Glass shells
Glass hermit crab shells are designed to be lightweight, yet sturdy and durable. They are made in a variety of colors, including gold, platinum, and glass. These shells are available online and are a safe and mobile home for hermit crabs.
Many people are surprised by the fact that hermit crabs can live in a glass shell. The shells are made to resemble the shape of natural shells. They are translucent and accommodate the body contours of the crabs. It’s important to remember that the shells are only for temporary use. Eventually the unused shells will fill with sand. To keep the crabs comfortable, it’s necessary to regularly change the water in the tank. In order to do so, you will need to replace it with dechlorinated fresh water. This is done once a week to prevent stagnation.
Glass hermit crab shells were invented by Vermont glass artist Robert DuGrenier. Several years ago, he was visiting the Bahamas and saw a hermit crab wearing a broken Coca-Cola bottle. DuGrenier was intrigued by the design and decided to create a shell that would fit the crab better. He has since been refining his design and is working on creating commercial shells for sale.
You can find hermit crab shells for sale at craft stores and online shell stores. You can also buy a shell caliper to measure the opening of the shell. Ideally, you’ll need to choose a shell that is at least one size larger than the current shell. If you’re purchasing a shell for a small hermit crab, you’ll want to choose a shell that is at least half an inch wider than the current shell.
Some crabs will spend a long time inspecting a new shell. In addition, the crabs will want to inspect the inside of the shell. After a few minutes, the crab will curl down into a new shell. Once the shell is empty, it should be removed and cleaned. Leaving the shell unattended can leave chemicals and other contaminants on the shell.
The best way to find the right shell for your hermit crab is to look for the best quality you can afford. Most shells sold in craft stores are bleached, which can harm the crab. A good alternative is to purchase a polished or etched natural shell. Besides being beautiful, they are safe for the crabs to inhabit.
As a matter of fact, some crabs prefer to live in open shells. Depending on the species, they may prefer a shell that is D-shaped or has a round opening.
You can also get hermit crabs that have a shell that is painted. But it’s important to remember that painted shells are not safe for hermit crabs to live in. While these shells may look pretty, they are not suitable for the crabs. Also, you should know that you should remove the paint when the crabs no longer use the shell.
Choosing a shell is also dependent on the size of the crab. Large crabs can live in shells with an opening of 1″ to 1 3/8″. For smaller crabs, shells with an opening of 1/2″ to 1″ are ideal.