The Best Hermit Crab Shells
Hermit crabs are low-maintenance, friendly, and fun to watch, making them great pets. Every hermit crab is unique, with some changing shells frequently and others every once in a while, and one of the most important aspects of keeping these curious creatures as pets is providing a variety of shells for them to change as needed or desired. With so many hermit crab shells on the market, choosing the right one for your pet may seem like an impossible task. To help you with your search, we've rounded up some of the best hermit crab shells on the market.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following three things in mind as you search for the best hermit crab shells on the market: Is the opening the appropriate size for your hermit crab? Is it a high-quality shell without cracks or holes? Has it been treated with ingredients that could be harmful to your pet? Our favorite was the hermit crab shells from Ppclion, which come in a variety of attractive colors and don’t have any holes. We were also impressed by the hermit crab shells from Petawi, which aren’t painted and come in a pack of six different sizes. Keep reading to learn more about our favorites and find the right shell for your crab.
Ppclion Natural Hermit Crab Shell 14-pieces
Home sweet home
Give your hermit crab a safe place to live with these shells from Ppclion. The all-natural shells feature a variety of shapes and colors, making it likely your pet will find one they like. These shells have been ground and polished, creating an attractive finish without using paint or any substances that could be harmful to your shelled friend. Plus, if you have any shells remaining after your hermit crab chooses a home, you can also use them for decoration and arts and crafts.
Pros:
- We were thrilled that hermit crabs seemed to like these shells, as they become more active after moving into their new homes.
- The shells come in various styles and sizes, allowing hermit crabs to select the best one based on their preferences.
Cons:
- They may not be suitable for larger crabs.
Petawi Growth Hermit Crab Shell 6-pieces
No place like home
If you need shells for different stages of a growing hermit crab’s life, these natural, hand-polished seashells from Petawi are worth a closer look. The shells have a variety of opening sizes, including medium and large, so your pet can choose the type they like best. Plus, they contain no paint, coatings, or toxic materials that could hurt your hermit crabs.
Pros:
- We were impressed by how thick and sturdy the shells are. They should last until a hermit crab is ready to move into a new one.
- The shells come in a range of shapes and sizes, allowing hermit crabs to change into larger ones as they grow.
Cons:
- The shells may be too big for smaller crabs.
Sinkoo Hermit Crab Shell 19-pieces
Cozy comfort
This all-in-one set from Sinkoo comes with everything you need to turn your hermit crab’s tank into a home. It comes with natural shells in various sizes with different openings, giving your crab many options when choosing their new home. It also has a coconut hut, where your crustacean friend can hide whenever they want to escape it all.
Pros:
- We love that this set’s shells and coconut are all-natural, and the plants were created using environmentally friendly plastics.
- Hermit crabs seemed to like these shells and moved into them within a few hours of them being placed in their tanks.
Cons:
- You can’t put the plants on top of the coconut.
Pepperlonely Hermit Crab Shell 2-pieces
Plenty of room
Finding a suitable home for your large hermit crab isn’t always easy, but these shells from Pepperlonely get the job done. The spacious shells have good-sized openings, making it easy for a big hermit crab to move in with room to spare. They’re also thick and durable with vibrant colors. Moreover, they have no holes and smooth edges, making them a safe home for your pet.
Pros:
- We found these shells to have an attractive, polished finish without paint or coating that would harm hermit crabs.
- The shells are the right size for fully grown hermit crabs, with plenty of space for them to live comfortably.
Cons:
- The shell may be too heavy for some crabs.
Sinkoo Growth Hermit Crab Shells 17-pieces
Natural beauty
If you have several hermit crabs or a growing one that may need to change shells soon, these shells from Sinkoo will give your pet many options when choosing their new home. With nine different types of shells to choose from, your hermit crab is sure to find one they like. Plus, they come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors and are made of natural, environmentally friendly materials.
Pros:
- We were surprised that some hermit crabs found these shells so attractive that they switched shells every few days.
- These shells work well with growing crabs, giving them several options to change into larger ones as they develop.
Cons:
- Since the shells come in various sizes, not all of them may be suitable for your crab.
How often does a hermit crab change shells?
There’s no definitive answer for how often hermit crabs change shells. A lot has to do with personal preference, with some crabs changing their shells frequently and others less often. Your hermit crab’s species may also make a difference in how often they change their shell. While many hermit crabs change shells before or after a molt, when they shed the outer covering of their body, others do not.
What shells are best for hermit crabs?
Hermit crabs can be quite picky when it comes to choosing a shell, so it’s always good to have a variety on hand and allow them to choose what they like best. Most hermit crabs prefer thick shells with a round opening, so it’s a good idea to always have a few of these styles available.
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