Whelk Shell Egg Casing and Horseshoe Crabs

Have you ever seen a whelk shell? You can learn more about whelk shells and how to collect & clean them by checking out this previous post on the TwoClassyChics blog. They’re a popular seashell to collect on the northeast coast. Some people eat the sea snails that live inside. I personally don’t…too salty for my taste!

When it comes to collecting the seashells I only take the ones that are no longer inhabitated or if they sea snail has died. I’m friends with a few fishermen who do go out and catch them to use as a food source. They will then save the seashells for me to clean and preserve. I don’t recommend killing the sea snails just to get their shells…food yes..but other than that, no!

Whelks leave egg casings in the water when laying their eggs. They often get thrown up onto the beach by the current and of course…die. Each capsule within a casing can hold up to 40 baby whelks. Amazing!!! You can see what one looks like in the photograph above. Cool.

Another fun find while taking a beach walk are horseshoe crabs. Many of them get tossed up onto the beach by the current too! If we see live ones (we often do) we make sure we pick them up and walk them back out into the water. If you find one alive please do the same! Often times they die laying up on the beach from the heat or the seagulls dive bomb them for food.

Horseshoe Crab Shells can be cleaned and preserved just like any seashell. You can read my previous post on how to do that. I like to paint them and use them in various home decor and craft projects. They’re fairly easy to work with!

You can find all kinds of amazing treasures while out for a beach walk. I collect seashells, seaglass, driftwood, and other items that I find. As an added bonus, I’m getting fresh air, sunshine, and exercise while doing it!