Strange Molt Situation

[GotButterflies]

Hello. I replied GB for GotButterflies.

Sorry! I didn't see that we were supposed to fill this out.

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Mixture of coconut fiber and play sand, deepest pet is about 7.5 inches, three times at tall as my largest crab.

H: Make sure that in is at least 6 inches or 3x your largest crab in all areas of tank.

GB: I also wanted to make sure that it was wet with dechlorinated fw or msw and is mixed to sandcastle consistency.

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?
I do not. My house is at the ideal temp for them normally and my old tank never had issues with humidity. I can't move the gauge because it's stuck on my old tank -_-.

H: Your house is at least 80 degrees? You will definitely need gauges, they are vital to keeping crabs. I recommend digital as analog tends to be wonky. Humidity also needs to be a minimum of 80 at all times.

GB: Agreed. This is essential. Your house thermostat measures that area only. Not each individual room. Worst case scenario, pry the old one off of your other tank and use that temporarily. Make sure it is calibrated. You can buy a digital one from Walmart for $8 I love these - made by Acurite. Here is the link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/16888914?wml ... 3=&veh=sem

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
No heat source, not needed.

H: As stated above temp needs to be a minimum of 80, so I think you need a heat source.

GB: Agreed. I live in Florida. We have the air on, my house is kept at 76, and I still have heaters for my crabs. Most of us use UTHs from the following companies: www.reptilebasics.com or www.beanfarm.com You can purchase a thermostat to regulate those. This is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Reptile-Te ... thermostat

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)?
Both dechloeinated salt and fresh water in big enough bowls for my crabs to submerge half way.

H: Crabs need to be able to fill submerge in there bowls. Most use tupperwares paired with craft mesh as an escape route.

GB: Are you using Marine Salt Water that mimics ocean water? Most of us use a product called Instant Ocean. This is imperative. What type of decrhloriator are you using? Please use something that removes Chlorine, chloramine, detoxifies ammonia and heavy metals. Pools need to be deep enough for the crabs to fully submerge, and safely get out of.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
They get fresh fruit, hermit treats, and pellets.

H: Toss the pellets, most brands are toxic for crabs. You should look at the nutrition pyramid, I would post the link but my computer has passed away.

GB: Try to feed organic as much as possible. Hermits are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
Safe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92556
Food pyramid: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92554
Commercial food: http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 25&t=92555

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
The crab in question I've had four months. I rehomed him from a friend.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
He has before, but not under my care.

H: Another thing I want to mention is that If you do have crabs molting and you can see them through "windows" try not to check on them, this can disrupt there molts. Most crabbers here actually cover with cardboard or tape.

GB: I personally cover the windows with cardboard. The darkness helps release the molting hormone.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
50 gallon tank, mesh wire lid half covered to help keep humidity in.

H: Glass lids will always keep in heat and humidity better.

GB: Agree with glass lids, but if you cannot afford that, you can use press-n-seal or plastic wrap to help keep the humidity in.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
11 in total ranging from tiny to the far end of large.

H: You are just a bit overcrowded, The HCA recommends 1 crab per 5 gallons, especially with those bigger crabs, you need a lot of space to minimize situations like this and other aggression.

GB: Totally agree with above. Overcrowding leads to aggression and can lead to canabalism as well.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
I don't keep any in the tank on the regular. I buy new shells and take each crab out individually to give them a chance to pick a new shell.

H: Hermit crabs should always have at least three shells per crab to choose from, this is vital to keeping crabs. Hearing this I suspect that the crab that was naked was possibly forced out of his shell by the other crab, due to the lack of shells in the tank. Although taking crabs out and giving them a chance to change sounds like it would be a good idea, hermit crabs get stressed when handlers by humans and are less likely to change.

GB: The HCA recommends 3-5 shells per crab. I personally recommend more. You can never have enough shells. There are incorrect shells to buy. Here is the shell guide. http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 24&t=92552

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

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Ever few months. Bake the sand.

H: Deep cleans do more harm than good. Only change out sub in case of an emergency like a flood or bacterial bloom. Cleaning sub this way actually gets rid of Good bacteria. Just spot clean food and poo that you crab see. Isopods also help for this purpose

GB: Agreed. Anything rinsed in the tank needs to be done with dechlorinated fresh water.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No.

