Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue May 29, 2012 7:53 am ]
Post subject: Mangled Strawberry
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When I turned the light on in the straw tank this morning (empty except for molters) what I found was the most sad, but determined crab I've ever seen. I initially thought, oh good, a molter is up, but quickly realized I had a big problem. There was a naked crab missing both claws, his 2 right legs, and most of his 2 left legs. There he was, obviously having dug up through the sand with only half of 2 legs and with one of the stubs hooked over the only shell on the substrate, attempting to find the strength to pull himself up. I'm pretty sure it's one of my 2 large males. The large females moved to the 90 and what's left of this one looks too big to be my medium.
Of course, this was 15 minutes before I was supposed to leave for work (I decided to be late) and I still needed to get dressed for work. I quickly rinsed him and tried to get him in a shell. The first one I grabbed didn't seem to fit, so I found a Mexican turbo (thinking it will be lighter for him if he has any mobility) and after rinsing both him and the shell, between me and him helping, we got him into the shell. He must have at least some of his little back legs because I held him over the salt water dish so he could get a drink and he held on to the shell and did appear to drink.
He's set up in a spare Kritter Keeper with sand, two of the tiny dishes from Petsmart with fresh and dechlorinated water and a flat shell with several food options of things I had that were finely ground. I propped him between the food shell and the salt water dish (hoping he can reach out to both) and put him under a cocohut with it propped on the side of the salt dish. I put the KK back in the 29 gallon straw tank so his conditions are identical to what they were before. I'll have to assess more tonight when I get home. The positive news is that when I peeked in on him before I left he was peaking out of the shell, feelers going and reaching for the food. I'm hoping that the determination he showed in getting to the surface and attempting to find a shell will serve to get him through this, with my help. All those who have dealt with these situations, I'll take all the advice I can get.
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Author: Happy Crabber [ Tue May 29, 2012 9:08 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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OMG! Poor fella! He's in good hands with you.
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Author: kuza [ Tue May 29, 2012 9:25 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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wow he's lost a lot. I'm hoping for the best
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue May 29, 2012 12:48 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Anything you want to know or anything you need just ask! You were Sunshine's Crabby Godmother, so I know you have the touch to help him if it's at all possible. *hugs*
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Author: wolfnipplechips [ Tue May 29, 2012 1:03 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I have my fingers crossed for him. Good luck.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue May 29, 2012 1:13 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I do have a couple questions (since most all I've thought about all day at work is this poor crabbie). For those who have dealt with a similar situation, did you just have them in ISO, or did you cover them with something and in the ISO? I managed to fit a cocohut in there this morning, deciding to error on the side of dark and quiet for today. If he doesn't need to be covered it would be easier to see if he is eating, drinking, etc. and easier to put more accessable food and drink close. Also, should I set him in both shallow salt water and shallow fresh water to get a drink, or just one or the other, or would it be best to alternate? I'm thinking the best I'll be able to do is a really quick drink before I go to work each morning, then again when I get home, and a third time later in the evening.
Wode - I went back and looked at some of your post on Sunshine. I want to read the whole thing tonight for any ideas. I do think Sunshine had more body parts left than this guy. He has only 1 or 2 sections of 2 legs.
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Author: gpw9167 [ Tue May 29, 2012 1:25 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________I hope everything turns out OK.
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue May 29, 2012 1:37 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I used a container I could cover and keep dark. She couldn't move in the beginning anyway, so I just made sure to put as much food into her reach as possible and didn't worry about a cocohut as I figured that would have been worse.
Yes, he should get both waters on a regular basis. I did Sunshine 4 times as a day (as often as I could, basically), with her sitting in extremely shallow water for 5-10 minutes each salt and fresh. (And I went around and did other things since there was no way she could have gotten out of the bowl. Since she was a PP I did salt and then fresh, but for a straw I'd go in reverse since they like salt more. Since they like to bath you may even want to do a minute or two bath once a day.
With no claws it's going to be harder to feed, but even Sunshine had no ability to use the small claw that was left aside from using it as a crutch to lift her body up. She did all of her eating with just her mouth. They can do really well with just that and she was even able to hover over her exo and eat it with no claws to rip it apart! I really recommend Q-tips broken in half as it's easier for the crabs to move around with their mouths to eat food off of. Just moisten with honey and dredge through powdered food, or spin in moist food for an even coating.
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Author: RockyGurly [ Tue May 29, 2012 4:50 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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It really amazes me how determined these guys can be, I'll be rooting for him! I hope he makes a full recovery soon
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue May 29, 2012 5:24 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I was able to get some pictures and identify who it is based on comparison to pictures from before. It's Sparky and I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or worse. Sparky was always my favorite of the Straws (don't tell the others!), but I had thought that both of the large males hadn't made it since it has been a long time since I saw either. So at least he is alive.
I think he's able to reach both food and water from the KK. He has some mobility, although it is mostly limited to spinning in circles since he has most of 2 legs on one side. I was able to determine that he does have most of both of those legs, probably just missing the lower section, which is better off than I thought this morning.
