The horror behind painted shells

[Wai]

The first one just SCARED me. Who could do such things? >[

Hermit crabs are marketed towards kids. Kids generally won't imagine such things happening, so those horrible people get away with it.

[Salt and Pepper]

The first one just SCARED me. Who could do such things? >[

Hermit crabs are marketed towards kids. Kids generally won't imagine such things happening, so those horrible people get away with it.

Well, I'm a kid. But I understand the care and do not consider my pets 'accesories'. I can imagine that (well, i care about gas prices too.. )and that's horrible.

[anniehorsekrab]

Whenever I go out to buy spare shells, the GOOD ones are always PAINTED and the few natural ones left are either cracked, too big, too small, have a bad opening, or whatnot. It's disgusting!

[ala-kazaam]

Aww! Omg, I can't even believe this. I never bought a painted sheel, because I think they're stupid, and ugly. But I never thought they would be so cruel as well! People are so cruel!

[Wai]

Animal cruelty is everywhere, it's just that people don't realise it. Just take a look at a typical pet store tank and witness an example yourself.

[Sterwick]

Yes I've seen the videos and signed the petition before.. but it still makes me sick. And sadly a very big problem too, i find myslf making many similar comments like this many times over. Problem with some kids is they love the cute shells and little pink kritter keepers but once they get the crabs they soon become bored of them like some toy and stop caring about them, while they just die because they are not housed in the right conditions and because the kids neglect them. Every pet needs responsibility- I am surprised though that these kids go for crabs if they are looking for cuteness and cuddlyness. Just because hermit crabs aren't the most brightest or conscious of creaures, they don't deserve to be treated like this. Besides, I think natural shells make the tank look much more realistic and you don't need paint to get beautiful patterns or textures. And besides i think painted football and spongebob shells look stupid.

Stevo.

[emmalwatson]

Wai,
I have two hermit crabs with a painted shell. My BFF has two hermit crab with a painted shell, too. I got them both from the Kennel Shop, so did my BFF. Do you think it's ok for them to be in a painted shell? They have moved shells a bit since I've had them. I REALLY want the best for my crabs!
How do you remove the paint??????!! I can't let my hermit crabs suffer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[emmac350]

Nope, the paint on the shells is bad for the crabs. You should look on ebay for unpainted hermit crab shells, or check out the Hermit Crab Patch or Naples Sea Shell Company (both are also online). Removing the paint can't be done unless the crab is out of the shell (it involves very hot water). Try to get 3 unpainted extra shells per crab in your tank and see if they'll change.

[Jadexox]

i see pet shops were the only spare shells are painted

[CrabbyJo]

You can also find natural shells on Ebay at very good prices.