Shell Express
March 2000 Newsletter

The Shell Express Newsletter is created by the Sea Shell Shop and sent to persons interested in stories, history and general information about nautical gifts, lighthouses, shells and hermit crabs. It provides interesting information about related subjects and possible links to other interesting sites full of similar information.

It also provides updates on what is available on the Sea Shell Shop site.

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Sign 'em up by clicking here on our home page. Look in index for subscribe box.
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LOOK FOR MARCH SUBSCRIBERS DISCOUNT !!!!!
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This month's newsletter contains ...

1) Hermit Updated Most Asked Questions

2) We need your opinion, suggestions and help.

3) Harbour Lights NEW collection

4) Sea Shell Shop Site Updates

• Galileo Thermometers
• Clock, tide clocks, weather instruments
• Wood Nautical Plaques
• (coming soon, ships, boats, more tables, lighthouse curtains and bedspreads)

6) NEW MARCH SUBSCRIBERS NEWSLETTER DISCOUNT
If you are a signed up newsletter member and you place an order in the month of March AND tell us in the special instruction box "I'm a Newsletter subscriber."
You'll get 10% off all your purchases. We'll subtract 10% off your total purchases when we receive your order. BUT REMEMBER you must on the order form write in the special instruction box "I'm a Newsletter Subscriber."

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1) HERMIT MOST ASKED QUESTIONS

What do you do if a hermit crab comes out of its shell?

Hermit crab may leave its shell for many reasons - the important thing is to get the animal back in it. First, you must boil the empty shell and rinse it with cool water. Then, fill the clean shell with cool water. Finally, dip the naked crab in water and gently push it into the shell, abdomen first. You can threaten it in further by tapping lightly on its head so it will quickly draw back into its shell. If the hermit crab is lively, active, and simply running around nude to streak, this easy procedure should be all you need to do. But, if your land hermit crab has been lethargic, hanging around the water dish and hanging out of its shell until it eventually comes all the way free, more attention is required after you get it safely back into its shell. The hermit crab is probably suffering from a stress-related syndrome that affects its respiratory system much like hyperventilation. Sometimes mother nature has her own way of dealing with these things but sometimes we can prevent the worst from happening. 

How can I make my hermit crabs more active? 

Hermit crabs are nocturnal, so they are never going to be as active as cats or dogs. However, there are several things you can do to promote activity. First, you must start with healthy land crabs and a warm environment. Second, water induces activity in the form of bathing or misting. And third, make their habitat a playground setting with a dry bottom medium and plenty of coral, driftwood, sea fans and lava rock for climbing and exploring. The more you take them out the most active they will become as they adjust to their new environment.

What happens when a crab molts? 

As part of its growth cycle, a hermit crab molts, or sheds its exoskeleton, usually once a year between May and September. The process can take two weeks or more. Initially, the hermit crab may bury itself in the sand or gravel and stay there for a few days. At this point, separate it from its companions by installing a divider in the habitat or by moving the other crabs to a separate habitat and leaving the molting crab in its familiar, stress-free environment. The next step is the shedding of the exoskeleton, which the crab will leave hanging in front of its shell. This shed skin is then eaten by the crab because it contains a valuable hardening agent called chitin. Because it is vulnerable with its new soft skin and it needs a lot of moisture, it may bury itself once molted for protection, and to seek moisture. If you know where the crab has buried itself, sprinkle water on the surface above it. Once the new soft pink skin becomes hard and purple, the hermit crab can return to its companions. 

What's the ideal temperature for a hermit crab? 

The comfort zone for hermit crabs is 72 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit; that is when they are most active and healthy. If the temperature drops to between 50 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, dormancy and hibernation will occur. A long hibernation may permanently affect the hermit crab. When you lower household temperatures with air-conditioning or energy-saving winter thermostat settings, heat the hermit crabs' habitat with a light or a special heater that warms the bottom medium. If it is too cold for too long they can develop what they call Crab Stress.

What makes a hermit crab aggressive? 

Despite their name, hermit crabs are actually very social, community oriented creatures and are rarely aggressive. It is perfectly all right to have various sizes of hermit crabs living together. The larger ones won't pick on the smaller ones. Any aggressiveness has to do with a fight over a favored shell rather than territory. Providing a large enough habitat with plenty of extra shells for playful switching and growing into should reduce fighting. When determining the right size shell
for a hermit crab to grow into, consider two points. First, the opening of the new shell should be the same size as the large pincher so the hermit crab can completely close itself off for protection. Second, depending on how far out of the old shell the hermit crab is protruding, the new shell should be about one-third larger. Shells that are too large are cumbersome to the crab and they become lethargic.

How can you tell the age and sex of a hermit crab? 

Although not scientifically conclusive, hermit crab keepers have widely held assumptions when determining the age and sex of land hermit crabs. The little teeth on the larger claw seem to imply age. The more teeth, the older the hermit crab. Of course, size is another factor. Jumbo hermit crabs (softball size and larger) are estimated to be between 15 and 50 years old. Many believe the presence or absence of long hair along one side of the abdomen determines the animal's sex. It is assumed that females have this long hair for the purpose of holding eggs. Hermit crabs are not known to breed in captivity, however, as their eggs must hatch and become larvae in the sea. 

What size habitat best suits a hermit crab? 

A good rule of thumb is two to four crabs per one-gallon tank. As with all creatures, however, the larger the habitat, the happier the residents. They do live in colonies and enjoy company regardless of the size.

What do I do if my hermit crab gets parasites? 

