What Does It Mean When My Hermit Crab's Shell Chips?

Though hermit crabs are great low-maintenance pets, they sometimes have health issues that owners should be aware of. Hermit crabs have soft bellies, and they rely on the empty shells of other creatures for protection. However, this source of protection for hermit crabs can also cause health problems. One possible health concern arises when a hermit crab's shell is brittle and chips off.

  1. Chipping

    • Natural shells can become brittle and chip, but only painted shells potentially harm the health of your hermit crab when they chip. Hermit crabs often eat items in their environment, so they might ingest the pieces of their shells that chip off. Because unpainted shells do not have toxic ingredients, they are not a hazard. However, painted shells can be hazardous if the paint or coating chips off and the crab eats it.

    Toxicity

    • Though manufacturers claim that the materials used to paint creative designs onto hermit crab shells are non-toxic, hermit crab enthusiasts argue that painted shells are hazardous to their pets. The paint used to decorate hermit crab shells is non-toxic, but some manufacturers use a toxic clear coat to seal the paint on the shell. Some shells that appear natural also might be coated with a clear varnish, which is sometimes toxic.

    New Shells

    • If your hermit crab's painted shell is chipping, you should buy a new shell. Ideally, a hermit crab should have several shells in its cage so it can move to a different shell if it suits them better. When choosing a new shell for your crab, you should buy a few that appear the same size as your crab's current shell and a few that are slightly bigger. Hermit crabs require larger shells as they grow, but they grow very slowly, so the shells you choose should all be about the same size. It is best to choose natural shells from a pet store or supplier you trust.