Crab Shell Opening and Sizing Up

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SordidSiren
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:03 pm
Location: TX

Crab Shell Opening and Sizing Up

Post by SordidSiren » Wed Mar 22, 2023 3:49 pm

Hello! I am very new to the hermit crab world, I have one Purple Pincher crab sexed as male that is a rescue adopted out to me by Snake Discovery. I've never had a hermit crab before and I'm a little lost on shells. I know I should offer him 3 - 5 shells to choose from, but how many would be the same size as his current and how many should be bigger? How much bigger should offered shells be? The current shell he has an opening of 1 1/2 inches. Thank y'all in advance for the welcomes and advice!

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hermitsinnc
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Location: north of Charlotte, NC

Re: Crab Shell Opening and Sizing Up

Post by hermitsinnc » Thu Mar 23, 2023 9:13 am

As long as the one he's in now isn't painted and fits him well, I would offer at least a 1 1/2", two 1 5/8", and a 1 3/4".

Make sure you're measuring the opening size correctly and offering 'O' opening shells such as turbos. Here's the shell care sheet if you haven't seen it yet: https://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/p ... 24&t=92552

Happy crabbing!
3 PPs: Maxwell (small), Mitchelle (medium/small), Kendall (medium/large)
also have 10gal freshwater fishtank w/ neon tetras, pygmy cories, and nerite snails

"I am here, I am loved, God is good, and that's enough." --Brandon Heath


Topic author
SordidSiren
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Mar 21, 2023 6:03 pm
Location: TX

Re: Crab Shell Opening and Sizing Up

Post by SordidSiren » Thu Mar 23, 2023 9:40 am

It isn't painted, it's a natural turbo shell I believe :) Thank you so much for your help!

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