I had him out for a while tonight sitting by a water dish. Tried putting him in it, but because he's so big, when he comes out if anything scares him (and everything does) he falls face first in the water. He did finally come out and sit there a couple feet from me and not immediately pull back in, but if I try to get close to offer food he retracts. Well, the one time he actually tried to run away from me, which was very unsuccessful, but the attempt, to me, is a positive sign. He does seem to have some attitude, which is good.
I worried about putting anything too sticky in the KK by him because he is moving around a fair bit and keeps falling in the food. I don't want him to fall in something sticky and get it in his gills or mouthparts.
Oh, and apparently my memory is bad. The shell that ended up working was a tapestry turbo. Here's the view I mainly see when he's out. Note the eyes peaking out inside the shell.
One of the few shots I was able to get when he was out.
Inside the KK.
I really need my magically molting E, Peanut, to get out of the 10 gallon so I can move him in there in a few days. For now I think the KK is best because I can wedge him in where he can reach both water dishes and the food shell.
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Author: Careyenz [ Tue May 29, 2012 6:28 pm ]
Post subject: Mangled Strawberry
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I really hope all turns out well. It seems he was aptly named and definitely has a spark for life! He's in the best hands, I'm sure, but no one wants to be in that situation. Keep us all posted. I'll be sending lots of good vibes your way!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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Author: kuza [ Tue May 29, 2012 6:46 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________I hope he makes it!
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Author: SoulLonely [ Tue May 29, 2012 7:48 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________I wish the crabbie good luck!
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue May 29, 2012 8:03 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Seems we are building trust quickly. On round 2 out tonight he came out in the salt water dish and just sat there for a bit looking at me. I had about 1/2" of water in the dish and tipped his shell just so that a tiny bit could go in the opening. We may try a bit deeper water in a few days. He also ate honey off a Q-tip for me, then mineral supplement on top of it. He certainly figured out quickly that I'm trying to help. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much because I know he has a long way to go, but for day 1 it went fairly well.
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue May 29, 2012 8:11 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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He looks so perky! It's good that he can lift himself up like that. As he eats more and he figured out how to, he should be able to drag himself around a bit. And the trust thing will build over time. They do figure out it, I don't know how, but they do. He's eating and drinking and that's going to be the biggest hurdle! Otherwise he looks healthy with no sign of infection or other injury. He's active and aware and those are great signs.
Stuff him full of as much food as he'll eat - he'll need every last bit! Sunshine's fav was the shredded coconut you had sent stuck onto a honey q-tip, and also the Turtle Medley crush up the same way. If you have a mortar and pestle it'll give you more options (like making fresh apple mush).
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Author: Jackolope [ Tue May 29, 2012 8:13 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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they are incredibly hardy animals. separate from the others and let him recover alone, give him some time to himself. it was probably eaten during molting, since crabs are cannibals. this is why it is important to separate them if they show signs of molting or block off area where they are molting. good luck, if he can still feed himself he may survive, but the stress of being eaten can do them in. sorry
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue May 29, 2012 8:47 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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wodesorel wrote:
If you have a mortar and pestle it'll give you more options (like making fresh apple mush).
Well, I don't now, but thanks to Amazon Prime and 2 day shipping, plus a hubby that has given up on me and the crabs and just pretty much looks at me and sighs, I'll have one on Thursday.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue May 29, 2012 8:53 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Jackolope wrote:
they are incredibly hardy animals. separate from the others and let him recover alone, give him some time to himself. it was probably eaten during molting, since crabs are cannibals. this is why it is important to separate them if they show signs of molting or block off area where they are molting. good luck, if he can still feed himself he may survive, but the stress of being eaten can do them in. sorry
He's in a Kritter Keeper that is closed and taped shut, and is back in the tank where he had been. The other straws in there that were not molting moved to my big tank on Sunday, so the tank is essentially empty unless a molter comes back up.
I don't separate my molters, especially with the straws and Es they dig constantly so I would never know when they were really molting. My theory is to have very deep substrate and not over crowd the tank. That is why I put 11" of substrate in my 90 gallon and when all the crabs go in there will be 19 total.
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue May 29, 2012 9:18 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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CrabbyMom33 wrote:
wodesorel wrote:
If you have a mortar and pestle it'll give you more options (like making fresh apple mush).
Well, I don't now, but thanks to Amazon Prime and 2 day shipping, plus a hubby that has given up on me and the crabs and just pretty much looks at me and sighs, I'll have one on Thursday.
Make him a home-made meat rub with it, and he'll love you forever! (Just don't tell him you've used it to crush up insects. )
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Wed May 30, 2012 7:40 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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For those with experience knowing what damage "looks bad", how do the ends of Sparky's remaining legs look where they were broken off? The all purpose sand has some level of dirt, so I would expect some brown.
