Converting oval measurements to round size?

[Dukkie]

I have read the shell article and several threads regarding shell size, shell switching, and oval and round.

I'm trying to find shells for Baba, a PP. He's a big boy and he moved into the shell that is so small he can't even pull himself in enough to hide his eyes. This painted shell is what he moved out of: painful!!


I would ask (measure) him but he buried himself somewhere. The painted shell he just ditched had an oval opening 1-3/4"x 1-1/8". I have seen the pictures of 2" rounds and because of my lack of experience I really don't know it a 2" would be a good size for Baba. I mentioned that the shell he is currently in is so small that he can't even pull inside enough to hide his eyes inside. So when I'm trying to find shells for him do I try to find 2" or 1.25" - 1.5" round openings?

Also has anybody tried grinding the long point on fox shells to make them lighter and more maneuverable? Do hermies use them, prefer them? Is that what "modified" shell means or does it mean modified by the previous hermie shell owner?

I did find this thread: Heavily modified shells? PostAuthor: Gail » Tue Feb 17, 2015 9:51 pm viewtopic.php?f=24&t=103149&p=945701&hi ... 2A#p945701. Does anyone have further experience?

[wodesorel]

Shells should be thought of as both opening size and volume inside. While they have to fit in the opening and often prefer one where their big claw neatly block the opening, the volume inside cannot be too much or their tails cannot grip them properly to move around in.

Oval shells would be equal in size to a smaller round opening, usually by around 20% or so.

You have a big crab, so I would recommend a 1 & 1/8 round opening or a 1 & 1/4 if you can find one, shells in this pocket of perfectness are impossible to come by. He might be willing to wear a 1 & 1/2 jade turbo, but I personally found them to be a waste of money and none of the crabs I have that are his size (and I have about two dozen) will even consider them and haven't in years. Larger crabs generally don't worry about pulling in completely and leave their legs hanging out instead. Certainly offer larger shells if you afford them as it is better to give them the choice, but don't get your hopes up.

Modified shells are something that mainly Es do, they gut the interior spiral to get more volume for their rears, so they don't have to get a larger and heavier shell.

Fox shells and conchs aren't the most popular, but if the weight is right and they can move in them easily they may consider them. For the most part once they start wearing turbos that is all they will want after!