Measuring Claws For Ordering New Shells?

[Motörcrab]

I have been reading to add about 1/8" to the crabs large claw when sizing new shells. I am assuming this is the length of the claw from Tip of pinchers to the leg joint (length), not the width across the claw (width).

All of our crabs are measure between 1/2"(L) and 3/8"(w) and 3/8" (L) by 1/4"(w)

When ordering would it be safe to "assume", since the crabbies will ultimately decide what shells they like, the 1/2" (L) can go to 5/8" openings and the 3/8"(L) can go to a 1/2" openings. Also possibly add a few additional shells that are possibly 1/4" larger to the mix too?

We have a minimal selection of shells in our area and we will need to order online. I don't mind spending the money on shells as long as I know I'm not picking ones that are going to be useless. Thanks

[GotButterflies]

I personally don't go by claw measurements. I go by measuring the opening of the shell that they are in. Then, I add 1/4 of an inch and 1/2 of an inch and order shells like that

[wodesorel]

The thing with crabs is that some will choose to stay in the same size, some will go smaller, some will ease up in size, and others will go double or more. If money is an issue, stick with shells slightly larger to much larger, and I'd recommending investing in striped (Mexican aka fluctuosus) turbos and Tapestry (aka petholatus) turbos as those will get the most use and crabs will take varying sizes with gusto.

You don't have to cater to each crabs whims. It always seems like people take the measuring thing so seriously, and it's just a guideline so you don't end up stuck with shells that won't be used. They will use what you give them, and it's a thousand times better than any selection they would ever have had in the wild. Heck, the shells they prefer in captivity aren't even native to or available where they live! And there's no worry about when the next one will come up on the beach, although it's obvious sometimes they don't understand that when they move into a ginormous shell just because it's in front of them
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[Motörcrab]

We ended up getting 15 or so new shells last week. We tried the claw method but the oval shaped ones were way too small. The round ones seemed to be a lot better for size with a few larger just to be safe. The first night one crab changed. Then through the next day all but two crabs swapped shells! 4 out of 6 isn't bad! One E changed but changed back right away and another didn't change at all, but he swapped recently. The best part is that we finally got rid of a peeling painted shell everyone seemed to claim the second it came available. I believe our purchases were a success!

[Hermias_mom]

Yea!!! Congratulations! It's so nice when they like what you've provided, isn't it?

[Motörcrab]

It is cool when they pick fresh shells you thought they may like. It's also nerve-racking when they keep spinning and measure a shell over and over then just crawl away. It's also amazing how you can have several shells that appear identical but 3 crabs fight over just one of the three!

[Hermias_mom]

It is cool when they pick fresh shells you thought they may like. It's also nerve-racking when they keep spinning and measure a shell over and over then just crawl away. It's also amazing how you can have several shells that appear identical but 3 crabs fight over just one of the three!

I think now is an appropriate time to repeat one of my favorite things people say on this forum - Crabs are weird.