HCA: Hermit Crab Association

CrabbyLover77 wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 26, 2022 10:06 pm

Hi there,

I'm sorry Buddy isn't doing well. You'll want to get him back into a shell asap. He won't survive without one. Crabs usually drop their shells when they are too weak to carry it. Here's the guide on how to re-shell him:

https://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB ... 7&t=122302

If you could please also fill out the emergency template. It will help us get a better look into your tank conditions and figure how to help Buddy. Thanks.

https://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB ... 27&t=46102

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katycom wrote:1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Zoo Med Hermit Soil Coconut Fiber Brick 650g

CL77- is it moistened to sand castle consistency using dechlor fresh or saltwater? How deep is it? It should be 3x the height of your largest crab.

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes to both- located at the top of the tank- temp between 70 and 80, closer to 70 usually, humidity in the green area which is the "ideal."

CL77- 70° can be a bit low if it stays there a majority of the time. Crabs will be more inactive the cooler it gets. What is the actual humidity % ? Crabs have modified gills and need moisture in the air to breath. 80%+ is ideal, but shouldn't fall below 70%.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Not now because it's in the 80s but when it was winter, yes. A heat lamp

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
fresh and salt, both dechlorinated with the conditioner - zoo med

CL77- unfortunately that conditioner doesn't have all the minerals crabbies need for salt water. You'll want to use a marine salt like Instant Ocean instead with a dechlorinator like Prime.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? I do fresh fruits and veggies but not citrus, such as spinach, carrots, strawberries, banana, and hard boiled eggs

CL77- Are you offering a constant supply of calcium? Lots of protein and calcium are important for crabby health.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? November, I think Caribbean but not sure the specific kind

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? yes, in April- this was when the issue happened. I didn't know what was happening as this is my first hermit crab. He is very social and loves coming out of his shell with me holding him. I didn't realize he was about to molt - his big claw came off. I realized he was going to molt and put him back/left him alone. He molted but then had lost not only the big claw but one other leg and one leg is bent. He has trouble walking and often flips, unable to right himself. I kept checking on him, righting him and spraying him with water. But he left his shell and will not return to one or stay in one. There are no other hermit crabs in his tank so no threat of attack. I have kept spraying him but now he is laying on his side, still alive but too weak to even get up.

CL77- Spraying him may stress him out more. Did you try re-shelling him using the guide that I gave you the link to?

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? I used to have a tank I bought from a pet store but then I wanted him to have lots of space and get him another jumbo for socialization, so I bought a big plastic container, drilled tons of holes in the lid and he was doing fine there until the molting incident.

CL77- Appx how large or how many gallons is the container?

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? Just Buddy

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? Lots of different sizes and shapes but he never switched shells

CL77- Buddy is likely a purple pincher. PPs prefer shells with round openings like turbos. Check out the shell care sheet on here for appropriate shells to buy.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? no

12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I scoop regularly and then empty, rinse and put fresh substrated as needed, usually once a month

CL77- Adding sub as needed is fine. Just never pack it down if a crab is under. No need to completely change out sub tho unless there is an emergency.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? No, I was told they can get bacteria so not to use them

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? no

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. Is there any hope (see previous post for all details) for saving Buddy or is he definitely going to die and if so, should I euthanize him? If so, how do I do that without causing further discomfort/pain? I'm heartbroken...

CL77- I do not know of any methods to euthanize crabs. The best thing you can do is keep him in good conditions and wait it out. Try getting your temp closer to 80° and your humidity closer to 80% if it isn't already. Be sure to offer lots of protein and calcium. Change up your salt water when you can to a marine salt, and make sure the substrate is deep enough and not too wet (should hold it's shape when squeezed but not be dripping wet). Make sure you have the appropriate type and size shells too. If he still isn't in a shell at this point, use the guide on here to try to re-shell him asap. A crab without a shell won't survive.