EMERGENCY!!!! I thought my crab was dead!!!

[Theused1991]

So this is how it all happened.
Went on vacation, bought a couple hermit crabs. 7-22-19
When I got home I got them a 20 gallon terriaum Eco earth subtrate, climbing stuff, shells, everything they could need cause I wanted to give them a better life.... one of my crabs buried almost immediately going into the tank . It's been a while I noticed today when I was changing the water/food there were quite a few gnats and I thought my crab may be dead . So I carefully go thru the subtrate where I think he is. I found him, and he is alive!!! I don't know what to do now 🥺 do I bury him? Do I leave him? I'm freaking out and feel awful for digging him up

[curlysister]

Don't re-bury him. What does he look like? Has he shed his exoskeleton?

You need to isolate him from the other crab. You can use a 2L pop bottle with the bottom cut off and the lid off, push it down into the substrate - that way he still has the tank conditions but the other crab can't get to him. If he has exo with him, put it in there for him to eat.

[Theused1991]

He is tucked into his shell. When I picked him up I saw him move a little and I instantly regretted digging. I don't see any exoskeleton? Thanks so much for replying!!

[scuttlecrusty22]

He was probably just either de-stressing or trying to molt, if he would've been dead you would've known immediately because of the smell. Most of the time gnats and flies are just attracted to the smell of their food. What kind of food to you feed your crabs?

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