As I had him out to give him water and food tonight I saw that he is starting to learn how to adapt to his new situation. he is using what is left of his first left leg to scoop up food and bring it to his mouth, much like they normally use their pinchers.
Here's a picture of him having some of the Blueberry instant hermit crab treat from HCP. I realized today that these would be good to feed to him since I have about 6 different kinds. They are made from honey, coconut milk, and either a fruit or vegetable. I ordered some things from HCP today and got thestrawberry and corn flavors to add to my collection.
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Author: Jackolope [ Wed May 30, 2012 7:48 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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awww, poor little guy. you seem to be keeping great care of him. just make sure the broken legs aren't open wounds, you don't want bacteria in them, and plenty of calcium and protein.
Dr. says
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Author: wodesorel [ Wed May 30, 2012 8:02 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Those look like really clean wounds. It's almost better for them to get attacked when they're still soft from molting as the wounds scab over hard and are more resistant to infection. It's the wounds that occur mid-molt that get infected as they have no way to harden off that section of flesh to protect it.
Look at him eating for you!!! Sunshine was too much of a wreak to have ever done that.
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Author: CrabbyIrene [ Thu May 31, 2012 5:47 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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oh, the poor baby
its great that he's eating for you, really a good sign. When my E, Bug, lost all limbs except for one back leg she was a mess. she was also naked when i found her and pretty much in the process of being eaten when i dug her up (call it mama's instinct!) where her limbs used to be was scabbed over and looked black, which as time went on the scabbed parts would fall off, just like a scraped knee. i fed her from a chop stick, back end of a crochet hook, toothpick, my pinky, or i would place her mush food on the side of my left hand thumb and sit her in my left hand and the thumb kind of worked like a table (Bug was small) i did saltwater first then freshwater. i would place her in the dish and prop up the sides of her shell with small stones to prevent her from tipping over head first into the water, within a few weeks she got strong enough to climb out by herself and i would find her 6-10inches away, i guess she was done! (i placed the water dishes on the floor on a towel). I fed and watered Bug in the morning & again at dinner time, i couldnt do more since i was gone all day.
But defintely feed lots of calcium, i really think that was my issue with Bug not making it through her molt. She grew her gel limbs and was doing great, she molted but never hardened. she was lacking something in her diet that i did not provide or just didnt provide enough of, which really stinks because she came so far in those couple of months
also what i noticed is right before they are ready to molt the gel limbs will turn from the white color to a pinkish color. i think someone else here observed this also, i think it was Infinitebohr ??
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Thu May 31, 2012 7:47 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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My husband made an assessment this morning that we are now running an assisted living facility for hermit crabs. He is being somewhat helpful in the process though. While Sparky was hanging out in a container of salt water this morning hubby sat with him to make sure he was OK while I went to get ready for work. Since Sparky is so big it seems that I need to put a minimum of 1/2" to 3/4" of water in the container for him to easily get in a position to drink, but I'm not certain yet if he can push himself up clear of the water if he falls forward into it.
Wode - Thanks for the wound assessment. Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with many of them until now.
Irene - Thank you for the information. I will make special note to be sure something calcium rich is part of one of the daily hand feedings. I do put HCP mineral supplement as one of the items in the food shell in the KK daily. I've seen him reaching for food while in the KK so I think he can eat while he's in there, which is much of the day since I work full time. I need to look up what things are high calcium other than the mineral blend.
I think tonight he'll be getting some very finely chopped shrimp with shell since he likely didn't get to eat his exo, although he seems so strong that I have to wonder if he did get to eat some. Maybe we'll go for scrambled egg with the shell finely ground up and added on feeding 2 tonight.
One thing I've chosen to do that seems contradictory to normal guidance is that I'm not covering the container or the tank he's in, although I do not have a light turned on in the tank where I have the KK (heat is UTH only in the 29) so it is reasonably dark. I've noticed that he sits with his legs and eyes out of the shell much of the time in the KK, just looking around. The end of the 90 gallon is 3 feet from him and I think he is watching the other crabs in there. I don't think me walking in and out of the room bothers him because he doesn't normally withdraw into his shell even if I walk right up to the tank, although he is capable withdrawing into the shell. If my son walks in the room that's another story.
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Author: meldamiriel [ Thu May 31, 2012 8:04 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Honestly, I would think it'd be fine to keep him on a normal day/night schedule with lights. He seems to be doing really well regardless of the situation - he also looks quite healthy despite. His wounds don't look too bad and so long as he seems to try to be getting along on his own, I don't see why light would bother him.
If he seems to be getting along as normally as he possibly can in his current state, I would try giving him a little light one day while you can watch him. If he reacts badly to it, keep it dark. In my mind, the more normal you can keep his iso while he's there the less stress he might have to endure when he's ready to move back.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:36 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Sparky is continuing to do amazingly well, given the situation. I had some good news this morning. When I opened the 29 gallon to get Sparky's KK out for his morning drink and feeding I found that Torch, my medium Strawberry, was up from molting. This means that someone didn't go a a crab eating spree in the tank, and instead the damage to Sparky was likely a chance encounter. I was really worried that whoever did the damage had turned into a problem crab and that the rest of the straws may have been attacked as well. The likely candidates are Flame and Ember, my two big female straws, who moved to the 90 gallon last Sunday. I'm now much less worried about them being in there with everyone else.
