Where Can I Get Hermit Crab Shells?

Hermit crabs require shells to conserve moisture. Depending on the type of hermit crab you own, it might change shells frequently or once or twice during its life cycle. A responsible pet owner will have plenty of hermit crab shells available for the crabs to utilize when they need to. The location of the shell purchase depends upon the location and personal preference of the pet owner.

Considerations

If a store sells hermit crabs, they should also sell hermit crab shells. The place where you made your initial hermit crab purchase should sell them, whether it is a department store with a pet section or a pet store.

Types

There are a number of pet supply shops only where you can purchase hermit crab shells.

Identification

Some craft stores also sell shells that can be used for hermit crabs. As long as they are the right size, these shells can be used after they are cleaned and soaked in a chlorinated water/baking soda solution, followed by a rinse in a chlorine-free saltwater, then a rinse with fresh, salt-free water.

Geography

The area you live will influence where you buy hermit crab shells. Some rural areas might not have as many choices. For those consumers, shopping online might be the best avenue to purchase the shells.

Features

Online shopping for hermit crab shells generally results in a greater variety of more exotic and brightly colored shells.

References

• Healthy Hermit Crabs
• Hermit Crab: Your Happy Healthy Pet, Audrey Pavia, Howell Book House, 2006