searching for them.