Shells Your Equadorians Like the Best?

DreaminginBlue · Post by **DreaminginBlue** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 5:04 pm

Hi all! I'm hoping to order some new shells for my lovely little Equadorians, and I've been going through the shell guide, but can't get all of the types of shells at once (sadly). I was wondering which shells your crabs liked the best? I really want my guys to change out of the icky painted shells they came in. Any tips on how to encourage them to do this would be much appreciated.
I've got my heart set on Babylonia shells, as the crabbies supposedly will wear them without modification, but I'd like to get some other kinds, too.
Thanks!

HeyItsEggs · Post by **HeyItsEggs** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 6:18 pm

I don't have Ecuadorians but the shells that they like are listed below
Whale Eye
Shark Eye
All of the Babylonia shells as you said
And really all shells with a "D" shaped openings

DreaminginBlue · Post by **DreaminginBlue** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 6:45 pm

Okay, thanks! I think I'll look into getting some whale eye shells, too.

cap7 · Post by **cap7** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 6:50 pm

Each of my three e's changed into a different type. One freshly molted is in a turbo, one changed to a Babylonia and one into a whale eye.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

DreaminginBlue · Post by **DreaminginBlue** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 7:00 pm

Should I look into getting turbos for them? If so, what kinds? I could just grab a bag of assorted turbos from the craft store, maybe, and see what they like.

cap7 · Post by **cap7** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 7:47 pm

They are supposed to prefer the d shape opening so I was surprised he picked a turbo. I would just try to offer a variety in different sizes so they choose the best fit. I had turbos in the tank for the purple pinchers. I got a bunch of Babylonia shells at Hobby Lobby. Joanne's has had some nice turbos. And I have bought larger shells on amazon and etsy

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

DreaminginBlue · Post by **DreaminginBlue** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 8:41 pm

Okay, thanks! What shops do you recommend?

soilentgringa · Post by **soilentgringa** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 8:57 pm

Turbos and babylon shells. I have 3 E's who've gotten twice as large in my care as they originally were, and they wear those shells.

E's modify their shells because their abdomens tuck under rather than curl off to the side. They wear shells almost like caps on their bottoms and will stay in a shell until it hardly fits them if they've modified it to their liking.

If you can find nerites in their size that would be the best.

Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

YouTube · Post by **GotButterflies** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 9:16 pm

I've had mine since they were babies. They are full adults now. They started out in nerites. Then they have moved to: Whale's eyes, Shark's eyes, Babylonia, Fiber Conch, King Crown. I've never seen mine in Turbos.

DreaminginBlue · Post by **DreaminginBlue** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 9:58 pm

Okay, I'll look into those kinds of shells. My bigger crabbie has about a 1" opening and I can't tell with the smaller guy, seeing as he's still under.
I wish they had a shell pack available specifically for Equadorians- you'd pick the size range, and they'd send you an assortment of shells that E's like.
Man, that would be awesome and save me so much hassle scouting out shells and ordering them one by one.

soilentgringa · Post by **soilentgringa** » Mon Apr 03, 2017 10:12 pm

DreaminginBlue wrote:Okay, I'll look into those kinds of shells. My bigger crabbie has about a 1" opening and I can't tell with the smaller guy, seeing as he's still under.
I wish they had a shell pack available specifically for Equadorians- you'd pick the size range, and they'd send you an assortment of shells that E's like.
Man, that would be awesome and save me so much hassle scouting out shells and ordering them one by one.

Naples online does have shell packs for E's or other crabs that prever oval shaped openings.

Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

DreaminginBlue · Post by **DreaminginBlue** » Tue Apr 04, 2017 8:07 am

Oh, I didn't know that! I'll have to see if I can find it. Thanks

HCA: Hermit Crab Association