HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I am looking for someone in Australia who can point me in the right direction when it comes to shells.
I have been beach combing countless times and often don't come up with any decent ones. I've looked on ebay but can never find any to suit my crabs. What I would like to know is - where do you get them from?!!

I've been on the look out aswell but haven't found many. I found this aussie site they've got some nice shells http://www.seashells.net.au/ if you look at the deco shells section you can buy a bunch of 50 for $30 they look alright for crabs.

The pet shop was the first place I looked for shells but they were selling shells for $5+. The website definitely seems like a cheaper alternative. I just hope there are more 'crab friendly' shells then others!

I've sent them an email and asked if they would do any bulk lots with shells more suitable for hermit crabs, so I'll wait and see what they say cause alot of those shells in the pic have pretty narrow openings.

I got a reply already this is what they said,

"We do have pre-selected shells for hermit crab shells in a variety of sizes.

Every one of the specially selected hermit crab shells is a species with wide aperture that Hermit crabs are comfortably and regularly inhabiting in the wild (i. e. Turbo, Cassis or similar) and so they are well suited to this purpose.
Please note that we do not offer polished or artificially treated shells, only natural specimens.

Pre-selected hermit crab shells are available in the following sizes:
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Standard: Approx. 2.5-4cm diameter, variable species, @ $ 0.50 ea.
Medium: Approx. 4-6cm diameter, variable species, @ $ 1.00 ea.
Large: over 6cm diameter, variable species, @ $ 2.00 ea.
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If you are interested, please let us know your postcode or mailing address and what quantity and sizes you would like.
In reply, we will send you a pro forma invoice incl. shipping quote to your destination."


Sounds pretty good nice and cheap, I'm just gonna order a couple of each to start with to check the sizes and if they're any good.

Iv'e bought most of my shells from ebay and they've all been in excellent condition, perfect for my crabs, and much cheaper then pet shops.

Since you live near a coast, do you have any souvenir shops around that sell shells? I have also found that craft stores are probably the best as far as value. I have also bought and sold lots of hermie-friendly shells on Ebay.

Thanks for your suggestions but I think I'll go with Gravaged's shell.net site. Looks like the best value for money! Gravaged, make sure you post once you receive yours in the mail and let me know how it goes.

Thanks!

Yeah I will, I got the invoice for my order today so I should get them next week sometime, and it was $5.22 for postage to Melb.

Yes, thankyou gravaged. I had visited their site before but they don't advertise their crab shells so I asumed they were no good. I have now ordered some from them, too! I ordered 5 of each size (standard, medium and large) and asked for a varied selection if possible. Their prices are so much better value than paying for international shipping! This is great news for all Australian crab-keepers!

Well I got the shells today and they are really nice, awesome shells for the price. The large ones are huge way too big for my crabs but they'll look nice as decorations. I'm gonna get some more of the smaller ones cause they seem about the right size for my guys.

Thanks Gravaged! I also ordered some that came today, I had no idea how large the large ones were going to be! I think I will order from them again but only the small ones from now on!

Thanks for the great tip!