DIY Shell Paint Removal

Salvage a hermit crab’s old painted shell! Offer your new hermit crab a variety of unpainted shells or glass shells, then wait for them to switch shells and remove their painted shell from the tank. Boil a pot of water and put the painted shell in the water. Get a tool that has a dull, flat edge, such as a nail cleaner or butter knife, and use the tool to chip off the paint. Use a nail file or sandpaper to sand off any thin layers of paint, then use a nail buffer to smooth the sanded area. Rub a finger along the inside of the shell to check for any sharp points that need to be filed as well. Clean the shell to remove any dust or other residue before offering it to your crab.