Where Can I Buy Hermit Crab Shells? Your Complete Guide

Hermit crabs make for fun and fascinating pets, but owning them comes with some key responsibilities. One of the most important things you’ll need to provide your hermit crab with is an appropriate shell for it to live in. But with so many options out there, you may be wondering: where can I buy hermit crab shells?

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about picking out the perfect shells for your pet hermit crabs. We’ll go over the different types of shells, what to look for when making your selection, where to find quality shells for sale, and much more. By the end, you’ll be a hermit crab shell expert!

In the wild hermit crabs use discarded shells from other marine creatures like snails or whelks to protect their vulnerable hindquarters. They’ll trade up to a bigger shell as they grow by literally crawling out of their old home into a new more spacious one.

As a hermit crab owner, it’s your responsibility to continue providing properly sized shells for your pet. Hermit crabs will become stressed, inactive, or even die if they can’t find a suitable shell.

Hermit crab shells serve several important functions

• Protection: The shell safeguards the crab’s abdomen and internal organs.

• Moisture: It traps humidity to keep the crab’s gills from drying out.

• Support: The structure allows for proper skeletal support and leverage for walking.

• Defense: It acts as armor against predators trying to attack the crab’s vulnerable rear body.

So it’s extremely important to pick shells that are high quality and correctly sized. Low quality or ill-fitting shells can harm your hermit crab.

When thinking about where to buy hermit crab shells, you want to look for ones that are structurally sound, sustain humidity well, and match your crab’s size. Next, let’s go over how to pick the right shell size.

Choosing the Correct Hermit Crab Shell Size

Picking a properly sized shell is crucial for your hermit crab’s health. The opening of the shell must be wide enough for the crab to fully enter and exit, but not so large that the shell is loose or unstable on their body.

Follow this simple formula for choosing the right size shell:

• Measure the size of your hermit crab from the tip of its biggest claw to the end of its back.

• The opening of the shell should be 1.5 to 2 times the size of this measurement.

For example, if your crab is 1 inch long from claw to back, you’ll want a shell with a 1.5 to 2 inch opening.

It’s ideal to provide multiple options in varying sizes so your hermit crab can trade up as it grows. Having 2-3 shells for each crab is recommended. The shells should be labeled with the size of the opening for easy sorting.

Also keep in mind that shell shape affects fit too. Some hermit crabs have wider or rounder bodies that fit better in oval-shaped openings rather than round. Provide a mix of round and oval options and see which your crab prefers.

Now let’s go over the different types of shells recommended for hermit crabs.

Hermit Crab Shell Types

Hermit crabs aren’t too picky when it comes to shell types. As long as it’s the right size and shape, they’ll happily move into all kinds of marine mollusk shells. Here are some top options:

Turbos

Turbos are a favorite choice. These spiral seashells from large sea snails provide lots of interior room and have round, stable bases. Some popular turbo varieties include:

• Common Atlantic turbos
• Pacific turbos
• Green turbos

Murex

Murex shells have elongated, pointy shapes with an oval opening. The spiral ridges on the exterior provide good gripping texture.

Nerites

Nerite shells are globular in shape with a round opening. Their thick, solid structure makes them one of the heavier shell choices.

Ceriths

From the cerith snail, these lightweight shells have an elongated cone shape with a round opening.

Babylonia

Sometimes called tun shells, Babylonia shells are oblong in shape with a round opening on the tapered end.

Bailers/Wentletraps

Bailer shells have a gracefully spiraling, cylindrical shape. The openings are round.

What to Look for in High Quality Hermit Crab Shells

Now that you know what types of shells to get, here are a few things to look for when assessing shell quality:

• Intact structure – Avoid shells with chips, cracks, holes, or thin spots that could puncture and harm your hermit crab. Check the opening lip for damage too.

• Smooth exterior – Rough, sharp outer edges can scrape and cut your crab. Gently file down any sharp spots, especially around the opening.

• Organic origin – Shells should come from natural marine sources, not man-made materials which won’t properly retain humidity.

• Good weight – Lightweight plastic shells won’t provide enough ballast and protection. Heavier, sturdier shells are best.

• Plain interior – Painted or coated interiors can leech chemicals. Opt for shells free of interior paints or gloss.

• Proper humidity – The shell should naturally trap and retain moisture well to keep your crab’s gills hydrated.

Following these guidelines will ensure you pick safe, high-quality shells for your hermit crabs. Next, we’ll recommend some top places to buy hermit crab shells online and in stores.

Where to Buy Hermit Crab Shells Online

One of the most convenient spots to buy hermit crab shells is online. Purchasing online gives you the widest variety and you can buy in bulk. Here are some recommended online shops:

Naples Seashell Company

This family-owned business offers one of the largest online selections of hermit crab shells. Their inventory includes a diverse range of shell types, sizes, and shapes sourced ethically from around the world. Each shell is hand-inspected for quality.

The Shell Store

This online seashell shop has a dedicated section just for hermit crab shells. They stock a variety of shell types and convenient shell packs.

Hermit Crab Patch

In addition to shells, this site sells fun hermit crab accessories. They have some unique painted seashells and shell variety packs.

Hermit Crab Association

This non-profit has a mission to provide education on proper hermit crab care. Their online shop stocks basic shells and supplies.

Etsy Shops

Many independent artisans on Etsy sell handmade hermit crab shells. This can be a good spot to find more unique, decorative shells.

When ordering shells online, be sure to factor in shipping costs. Most reputable shops will pack shells very securely to prevent breakage.

Purchasing Hermit Crab Shells at Pet Stores

Another place you can buy shells for hermit crabs is at your local pet supply store. Here are some things to look out for when shell shopping in person:

• Variety – Look for a decent selection of shell types and opening sizes. Avoid stores that only sell a few basic options.

• Quality check – Inspect shells for damage and inferior quality before purchasing.

• Stock turnover – Old, long-unsold shells may be faded or brittle. Opt for stores with faster turnover.

• Specialty staff – Pet stores with staff specially trained in hermit crab care often have the best shell selections.

Some national chains like Petco and Petsmart carry hermit crab shells. But you might have better luck at local independent shops specializing in fish, aquariums, or exotic pets. These niche stores tend to cater more to specialty needs.

The benefit of seeing shells in person is that you can hand pick quality pieces and ensure correct sizes. Just be prepared – selection is often more limited than online.

Beaches and Seashell Shops

If you happen to live near a coastal region, collecting your own shells straight from beaches or seashell shops is an option.

This takes more leg work to find intact shells in the right sizes. But it can be rewarding to source shells native to your local area.

Be sure to gently scrub and disinfect any shells gathered in the wild before providing them to your hermit crabs. Removing organisms and sterilizing will prevent contamination.

Key Takeaways on Where to Buy Hermit Crab Shells

Providing the proper shell is one of the most vital parts of caring for a pet hermit crab. Taking the time to select a quality shell in the right size will give your crab a safe, comfortable home.

To recap, here are some key tips on picking out great hermit crab shells:

• Measure your crab’s size and buy shells with 1.5-2 times bigger openings
• Select sturdy, intact shells free of damage
• Offer a mix of round and oval shaped openings
• Choose shells that retain humidity well
• Purchase from reputable online shops or quality local pet stores
• Consider collecting beach shells if you live near the coast

Equipping your crab with a high quality, properly fitting shell shows them you care! With this guide’s advice, you can shop shells with confidence and provide the very best habitat for your precious pet. Happy hermit crab shell shopping!