Red Legged Hermit Crab

[adams]

I've just purchased some Red Legged Hermit Crabs and forgot to ask about changing shells. I know they molt from their shells to grow but I'm just wondering if they need any specific shell or would any from my local beach do as long as they're a bit bigger than their current one?
thanks,

 

[adams]

Do they need a new shell or do they grow them themselves.. I'm trying to find it in my books but its not there?

 

[btldreef]

They will need to be provided w/ shells or they'll kill your snails for the shell. Some hermits will kill snails regardless of how many shells you provide.
Hermits all need new shells as they grow. Their shells do not grow with them like a snails does.

 

[adams]

And will pet stores provide the shells or would any shell do from my beach ect?

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by AdamS
http:///forum/post/3230172
And will pet stores provide the shells or would any shell do from my beach ect?
Depends on the store. SWF sells a bulk supply of them.
Honestly, I would not use shells from the beach.

 

[murf48]

Iv'e got a 55g and a 29g both with red legs, blues and halloweens. all of them have moved into the shells I have taken from the ocean