HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I've just started seeing these, mostly in "large" KritterKeeper kits with supplies in them, but I also found them on a endcap hanger as a pair. I can't seem to find anyone selling them online, or I'd post a link for comparison.

These shells seem to be reasonably good copies, or simulations of one of the kinds of shells our crabbies have used before and are quite light for their size. We haven't put them in the tank yet, but I expect we will eventually, even if it is a little silly to imagine a Ruggie with Spiderman on his backside...

The shell did have a slight interior seem but was blissfully clear of mold separation oil and doesn't seem to be painted in the slightest. Bonus points for the package advice reminding folks they should just let the crab decide to move and not try to force it.

Not exactly cheap, but worth a try. If these seem a good thing, it should be a good substitute for those who really want something other than a natural shell.

Why anyone wouldn't want a purty in a Turbo, I dunno, but.

Has anyone else tried these yet?

Weird. I didn't know they were able to manufacture "shells" that were even close to real shells. I've never seen them. Do they say "artificial" or "plastic shell" on the package? I thought at first that maybe they're just Tonnas with pictures silkscreened on them (Tonnas always remind me of plastic), but you seem sure that they're really made of plastic. I'll have to keep an eye out for them.

I'll bet the crabs will refuse to even consider them...you can't fool a crabbie when it comes to shells.

I saw some at a lfs in early May. The fox shells were natural looking but the tonna shells were garishly painted. Weirded me out and I had to reinspect them to make sure they were plastic. The 5" fox shell was selling for $6.95.

I know they were making plastic shells for wild crabs in areas where shell collecting by tourists was taking away from the hermie's selections, bu i hadn't heard of it for pet hermies. I wonder if the crabs will know the difference?

i wouldnt put them in with my crabs i would rather use natural shells. Like why would you put in plastic shells instead of natural ones that are cheaper.

I agree that natural shells are the most beautiful. I even like the calcium encrusted pica's that one of my hermies has on. When a crab reaches the jumbo size someone may have to consider alternative type shells if the larger natural shell sizes aren't available or unaffordable. I have noticed that a number of shells are out of stock these days and wonder if hurricanes,typhoons, and the tsunami have an impact on shell stock. Also (harvesting)killing the snails to get their shells for the hermies could be an issue for some.