Just as the popularity of hermit crabs as pets is rising all over the world, there is also a rising clamor from animal right groups to discourage the use of painted hermit crab shells. In fact, there is nothing more amazing than to see your crab's shell painted with colors, significant symbols, cartoon characters, football patterns and countless designs aiming to attract the buyers. Though mostly pet owners are responsible adults, there is now a rising demand for children to have these little crabs as a pet or toy. It is in this purpose that the idea of painted hermit crab shells first came out-basically to appeal younger buyers who are mostly children.
What makes the these particular crabs suitable for younger pet owners is the fact that they are easy to maintain. In fact, crabs can be the source of fun and entertainment for children. Many animal groups are campaigning to only buy hermit crabs from responsible breeders and animal rescue organizations. In fact, they are strong in opposing the use of painted hermit crab shells. They encourage the use of unpainted shells so as to protect the crabs.
Along with this, there is also continuing effort on the part of sellers of the painted hermit crab shells to spread awareness that the shells are not part of the crab's body and so there is not a single risk involved. In fact, it is true that when the crabs outgrow the shell, they look for the next larger size. Still many others maintain their position that painted shells are very harmful to the crabs.
1. The first issue raised by the animal groups with respect to using painted hermit crab shells is the fact that the paint will most likely chip off or flake over time. The paint contains toxic substances which can severely damage small animals like these crabs. As time goes by, the crab may suffer from the effects of the paint and will slowly die as a result.
On the other hand, the globs of the paint can also block the opening of the shell. There are countless cases when the crabs are trapped as the paint dries up. What is sad is the fact that when they outgrow their painted shells, their ability to walk is impaired, not to mention that they also develop difficulty reaching out using their grabbers. What is worst is that crabs can develop difficulty eating as a result of using these painted shells.
2. The second issue raised by the animal groups regarding the use of painted hermit crabs shells is that shop owners are perhaps unaware about the hazards of selling such shells. In the end, pet shops will greatly benefits from the huge sales coming from these shells as these items will most likely get attention from the pet owners especially the young ones. That is why there is a campaign to avoid buying these shells at all cost because the crabs have the right to live, just like anyone of us
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