Naked Hermit Crab

[argoandcliffthecrabs]

Here is a picture of the cracked claw during a reshelling attempt.

http://imgur.com/FN5nRpw

[argoandcliffthecrabs]

Here’s a picture of the cracked claw that I got during a reshelling attempt. It may be hard to see, but it’s there. You might have to zoom in if you can.

http://imgur.com/FN5nRpw

[argoandcliffthecrabs]

Accidentally posted twice as the first time it didn’t show my post! My apologies!

[argoandcliffthecrabs]

Oh no! A part of the exoskeleton where the crack in the claw is came off! Also, I think there is also a crack in his back leg! I think he may have obtained these injuries from climbing, as climbing for him usually ends in falling and he’s always been okay after but maybe he hit something when he fell? I hope he’s okay!!

http://imgur.com/2iySu4R
http://imgur.com/4r8sFYt

[soilentgringa]

I've never seen an exoskeleton crack or break just from falling inside the habitat.

Are other crabs attacking this one?

Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

[wodesorel]

What is underneath the crack? Is it soft and squishy, or hard?

[argoandcliffthecrabs]

As far as I know, I don’t think he’s been in any serious fights. He’s also bigger than the other crab, but I don’t know if that means anything. Underneath the crack it is soft. There is a bit of a layer that’s harder but flimsy. Also near the chipped part where the crack continues I am able to push on it and move it. He also is refusing reshelling still.

I don’t think the exoskeleton cracking and chilling and the refusal to wear a shell are related, but maybe it’s possible they could be? I wouldn’t know why. I’ve never had any problems like either of these before (albeit, I’ve only kept hermit crabs for a year now).

I’m very concerned and very confused.

[argoandcliffthecrabs]

Unfortunately, Argo has passsd away. He was such a great hermit crab. He had an oddball personality and I loved that about him. He will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace, Argo.

[wodesorel]

I am so very sorry. You did all that you could. Once they start refusing a shell repeatedly it usually means a health issue that has progressed into full-body involvement, and there is usually no reversing that. I wish we could tell you why this happened, but there usually is no way of knowing. Something strange happened with his exo cracking like that, I'm not sure this could have been prevented.

[GotButterflies]

I'm really sorry for your loss.

The one thing that I noticed is that you are not using the correct kind of salt. ZooMed Salt is not sufficient for hermit crabs. It lacks the essential trace minerals that hermit crabs need. You need marine salt for making a saltwater fish tank. A lot of us use products like Instant Ocean or Red Sea. You can purchase these products from most pet stores, fish stores or Amazon. These products are basically boxed salts that need to be mixed with dechlorinated water.

I would also recommend you bumping your minimum sand height to 6".

Best wishes!

[ciaraalston]

Wow, reading this post I was cheering you on, hoping he would reshell and be okay! I'm so sorry for your loss. You did the absolute best you could and I'm sure he had a great life. Prayers

Sent from my SM-S727VL using Tapatalk

[argoandcliffthecrabs]

Thank you all so very much.

I will be sure to get a better way of making the saltwater (Instant Ocean, Red Sea, etc.) and I will increase the substrate depth.

Again, thank you all so much for all of the help. I am truly grateful to have found this website and to be a part of it where I know I am getting correct information, as well as the best information. You were all so very helpful. God bless you all.