Is my crab just not finding what he's looking for?

[crabby33]

My crab Timon has been checking out shells but the ones I have in the tank haven't impressed him enough to move in. I've removed the gold mouth shells since so many people have told me they're not popular with crabs. I've seen him checking out the calico turbo I have in there a few times, but it hasn't impressed him enough to choose it.

[GotButterflies]

Hello
My crabs like gold mouths - they do tend to be a little bulkier and heavier - so once crabs get a feel for the lighter shells...I think they get spoiled with them

I recommend a few things...first of all, check out the shell guide to make sure you have the right kind of shells: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=92552

Then, boil shells in dechlorinated fresh water. Then dip in dechlorinated msw. Crabs really seem to dig that. At least mine do Hope that helps.

Also, certain crabs tend to like certain shells. Es tend to go for D shape openings, PPs tend to go for O shape openings

[crabby33]

Mine does too. Here is the list of the shells I have in my tank:

Turbo Pertholatus (2)
Banded Tapestry (1)
Magpie (3)
Green Turbo (1)
Calico Turbo (1)
Pearl Turbo (1)

I do have one Mexican Turbo but it's too big. It has a 1 1/4" opening and the crab is in a gold mouth with a 7/8" opening.

[GotButterflies]

Mine does too. Here is the list of the shells I have in my tank:

Turbo Pertholatus (2)
Banded Tapestry (1)
Magpie (3)
Green Turbo (1)
Calico Turbo (1)
Pearl Turbo (1)

I do have one Mexican Turbo but it's too big. It has a 1 1/4" opening and the crab is in a gold mouth with a 7/8" opening.

I've found that hermies in captivity don't necessarily care for magpies either, but that doesn't mean I don't put them in their crabitat Giving them a wide variety is great. When they are ready to change, they will

[crabby33]

I'm boiling my shells like you suggested. I will also take another look at the shell guide to make sure I have the preferred shell species. If I don't have all of the preferred shell species, I will order some from Naples Sea Shell Company. My crab Buckbeak, is wearing an Apple Murex I bought from them. Apple Murexes ARE on the preferred shell list.