HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I'm not even sure how to size them properly and the measurements are confusing.

I've had several molts over the years with all six and with at least three from my big boy "Red". Red went from a medium to an extra large shell in 7 years. From what I've measured I've got two PPs with 1 1/4" opening shells, three in 1 1/2" opening shells, and one in a 2" opening shell. These are not small hermit crabs. No really, I'm not finding many shells to fit them anywhere anymore. I live in Hampton Roads Va and the pet stores in the area are infuriating with their tiny sections for hermit crabs and I've only had success when I go to VA beach but even then its hard to find non-painted turbo shells big enough. I recently had a scare with my big boy seven-year-old PP "Red" who got bullied out of his shell because it was the biggest turbo. I managed to get him back in it and it fits him but I don't have too many bigger for the other five. I'm getting worried.

I've read lots of the other posts about finding shells that fit but can someone break it down on where to find good quality, not expensive shells? I'm going to need a bunch of them too in different styles. Three like turbos, two tend to choose striped shells and I've got one that will change in and out of his painted shell he came home in. If I catch him and remove it he goes naked. He's not painted in- He's stubborn. BTW I have TONS of shells that fit the smallest three so I've got bunches of 1 1/4" I just really really need BIGGER!

Thanks - Crabby Mommy in Va

Have you tried Mygann on etsy/eBay or Richards sea shells online? Those are both pretty reputable venders. You want to measure the largest section of useable shell space, so that is inner shell edge to inner shell lip. Some people use calipers to make this job a bit easier. A more in depth guide is located under the stickys in the shell subforum. Though, I must say, once you have your shell situation sorted I would LOVE to see pictures of your clan. Its not often we get to see new pics of veteran crabbers clans. Welcome!

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I have gotten some beautiful large turbos from Mygann. 1 1/2 in and more size openings.


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cap7 wrote:I have gotten some beautiful large turbos from Mygann. 1 1/2 in and more size openings.


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awesome! Thanks for the suggestions! 1 question- When I'm looking at shells they list them as 3" is that the whole shell or the opening? I really don't want to spend $10 plus shipping to have it be too small.

I went ahead and posted my dudes in the picture area!

The size was the whole shell, not opening size.


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BlueEye: just ask the seller to give you an approx shell opening. I find once i tell sellers its for a hermit crab they seem to be more obliging. You're not a nut, your a care taker
Ebay is where i get mine. Never had a problem. Once you get to 2" openings you may be buying them 1 at a time.

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Mygann on Amazon has large and beautiful shells! Give it a try


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I have gotten some 5" shell openings at thrift shops and i buy those consistently because i only find them once a while but if my crabs ever get that big they will have variety. But i have also noticed that my crabs seem to grow slower if there arent shells they like or if they are starting to outgrow their tank size. Food for thought.

Thinking about upgrading to a 60+ gallon bc Dudes are getting big. Thanks for advice.

You can usually pick up a good deal off of Craigslist or Letgo look up reptile, tank, aquarium


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