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Author: CrabbyCouple [ Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:23 am ]
Post subject: Mangled Strawberry
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I am sending Sparky some good healing vibes! Sorry, no experience with that kind of damage. The last photo you posted of him eating from the q-tip is so wonderful it makes me want to cry - he looks so trusting and grateful!!
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Author: RockyGurly [ Fri Jun 01, 2012 3:09 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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That's great news he looks like he definately knows that you equal food now he's such a sweetie ^_^
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Author: Lyn Penn [ Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:25 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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The only advise I might add is to keep him isolated until he is 100%, because crabs, as much as we love them, are oppertunistic and will prey on a weaker crab. For his own protection, keep him in ISO until he is strong.
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Author: annopia [ Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:41 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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what a sweet heart he is. i actually had a crab in almost the exact same situation...Domino had lost both pinchers, both legs on the right side, and part of one of the legs on the left side. however, i wasn't sure what caused her problem...i found her like that, at a crab kiosk in a mall. her shell had flake of paint coming off, so i wondered if perhaps she had eaten some and gotten ill from it. i kept her in a small iso tank (5.5 gallon i bought especially for her) that was 1/2 EE, 1/2 moist moss (one side of each). the moss was good because she could "dig down" and feel comfy, despite being pretty unable to dig in actual sand or EE. i fed her organic kibbles (from the addiction store or the happy hermit crab) mixed with honey. i placed it on a flat dish and put her on top of it each day, as well as holding her over both waters several times each day (like you are doing). her first molt was excellent, she grew back all of her legs and pinchers, but sadly she did not survive the second molt . i think that may have been due, however, to the combined stress from the crab kiosk and possibly eating that paint (neither of which apply in your situation, happily).
i'll keep my fingers crossed for your little fighter...we're all pulling for him.
annopia
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:07 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I think he may be ready to move into a tank with no one else in it. This afternoon I found him IN the tiny salt water dish in the KK ISO. I think that means we need a bit more salt water time this evening since I sort of rushed it this morning. Unfortunately, I have 3 tanks, other than my 90, all with at least one molter. I really need those guys to hurry up!
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:15 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I've had an interesting observation. Normally a hermit crab sits facing you with the opening to the right and the spiral to the left. Many times Sparky is flipping himself over with the 2 legs on his left side so the shell is actually upside down and then he twists around to face down. I think this gets him in a better position to eat and drink without having to use energy to hold himself up. At first I thought he was falling into this position. Then yesterday I saw him intentionally duck down in the water and roll. Tonight I saw it again much more obvious. He was balanced in the normal position and pushed up with his legs to flip the shell. The reason I'm sure is that the first push didn't do it and I saw him very intentionally do it again and land in the position in this picture.
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Author: kuza [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:20 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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maybe it's how they get water in their shell when there is only shallow water. I've seen straws with full water shells with only a small dish.
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Author: wodesorel [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:30 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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To me, that's a "lazy pose" as they don't have to hold up their shell at all when twisted around that way. Echo does this when she's got good food in easy reach and she doesn't want to work for it.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k104/ ... oolazy.jpg
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Author: kip.rogers357 [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 4:39 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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CrabbyMom33 wrote:
I think this gets him in a better position to eat and drink without having to use energy to hold himself up.
Wow, isn't it amazing how these creatures are so intelligent!?
I'm glad he's doing good and at least trying to do things for himself.
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Author: Jackolope [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 5:51 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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it could be the best way to support himself. Before Maggie died she lost a leg and the position of her shell changed a little to compromise
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Author: meldamiriel [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:44 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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It's always impressive to see how well these guys can adapt to pretty much any situation they're put in.
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Author: Invert Mom [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:16 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I'm so sorry to hear that happened to him. He's in good care, and I hope he does well for you.
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Author: RockyGurly [ Mon Jun 04, 2012 10:57 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Look at that little guy go! Wow! I'm glad he's doing so well, I really hope he makes a full recovery soon.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:16 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Looking for input from those of you who have dealt with similar situations. It's been one week since I found Sparky naked and mangled. Since then he's been eating very well, and is continuing to eat, even this morning when I had him out. This morning about 10 minutes after I put him back in the KK I found that he had climbed over his food shell and was in an open corner appearing to dig. The substrate in there is only about 1" so he's not going far today. Normally, I'd say that means he's ready to molt, but could a large straw be ready to molt only 1 week after being found in this condition? I tried to look to see if I see gel buds, but he was too wiggly this morning.
I know I really need him in an ISO tank badly instead of the KK. Maybe I should just go looking for my teeny E molting machine in the 10 gallon tonight and treat her like a found molter and put her in the KK inside the 55. I really hate to intentionally dig her up, but in this case it may be justified to give him a place to molt. Thoughts?