Although not usual, parasites can sometimes invade the hermit crab and its environment. They are dust mites from your home. An environment that is too high in humidity and/or too warm can cause the dust mites to invade your cage, because it is a perfect breeding ground. If you notice parasites on the crab's body, follow these steps to eliminate them. First, break down the entire tank and discard the bottom medium. Thoroughly clean and rinse the tank itself. Boil all other objects in the habitat, including extra shells, food and water dishes, and climbing items like coral , rock and wood. (You can also microwave them for a very short period. ) Rinse the items and allow to air dry. Finally, bathe the crab by dunking it completely in lukewarm water several times a day for a few days. Poor off the water with the crab still in the dish as the mites float and will float off. Return the crab to its clean environment after several days of isolation and several baths. 

Should hermit crabs be handled or just watched? 

Both. While it is fascinating to watch their antics, it is equally exciting to gently handle hermit crabs and eventually have them respond to you. Just like other pets, hermit crabs become familiar with their owner's voice and touch. They have been known to eat out of their owner's palms, ride on their shoulders and come out of their shell when called. Shy crabs have been trained with frequent misting, daily contact and talking. Each day they come out looking for their showers and for you. Hermit crabs do have different personalities and will learn to adjust to yours.

Why do hermit crabs drop their claws or legs? 

There are three basic reasons why hermit crabs lose their pinchers and legs. First, the environment may be too dry. Adding chlorine free water-filled sponges in their water dish and misting crabs, along with twice-weekly baths and daily drinking water will help an arid environment. Second, the loss could result from physical stress called Crab Stress, such as a traumatic molt or toxic interference from paint fumes or insecticides. Finally, an aggressive crab could have attacked it and the crab could have dropped its claw as it escaped. This is common, Claws and legs will regenerate during the next molt, however, so don't worry. 
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2) NEED YOUR OPINION AND SUGGESTIONS

We have been in retail a long time, since 1953, but e-commerce is new to us. Because we are a fairly new site we need your opinions on how to do better. We need to know what you think. Please tell us the good and the bad you have experienced.
If you have purchased from us, let us know how that worked for you. We need to know to get better. If you had a good experience and wouldn't mind us using you on a new testimonial page please let us know that too. Everything is important to us, especially now when we are trying so hard to do it right. We appreciate you taking the time to give us this feedback. We guarantee we will answer you. Your information is confidential. We NEVER share e-mail addresses. Please Subject address it "OPINION." You can e mail us to our personal address shells@ce.net.
Please Subject address it "OPINION."
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3)HARBOUR LIGHTS NEW MINI LIGHTHOUSES COLLECTION

Harbour Lights lighthouses now has a mini light that sells for under $15.00 each. They are called This Little Light Of Mine. They have 24 new little lighthouses with the same authentic detail as their other collectibles. You can find them all at:
http://www.seashellshop.com/harbourlights/thislittlelightofmine.html
One other question that needs an answer... Has anyone found a seahorse on the little mini lighthouses?

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4) SEA SHELL SHOP UPDATES

In this section we try to let you know what is new on our site for the month.

Galileo Thermometers

We have added Galileo Thermometers, Torricelli and Goethe Barometers. Each is an example of the original creation of the Italian scientists. The manufacturing is extremely complex and done mostly by hand. We have them available at... 
http://www.seashellshop.com/decorating/clocks/index.html

Clocks, Tide Clocks, Porthole Clocks, Weather Instruments

Time and tide wait for no one so we have added to our collection numerous
new additions of tide clocks, ship wheel clocks, porthole clocks and weather instruments. This selection from our catalog is devoted to quality instruments that provide you with nautical knowledge and added beauty and charm of the water to your home. The clocks have a quarts movement and come in both brass and wood.
http://www.seashellshop.com/decorating/clocks/index.html

Wood like Carved Plaques 

We now have unique wood like carving of many plaque sayings, wheels, mirrors, tables, and plaques all created from the original wood carvings of award-winning sculptor and artist All Pisano. Each reproductions looks and feels like the original. We have over 25 designs to choose from in a nautical and beach theme.
http://www.seashellshop.com/decorating/woodcarvings/index.html

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5) LINK US

Help us get linked to your other favorite sites that offer information about Nauticals, Lighthouses, Hermit Crabs, Tide clocks, Shells, Ships or any other related subjects. Just let us know where you want to link us. We have a banner available if you need one. We are just an e-mail away. Subject address it "LINK US." And by the way Thank you.
All you or anyone who wants to use it will need is the following HTML to paste into their e-mails / web pages:

<a href="http://www.seashellshop.com">
<img src="http://www.seashellshop.com/images/sssadbanner.jpg" border="0"
width="450" height="110">
</a>

shells@seashellshop.com

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If you have any question, comments or suggestions about Shell Express Newsletter or would like to add an article to it, please contact us at shells@seashellshop.com. We hope you enjoyed this issue and will see you in about one month.
If you need special assistance please contact our retail store and ask
for a manager.
302-227-4323.

Have a nice day,
Sea Shell Shop

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Copyright 2000, Sea Shell Shop. All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter maybe reproduced for other sites or for any commercial reason without the consent of the Sea Shell Shop.

NEW MARCH NEWSLETTER DISCOUNT
If you are a signed up newsletter member and you place an order in the month of March AND tell us in the special instruction box "I'm a Newsletter subscriber."
You'll get 10% off all your purchases. We'll subtract 10% off your total purchases when we receive your order. BUT REMEMBER you must on the order form write in the special instruction box "I'm a Newsletter Subscriber."