Did you bathe the crab? If not, it might have still had the smell a molter does-- and other crabs find that smell super delicious. It is probable that the othe crab smelled it on the molted one and killed it, then took the shell. Or there could have been a shell fight.naqjacob wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2020 8:16 pmI've had two hermit crabs for about a year and a half, they seemed to be thriving and were plenty active. Recently, one underwent molting and various sources said when they were molting to move them to a separate container, as they'd be vulnerable. I did so, and when he was finished, I put him back with the other. I came home later that day and the assumed molted one had been pulled out of his shell and was pinched to death.
The other immediately took over his shell... What do I do now? I've read they're social creatures so I can't have just one, should I put him up for adoption or get more? Is it safe to get more? Will he be alright if I spend more time with him to make sure he's moving and socializing?
I'm not sure how to answer your question concerning whether getting a new one. It the molting smell was the cause of your crabs death, then I think it would be okay to get a new one as long as when they molt from now on you bathe them before returning them to the tank. Just remember we all make mistakes that we should learn from.Thanks a lot, I'll make sure to remember that. I tried to keep him nice and moist, but I guess it was the smell as it was definitely discernible.Crabby7Crabber wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2020 9:21 pmDid you bathe the crab? If not, it might have still had the smell a molter does-- and other crabs find that smell super delicious. It is probable that the othe crab smelled it on the molted one and killed it, then took the shell. Or there could have been a shell fight.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Yeah, especially if you have the right humidity the smell will be all over the tank.
Again, I'm so sorry. I know what it's like to loose a crab. I've lost 5 due to me not caring for them properly, and I feel so guilty and bad. But we need to move forward and learn from our mistakes. I like to take pictures of my crabbies so I can remember them by. I have one of me as a 11 year old holding my first crab, Shelly, who got through some really though conditions. I loved that crab, as well as all my others. I keep improving, and wish I could have my old ones back now. But I can't. But I'm trying to make the ones I have now lives' the best it possibly can be. <3
Aww, I appreciate that a lot. It's true, it's more complicated to take care of them at first and there are mistakes to be made, but as long as we'll improve!Crabby7Crabber wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2020 9:32 pmYeah, especially if you have the right humidity the smell will be all over the tank.
Ah, okay. I didn't know that keeping them together would usually be okay. The tank is 20 gallon, with the substrate being 3-4 inches, as my crabs were small so it was plenty to dig and bury in.curlysister wrote: ↑Mon Feb 03, 2020 10:26 pmI am sorry for your loss.
HCA does not recommend isolating a crab to molt, and digging up a buried crab is not a good idea unless there is an emergency such as a flood or bacterial bloom. If you have proper substrate that is deep enough, and your tank is not crowded, crabs can all stay in the tank while they molt.
What and how deep is your sub? How big is your tank?
Was this the first molt in a year and a half?
How many extra shells do you have in the tank?
What do you feed your crabs?
Agreeing with Curly. Please change the JurassiDiet soon, because it has copper sulfate which is very harmful to hermies.curlysister wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2020 12:12 amThere are probably a few things that you could do to upgrade your tank, to improve their conditions.
HCA recommends substrate to be at least 6 inches, or three times as deep as your largest crab - whichever is deeper wins. Many of us use a mix of 5 parts playsand and 1 part EE (coco fiber). Other mixes have been used successfully, but this ratio helps with humidity and holds moisture well, as well as being cheaper than all EE and easier to maintain. It needs to be wet enough to hold it's shape when the crabs dig and tunnel, but not so wet that water pools in the bottom.
Commercial foods are not safe for crabs long term, even though they are marketed for them. Crabs can eat many of the same things that we do. They need calcium and protein daily. Be sure to read the nutrition and safe/ unsafe food lists.
HCA recommends at least 3-5 extra shells per crab, to help prevent fighting over shells. There are proper and improper shells to buy, be sure to read the shells care sheet.
Here is the link to the care sheets. If you have more questions, feel free to ask!
viewforum.php?f=120
Wow, alright! I just checked out the food list and that does seem like a significant improvement to have a lot of choices, rather than just jurassidiet.curlysister wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2020 12:12 amThere are probably a few things that you could do to upgrade your tank, to improve their conditions.
HCA recommends substrate to be at least 6 inches, or three times as deep as your largest crab - whichever is deeper wins. Many of us use a mix of 5 parts playsand and 1 part EE (coco fiber). Other mixes have been used successfully, but this ratio helps with humidity and holds moisture well, as well as being cheaper than all EE and easier to maintain. It needs to be wet enough to hold it's shape when the crabs dig and tunnel, but not so wet that water pools in the bottom.
Commercial foods are not safe for crabs long term, even though they are marketed for them. Crabs can eat many of the same things that we do. They need calcium and protein daily. Be sure to read the nutrition and safe/ unsafe food lists.
HCA recommends at least 3-5 extra shells per crab, to help prevent fighting over shells. There are proper and improper shells to buy, be sure to read the shells care sheet.
Here is the link to the care sheets. If you have more questions, feel free to ask!
viewforum.php?f=120