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:17 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I think Sparky is getting close to molting, but he's still eating and drinking like a pig, so that doesn't follow along with what I've heard from others about stopping eating immediately pre-molt. Part of my dilemma is the need to clear a tank for him to molt and molters down in all three ISO options. Every day I can leave them down is a day they may come up on their own, yet I don't want Sparky attempting a molt in his condition out in the open in a KK. I'll take any advise anyone has on this one.
Here's some pictures I took tonight.
Sparky: Molt sac? Regular view, then close up.
Definitely some gel buds forming.
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:43 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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It varies in time before they're ready to molt again. The gel limbs still seem rather small, but that was about when Sunshine stopped eating and I covered her over. When I checked on her 7 days later, they were very well defined. They will grow extremely quickly!
He might be able to actually dig, but more likely you'll need to make a false cave for him. It can be in an ISO or the KK, so long as it's someplace he'll be safe for a few weeks while he does his thing. Has he stopped eating completely yet? Sunshine started scratching around a few days before she stopped eating, and when she refused food completely I covered her over and let her be.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:51 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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This morning was the first time he showed any sign of digging when he climbed over the food shell and dug in the open corner of the KK. He's still eating pretty well.
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:55 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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If it were me, I'd give him a big cocohut where he could go where it's dark, and continue to feed him. When he stops eating and spends all his time trying to dig in the cocohut you'll know it's time. You probably still have a few days, but it's so hard to tell!
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:29 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Sparky just got an upgrade from the broom closet to the ISO suite! I knew I had a bit of time tonight to dig for Peanut and if Sparky decided he was ready to molt in the morning before work I'd have no options.
I started in the front left corner and where was Peanut? Back right corner, of course. I think it was good I dug her up, even though I never would have if it wouldn't have been for Sparky. She was at the bottom of the tank packed in sand with no molting cave. I wasn't even sure she was alive, but there was no smell, so I put Peanut in a false cave in a container, added some exo I found elsewhere in the tank (there was none right by her) and at that point I saw her feelers wiggling a bit and her eyes came out, so I know she's alive. I covered the hole with a big shell, put the lid on the container (it has holes in it), and her container is in the 55.
I set Sparky up in the 10 gallon by himself. I dug holes and set the water dishes down in the sand a bit for easier access. I put in a large flat dish with food, plus he has 2 cocohuts in case he gets himself to the other side of the food dish. I'll be able to keep an eye on him for the next couple of hours. My plan is to take him out once a day in the evening to get into deeper food dishes and maybe for some messy food like finely chopped shrimp.
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Author: Jackolope [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 6:50 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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keep feeding him loads of proteins and calcium enriched foods, cooked meat, eggs, eggs shells, cuttle bone, and sea salt. make sure those a primary foods in his diet right now.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:08 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Jackolope wrote:
keep feeding him loads of proteins and calcium enriched foods, cooked meat, eggs, eggs shells, cuttle bone, and sea salt. make sure those a primary foods in his diet right now.
Yes, that's what I've been doing for a week. He has 4 or 5 foods in the food shell in the KK at all times, with at least one protein, and one calcium rich item. He has been eating like crazy. He's had good sized helping of bee pollen several times, plus I have a kelp cuttlebone mix and honey cuttlebone mix from HCP that he's been eating. We've done egg, shrimp (with shells, chopped very fine), plus I'm trying to give him food high in beta carotene as well since he's a straw.
In addition to the foods in the shell in the KK I have taken him out 3 times a day and fed him something specific, plus gave him time in deeper fresh and salt water. I had him out about 30 minutes each time and did mist him a couple times while he was out. After the first couple feedings I started logging what I was feeding to keep track of how much was protein and calcium and to be sure I alternated. Everything was either in powdered form or I ground it to that using a mortar and pestal. Since I'm also trying to make this a reference post here is the list (the + means he liked it a lot, the - means he didn't, and nothing means he ate it, but wasn't thrilled):
5/29 PM2 – honey & coconut
5/30 AM – carrot organic baby food
5/30 PM1 – HCP blueberry treat(+), mineral blend
5/30 PM2 – carrots, banana(+)
5/31 AM – HCP kelp cuttlebone
5/31 PM1 – finely chopped shrimp (+) – big hit!
5/31 PM2 – ground up Fluker’s Medley and coral calcium powder (+)
6/1 AM – HCP Peach treat (+)
6/1 PM1 – bloodworms and oyster shell (-)
6/1 PM2 - chicken
6/2 AM – HCP Pumpkin treat (*)
6/2 PM1 – scrambled egg, egg shell
6/2 PM2 – coconut, carrot organic baby food (-)
6/3 AM – HCP Honey cuttlebone with mineral blend mixed in (+)
6/3 PM1 – Red bell pepper
6/3 PM2 – tilapia, sweet potato
6/4 AM – HCP Mangosteeno Treat (+)
6/4 PM1 – Tuna
6/4 PM2 – HCP Kelp Cuttlebone (+)
6/5 AM – HCP Strawberry treat
6/5 PM1 – finely chopped shrimp (+)
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:15 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I think my timing may have been perfect. Sparky looked at the food, look at the salt water, then managed to work his way around to the cocohut. I looked over and he was legs up clawing at the opening from under it. I set him upright partly under the cocohut and then he started digging. He's continuing to dig further back in it now. I'll check on him tomorrow and if he doesn't want to eat I'll give him a bit of help with the digging.
