HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey Guys,

I know I've already made a couple threads like this, but I keep getting so much different information, I need an experienced Australian crabber to give me the advice I need and set me on the right path. I've been looking at so many different websites regarding shell types that Australian Crabs prefer and none of them really give me a solid point to start from. I've had multiple names of shells thrown at me such as babylonia, nerite, turbo, whale eye and pheasant and I don't know what to do. I know what all these shells are, don't get me wrong, it's just that I need to know which ones to buy for my crabs. I'm not quite sure what my crabs are currently in, the shells that they're in are very solid and have a D opening, similar to what I believe a nerite shell is. The only problem is that I can't find any shells like them in stores and shells are so expensive online because of the shipping. I went to a pet shop yesterday and found, in the size needed, whale eye shells and shells that kinda look similar to babylonia shells. The only reason why I didn't buy these is because the shells my crabs are in at the moment a fairly thick/solid and these shells aren't, but do you think if I bought them they'd still move into them willingly? I don't want to force them into shells that they don't like.

Thanks,
Hamilation

Disclaimer: i don't have experience with aussies..
I have Es, who are supposed to be very picky with shells and prefer modified shells, etc. I had bought several 10packs of shells and all 3 Es have changed out of their nerites. They're wearing O and D opening shells. 2 of them have switched twice. I think if you offer a lot of shells which are suitable or slightly over in size, your crabs will at least try new shells.


Crabbers unite!!!

Okay, thanks for the advice. I read online that you should buy a few shells too small, a few shells the same size their in and some shells bigger for them to grow into. So I've bought some nerites which are a little smaller and their size and I've also bought a couple babylonia shells that are a little bigger. My only concern is that they might not fight into the shelter that currently love if they're crawl into the babylonia. I also noticed that at pet shops, especially the one I bought the shells from, they have a lot of whale eye shells, would they wear whale eye shells?

haha, one thing that I have learnt over the time is that every aussie will be different. Most will like d-shaped shells and others prefer for of a o-shaped shell. A good thing is to offer as many types as possible.
A good place to get shells is off ebay, one seller has shells at a really good price IMO. Her name is nautilusly and have brought many good shell sets. Other then that, i haven't really seen that much shells at a good price, maybe if you get it off the beach!
A good shell if your beach combing is to look at a type of shell called pheasant shells. My aussies absolutly die for them! However, if you do get shells off the beach check before taking them, sometimes they might be inhabited. It's also worth mentioning, that wild hermies have a shell shortage due to everyone taking the available shells...
So to answer your last question, they can/will wear whale eyes, try and see!

Thanks for the advice, I have some more money and I'm thinking of using this to buy some more shells. I already bought some nerite and babylonias for the pet shop but I might go back and get a couple whale eyes if they'll wear them

Been having a hard time getting my crabs to like this one, it's always burried by my purple Pinchers, or even identifying it. Does this look like the whale eye you buy at stores? If so would you like to have it? Like I said my PPs aren't interested in it. It's about 3/4" opening.


Hermie mommy of 10 PP babies: Octavius Flemming, Poseidon, Bruiser, Junior, Matty Pumpkin, Turbo, Kaylee Frye, Pepper, Flower and Adrian Shephard.

Maybe you'll get a better response if you posted in the for sale area. There are a lot of people looking for shells.

yeah, that's what I saw at the pet store but I've already bought a couple, I'll see how my crabs like them

kornchaser wrote:Been having a hard time getting my crabs to like this one, it's always burried by my purple Pinchers, or even identifying it. Does this look like the whale eye you buy at stores? If so would you like to have it? Like I said my PPs aren't interested in it. It's about 3/4" opening.

Shipping to Australia from the US starts at around $12!

Shipping to Australia from the US starts at around $12!

Hamilation wrote:yeah, that's what I saw at the pet store but I've already bought a couple, I'll see how my crabs like them

Shipping is no problem tbh if they like them and you would like it just let me know.


Hermie mommy of 10 PP babies: Octavius Flemming, Poseidon, Bruiser, Junior, Matty Pumpkin, Turbo, Kaylee Frye, Pepper, Flower and Adrian Shephard.

thanks for the offer, but I still don't think I'd be able to have it
Australia is very strict about shipping in natural substances and I'm not too sure if they'll let it through customs
if I'm going to order something from online, I'm going to be ordering it through Australian websites so that I know I'll actually get it
I do appreciate the offer

Hamilation wrote:thanks for the offer, but I still don't think I'd be able to have it
Australia is very strict about shipping in natural substances and I'm not too sure if they'll let it through customs
if I'm going to order something from online, I'm going to be ordering it through Australian websites so that I know I'll actually get it
I do appreciate the offer

Sorry I didn't realize. no problem


Hermie mommy of 10 PP babies: Octavius Flemming, Poseidon, Bruiser, Junior, Matty Pumpkin, Turbo, Kaylee Frye, Pepper, Flower and Adrian Shephard.