HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello fellow crabbies.
I need to purchase some shells for my hermit crab. She has not changed shells in a good long while. Last time I spent a fortune on a bunch of new shells for her, none of them were the right size and I got so busy with life this issue simply went by the wayside. Anyhow, I am trying to remedy the situation now. I am simply trying to order her the right size shells. I even measured her shell(s) before I ordered! It is my understanding that a crab needs 3 shell options in their current size, and 3 the next size up so a total of six. Is this correct? My crab is two years old and about the size of a golf ball. I order the shells from Naples Seashell Company. How can I get her in the right size shells!? I am a very busy person and I don’t have all the time in the world (or money) to sit around and try and get this right over and over again. Please keep in mind, I am on a very tight budget.

Start by measuring the shell opening of the one she's wearing (don't take her out to do this). If she doesn't fit back far enough for you to lay a ruler across the opening, you can use a pair of calipers. Then order shells in that size and some above.
The way Naples' site is laid out, if her opening size measures to 1 in, then I would order 3 in the 1in size, 2 in the 1in+ size, and 1 in the 1 1/8in size.
If her shell is really too small for her (can't go in all the way), then I might do 2 of each of the above.

Don't sweat it, though! If you order a few that are a smidge large, you can save them until she's big enough to wear them! And you can donate or sell any that are too small. Some crabs are very stubborn and will choose to stay in a shell that's too small because they don't want to carry the extra weight of a larger one.

I have found the easiest way for ME to measure shell openings is an old fashioned hem/seam measurement tool. They are small and cheap, you may even have one. You can get multiples on Amazon. I keep one in my purse with my measuring tape.

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Happyshamrock73 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 06, 2022 12:10 pm

I have found the easiest way for ME to measure shell openings is an old fashioned hem/seam measurement tool. They are small and cheap, you may even have one. You can get multiples on Amazon. I keep one in my purse with my measuring tape.

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That's a good idea! Calipers work too, and I saw someone post that they are only around $5 at hardware stores.

Be sure to measure the shells properly, and buy from someone who measures theirs properly too. Large shells are expensive, I feel your pain!

For purple pinchers, increments of 1/8 to 1/4 inch are okay jumps. Most crabs (and their favorite turbos) will max out at 1 & 1/8 inches. If funds are an issue, stick with Turbo fluctuosus (striped or mexican) or turbo petholatus (tapestry), those will get the most interest and use, and crabs aren't as picky about them being a "perfect" fit and will wear them big.

Thank you for your help all! Ps. Sorry for the late reply.