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Author: Jackolope [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:16 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________awww, your such a good mom
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue Jun 05, 2012 10:12 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Hubby and I are sending good vibes his way! Hopefully it won't be long before he's back to his old self. It did take three molts for me to feel comfortable letting Sunshine in with the othes because she was so clumsy with the new legs, so keep that in mind once he comes back up. It'll be interesting to see how well he's able to regenerate since he's a straw. Maybe you'll be lucky and he'll have full use of all his new limbs from day one.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:46 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I just checked on him this morning. He had done quite a bit of digging under the cocohut, but wasn't making much progress on depth. I dug a little hole for him, put him in it, then covered it with the cocohut and put a shell in to cover the opening. I'm undecided about whether or not I should take him out tonight to offer food and water, or just leave him there since he was trying to dig.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Thu Jun 07, 2012 8:59 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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A quick update - last night I thought about it and decided that since Sparky had no way to get out of the hole if he still needed food and water that I needed to check on him and offer him both food and water. That was a good plan. I offered a high value food, both nutritionally and from the "I like it" perspective. He had HCP powdered honey cuttlebone and ate like he was starved! He also spent a good amount of time in both the fresh and salt water (deeper containers outside the tank). Afterward I put him in the food dish in his tank and he ate for a while, then I put him back under the cocohut. I did the same thing tonight, but he got ground up crickets for a food and a few new options in his food bowl in the tank. He can move around enough to get to different parts of the large flat food bowl.
I plan to continue this once a day until he refuses food. From what others have said that is the sign that he is ready to molt. I did take pictures last night of his gel buds and compared them to the night before and they were noticeably bigger.
Here's a picture from last night and from tonight. There is obviously a level of trust going on here that I wouldn't have thought possible a week ago.
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Author: Jackolope [ Thu Jun 07, 2012 9:09 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________i can't get over how cute he is
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Author: Invert Mom [ Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:11 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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He really is. More good vibes your and his way.
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Author: SoulLonely [ Fri Jun 08, 2012 7:23 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________Glad to her he is doing good still
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Author: Lyn Penn [ Fri Jun 08, 2012 2:03 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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You are my HERO! You have showed so very much patience and love,that I cannot find the words to express how much I admire you. If he doesn't make it, it will not be because you didn't do everything possible. Please keep us advised every step of the way.
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Author: MilkingMooMoo's [ Sat Jun 09, 2012 9:23 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I am rooting for him! He seems like he certainly has the will to make it! Just don't loose faith!
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Author: wolfnipplechips [ Sun Jun 10, 2012 12:59 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Go little guy!! And kudos to the awesome crab mom.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Sun Jun 10, 2012 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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For those of you who have done this before, how do I know when it's time to leave him under the cocohut with the door blocked and not get him out the next night? Also, then how long do I leave him before checking? Last night he didn't seem very interested in eating when I had him out, but he did eat a bit in the dish in his iso tank. Since he can't get out of the hole under the cocohut I did take him back out tonight. He ate a bit for me while out, then a little bit in the dish in the tank. His appetite does seem to be decreasing. He did chill out in the deeper water out of the tank. I just don't want to leave him where he can't get out if he needs more food and water, but I also don't want to be disturbing him daily if he needs to get ready to molt. Input much appreciated!
Here's a picture from last night (the one I took tonight was blurry). His gel buds are getting a tiny bit bigger.
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Author: Striker0086 [ Mon Jun 11, 2012 2:02 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Best wishes to you and Spark! I woke up to something similar on day, unfortunately my straw hadn't made it..... Sparky is strong though and with you he will make it Go Sparky!!!
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Author: wodesorel [ Mon Jun 11, 2012 2:13 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Sunshine made it very clear that she wanted to be left alone - that morning she ate fine for me and by that evening she spun around when I put her near food and tried to drag herself back into the hut where she had been scratching. It was then that I left her be for an entire week. I checked on her on a Sunday and she had fully developed gel limbs, and I did offer her food and water. She drank a tiny bit but was not interested in food, so I put her back under cover after about 10 minutes of being out. (To me, the risk of bothering her while molting was less than having an incapacitated crab die from lack of water.) The following Sunday I checked again and she had molted and was already half-way through her exo.
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Author: annopia [ Mon Jun 11, 2012 7:20 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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for me, it is time when you see the limbs "drop" or unroll. seemingly overnight, they will go from numbs to smaller versions of the actual limbs, and that is when molting is imminent. that has been my experience...
annopia
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Mon Jun 11, 2012 7:46 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Thanks for the input. I'll watch for both the gel limbs dropping and the total refusal of food.
