Safe Shells For Hermet Crabs?

Hi,

So I found these really cheap shells at a shell shop and was wondering if they would be ok for hermet crabs, I asked the guy and he said he dosnt think they are treated but I should boil then just to be sure, is there any way of telling if they are treated and if so what should I do?

Ethan

 

First of all, are the shells painted? If so, DO NOT buy them. This will potentially kill the crab(s). Second of all, I've found out that if the shell feels dusty than its not treated.

 

I think he means sw hermit crabs red leg blue leg etc as its in the sw beginners. And to answer in not sure but there is usually shells at the fish store for like 50p max at the till but maybe someone else can advise too.

 

Which type of hermit crab are you referring to?
I only deal with land hermit crabs.

Don't buy any painted shells, because some of my crabs still remain in their painted ones from PetCo. I hate the shells, and encourage them to switch.

 

I think it looks cool what's the problem with the painted ones? Is it cruel for some reason?

 

Most paints they use are toxic, and flake off over time.
It is bad for the actual hermit crab's skin and injures them.

Some paints could be tacky, and actually trap the hermit crab inside it's shell.

 

Hi,

They are natural colours, I asked the guy and he said that for 10p there's no point in treating them, they look natural (see pic)

I got £3 worth and if I can't use them I'll put them on display.




Ethan

P.s they have a slight 'salty' smell if that makes sense

 

And they would be full sw

 

Looks ok to me

 

Ok, they are sitting in boiling water now, I'll soak them in ro water later and leave them to dry

Ethan

 

Did you get you sw tank set up ?

 

Did you get you sw tank set up ?

Not yet, hopefully around the end of next month if all goes well (waiting for renovation to finish)