Are painted shells good for hermit crabs?

No, they are not.

Painted shells--

*will chip and eventually look terrible.

*can cause the hermit crab to get sick or even die- the paint has chemicals in it, and when it chips, the paint can fall into their food or water, and the crab will eat it- not a good idea!

*are much less expensive than regular shells

*provide a bad home to the crab

Please - just get a natural shell. It is so much better for the crab.