He's still eating, better tonight than a couple nights ago, but then I gave him finely chopped shrimp (with the shell) tonight. He gets time in deeper water, both fresh and salt, while he's out. He also ate at the food dish in his tank (4 options there every night) before turning to the salt water (I helped him get there) then turning toward the cocohut (I again helped him get there). He could probably work his way around on his own, but I'd prefer he conserve his energy and he doesn't seem to mind the help. I actually leveled out the hole under the cocohut tonight. I realized that I moved to feeding him once a day when I moved him to the tank, but when he's in the hole he can't get out to eat if he wants. Given that he's a large and had just molted before the damage happened I'd prefer he takes all the time he wants before he decides to molt.
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Author: Crabbielover1031 [ Fri Jun 15, 2012 10:26 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Hi CrabbyMom,
I had an E with no claws that I nursed back to health. I wrote about him on my blog.
Are you hand feeding yet? Sesame's personal favorite was honey on a toothpick and also Gerber's (or Beechnut, can't remember) Chicken n' Apples baby food. If you can get your hands on some of that, they will eat 2 whole spoonfuls of it in one night! Sesame ate for HOURS straight when I offered him that, and it was nutritious. If you have any questions, PM me. For the first week or so, I got a little medicine thing that they use to give kids. It looks like a syringe, but without the needle? I got the same amount of fresh and salt water, and dripped it into his shell, so he had some shell water. I did this every other day for him, just so he had some water in there.
Good luck!
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Fri Jun 15, 2012 3:11 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Crabbielover1031 wrote:
Hi CrabbyMom,
I had an E with no claws that I nursed back to health. I wrote about him on my blog.
Are you hand feeding yet? Sesame's personal favorite was honey on a toothpick and also Gerber's (or Beechnut, can't remember) Chicken n' Apples baby food. If you can get your hands on some of that, they will eat 2 whole spoonfuls of it in one night! Sesame ate for HOURS straight when I offered him that, and it was nutritious. If you have any questions, PM me. For the first week or so, I got a little medicine thing that they use to give kids. It looks like a syringe, but without the needle? I got the same amount of fresh and salt water, and dripped it into his shell, so he had some shell water. I did this every other day for him, just so he had some water in there.
Good luck!
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I've been hand feeding him since the day I found him, so at this time about two and a half weeks. At first I got him out for food and water 3 times a day and kept him in a Kritter Keeper in another tank. Once I was able to get him into my 10 gallon by himself I went to feeding him once a day. There is a dish of food and bowls of water in there, but he doesn't seem to make an effort to go out to them even though he can move around a tiny bit. I did try one baby food, but it was something like peas and carrots and went over about as much as I remember with my son when he was a baby - - not at all! I do have some organic baby foods I keep on hand for the crabs that have chicken so I may try that tonight.
He's able to hold himself up enough that after I have him out for food and deeper water bowls I set him in a flat dish in his tank so he can then eat as long as he wants. When he's done he turns away and I help him to the water dish. When he turns away from that he normally wants to go back in the cocohut. In many respects it's like dealing with a 2 year old. He knows what he wants and has no good way to communicate it so I have to guess and sometimes he gets obviously aggravated if I guess wrong!
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Author: Crabbielover1031 [ Fri Jun 15, 2012 5:02 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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That's great CrabbyMommy! So glad he's doing well!
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Mon Jun 18, 2012 8:16 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Sparky continues to amaze me. This is a crab that has been in captivity about 10 months and has been handled very little. I'm mostly hands off, except when necessary, so he's had very little human interaction until I found him in the tank naked and in trouble. We've been doing the daily feeding and time in deeper water for 3 weeks. At this point if he's stretched out of his shell in the water and I reach to move him he doesn't even bother pulling back in his shell as long as I move slowly. He obviously understands that I intend him no harm.
Tonight I tried something. I think his grooming appendage is missing because in all this time I haven't seen it and he does try to clean himself when he's in the water. He's had a spot of dirt behind his eyes since I found him. He seems like he tries to pull his eyes down and up to get rid of it. I thought...I just wonder if he'd let me "fix" that. So while he was in the water I went and got a Q-tip. Sure enough, he sat there and let me use the wet Q-tip to clean off the area on the top of his head. Amazing!
Here's a picture of Sparky a few days ago. He'll come out in my hand with little hesitation.
Here's a picture from tonight. The gel buds are getting bigger, but haven't changed color or dropped.
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Author: SoulLonely [ Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:09 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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wow amazing that's so cute you cleaned Sparkys head with a Q-tip!
