Question about Es and shells

[BDHuffman]

I am not new to keeping hermit crabs, but I am new to E keeping. I currently have 3 Es who are in painted shells. I have a selection of size appropriate shells with D shaped openings and a few turbos; no takers so far. Is there anything I can do to make these shells more attractive? Should I try to get some shells of the same type as what they are currently in?

[wodesorel]

Unfortunately they only change when they are ready. Giving them a good selection of similar shells, moon shells, nerites of different types (mine liked the orange ones and they came in larger sizes) and lightweight turbos can tempt them. Soaking the shells in saltwater sometimes makes them more interested. Pre-worn shells are often looked at as well. Really though, they are picky, and you can throw everything at them and they will still refuse to change for years sometimes!

[GotButterflies]

Hello! Welcome to the HCA!!

Totally agree with Wodesorel!! Es are stubborn when it comes to shells!! Boiling the shells first and then dipping in msw definitely helps.

[BDHuffman]

Thanks! I figured that may be the case, just wanted to get some extra opinions. Hopefully they will decide to swap next time I boil and dip the shells.

[karlys]

My little guy took a couple weeks to change from his painted babylonia to a natural moon shell. I'm pretty sure he was interested in changing back into his painted shell but I managed to be around to notice. He clung onto it for a couple seconds as I pulled it away and then ran around, antennae waving angrily, for a few mins. I consider myself lucky, considering all the posts I read about their shell stubbornness!

[ErikRasmussen]

I did the same thing with my Es once they finally changed out of their painted shells i took them out. I did scrape off the paint and boil them and stuck them back in as an option but they didn't go back.