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Author: kuza [ Mon Jun 18, 2012 9:14 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________that's awesome, good job
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Author: annopia [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:20 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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great update! the gel buds are pretty significant in size...it has been my experience that they grow very, very rapidly (it seems like almost overnight, but perhaps over a few days) when it grows near to the time of molt. i don't think his time is that far off...a week, perhaps two. of course, my mangled crabs have mostly been PPs, so take that with a grain of salt!
glad to see he's been doing so well!
annopia
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Author: Invert Mom [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 12:36 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Wonderful update, I'm glad he is learning to realize you are not going to hurt him. You are doing a wonderful job and are an amazing crabby mom!
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:29 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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This made me laugh so I thought I'd share. We have a routine each night....I put Sparky in dechlorinated water to drink/wash, then he gets food in a dish that is inside a container, mainly to keep him from rolling over and falling off the table, then finally when he's done eating he goes in a container of salt water for a bit. After that he goes back in his tank in the food dish (other food options) then in the water dish in his tank before I put him back under the cocohut.
I usually can tell when he's ready to move from one place to another. I was sitting here posting on the HCA while Sparky was on the table near me eating. I guess I wasn't paying enough attention and I heard a strange sound. Apparently he was done eating!
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Author: kuza [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 6:53 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________lol so cute
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Author: Invert Mom [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:33 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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That is really cute, bless his little heart.
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Author: SoulLonely [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 7:35 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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aw! adorable! someone's trying to escape
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Author: Striker0086 [ Wed Jun 20, 2012 10:16 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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This is a very good sign!!!lol Funny he tried to get out.
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Author: Lyn Penn [ Fri Jun 22, 2012 6:53 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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How precious, see you've been giving him so much attention, he's completely spoiled (as he should be) and he feels he isn't being "tended to" he throws a teeny tempe tantrum! So much like a kid.
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:42 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Sparky's gel buds are getting huge, but he's also still eating like a champ. Maybe I'm just feeding him too well. Tonight was ground up mealworms sprinkled with boost powder from the Hermit Crab Addiction store and a side of well crushed fresh organic strawberry.
I took a quick video (would have been longer if my mom hadn't called) of him sitting in the salt water drinking and cleaning himself. It's a lot better view of a crab cleaning itself and it's mouth parts than you normally get since there aren't any claws in the way. At one point my hubby walked through the house and went out the front door. When it closed Sparky pulled back in his shell because that's not a noise he normally hears, although he totally ignored the dog drinking (at the beginning) and my husband and son talking in the next room.
Click on the picture to play the video.
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Author: wodesorel [ Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:53 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Oh my gosh he is so precious!!!! Squeeee!
I love the bit with the door, he's all like "Wait wait, I don't know what that is but nothing scary is here so... water time!"
I seriously can't get over how active he is. Sunshine was a lump for most of the time she was legless, but she also had a lot less legs and wasn't able to sit up on her own, so maybe that's why. He just seems so perky.
And yes, giant gel limbs! Oh he better molt soon.
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Author: Happy Crabber [ Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:00 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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That is such a great video. I had no idea the mouth parts were so much like hands! Crazzzzzy.
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Author: kuza [ Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:03 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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awesome video, glad he`s doing so well!!
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Author: annopia [ Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:33 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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great video...so glad to see him so responsive!
annopia
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Author: SoulLonely [ Mon Jun 25, 2012 10:11 am ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________wow, that was so cute!
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Author: CrabbyMom33 [ Tue Jun 26, 2012 6:22 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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It's been 4 weeks since I found Sparky naked and mangled. He's made great progress and seems to be really strong. Hopefully, strong enough to make it through what will be a tough molt.
This guy's gel limbs are HUGE! Base on annopia's comment about them dropping or unrolling I think molting will be soon, but he's still eating pretty well.
Check out those gel limbs!
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Author: annopia [ Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:45 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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looking great! those gel limbs are wonderful...really coming along. i'd say they'll get a little bigger though...i know MHC are a bit different, but when Eleusis had these gel pinchers (about the same size, considering the size of the crab, as Sparky's) 3 days before he molted:
annopia
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Author: kuza [ Tue Jun 26, 2012 7:58 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________those gel limbs are awesome
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Author: wodesorel [ Tue Jun 26, 2012 11:10 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
________________________________________Less than a week now!
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Author: annopia [ Sat Jun 30, 2012 4:58 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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can Sparky send some good vibes my Bacon's way? on the deep clean today, came across Bacon, freshly molted....only one walking leg, no pinchers . the leg is on his left side, but he won't come out enough for me to tell if its the shield leg or the second walking leg. he's definitely alive though...i hope he is half the fighter that Sparky is.
annopia
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Author: Careyenz [ Sun Jul 01, 2012 6:08 am ]
Post subject: Mangled Strawberry
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We are all rooting for Bacon, too! Sending healthy vibes his way!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Author: Careyenz [ Sun Jul 01, 2012 5:24 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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I've read your post from start to finish and it's giving me hope for my E I found today. I hope Sparky is still doing so well. He's definitely been inspirational. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for both our little guys!
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Author: sontron [ Sun Jul 01, 2012 6:03 pm ]
Post subject: Re: Mangled Strawberry
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Come on, Sparky! I want to see those new legs!
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And I truly hope the best for you and 