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.)?
Nope.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
Already did.

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[GotButterflies]

Yeah, he just pushed off his exo skeleton completely a day and a half ago. He's still gotten around to eating most of it, he was disturbed, tho.

I have cling wrap/foil over half his cage to keep it dark and to lock in the humidity. I'll leave him be. I've never smelled the death smell from any of my passed crabs except one, but I'm sure he'll give off a strong one if he does not make it .

Only the exo is needed - no other food. You shouldn't have to give him water either, but you can if you want. Next time, rinse the shell and him in the freshwater of the tank.

[Moonkitten94]

Yeah, he just pushed off his exo skeleton completely a day and a half ago. He's still gotten around to eating most of it, he was disturbed, tho.

I have cling wrap/foil over half his cage to keep it dark and to lock in the humidity. I'll leave him be. I've never smelled the death smell from any of my passed crabs except one, but I'm sure he'll give off a strong one if he does not make it .

Only the exo is needed - no other food. You shouldn't have to give him water either, but you can if you want. Next time, rinse the shell and him in the freshwater of the tank.

I rinsed his shell too in dechlorinate water, too. Probably forgot to mention that. I had just changed out the tank water, which is why I didn't think it mattered much.

I hope there is not a next time, but noted!

[Dragonfreak]

I don't have cuttle bone, but I'll go add honey and crushed egg shells to the pile of his exo. Not sure if maybe he injured his abdomen where the front of his body connects to the back or if his abdomen is just heavy and hard to move because he's so freshly molted, but he seemed to have issue moving that part of him. All of his legs move normally, tho, just at a slower pace.

Do you know what the part of the crab that connects his abdomen to his head/legs is supposed to look like? I've never had a surface molter that came out of their shell (only had a surface molt once when I was new to crabs) or naked crab so I have no idea.

They are not the best but this is Marley

love my babies..human ones too!!

[Vic Future]

I don't have cuttle bone, but I'll go add honey and crushed egg shells to the pile of his exo. Not sure if maybe he injured his abdomen where the front of his body connects to the back or if his abdomen is just heavy and hard to move because he's so freshly molted, but he seemed to have issue moving that part of him. All of his legs move normally, tho, just at a slower pace.

Do you know what the part of the crab that connects his abdomen to his head/legs is supposed to look like? I've never had a surface molter that came out of their shell (only had a surface molt once when I was new to crabs) or naked crab so I have no idea.

They are not the best but this is Marley

love my babies..human ones too!!

Dragon - this guy is surface molting?! Ive never seen it. Good to know. He looks DOA. I learn so much from you guys. TY for sharing.


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[Moonkitten94]

Quick UPDATE: I'm not sure if he's moved at all. I checked on him today and I can't tell. Hopefully he is still alive. How long until I'll smell if he died, do you think?

On a more positive not, my third smallest one just came back up from molting .

[daws409]

That's great!.... Death smell usually 3-5 days after

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[Moonkitten94]

UPDATE: The little dude has definitely passed and I feel crappy. It just sucks because any other day I would have been able to catch it before hand. This ordeal has also made me want to dig up my three other crabs because I'm all paranoid that something similar happened. Ugh. I never realized owning hermits was so stressful when I first got them, but I honestly worry about them all the time.

[GotButterflies]

UPDATE: The little dude has definitely passed and I feel crappy. It just sucks because any other day I would have been able to catch it before hand. This ordeal has also made me want to dig up my three other crabs because I'm all paranoid that something similar happened. Ugh. I never realized owning hermits was so stressful when I first got them, but I honestly worry about them all the time.

I am very sorry for your loss. Did you happen to read what I posted about your tank conditions? I just caught that you have an Ecuadorian in your signature. There are a few things I would like to change about what I posted. Ecuadorians need a minimum of 10-12 inches of substrate REGARDLESS of size. They also prefer temps of around 85. You really need to get a gauge. Walmart, $8: https://www.walmart.com/ip/16888914?wml ... 3=&veh=sem . Are you using marine salt? You didn't state. Hermit crabs NEED THIS. Most of us use Instant Ocean. The hermits need access to shells all of the time. You will have shell jacking if you don't allow this. Please check out the food links I provided you. Commercial foods really should get tossed. I would really like to prevent more issues from occurring. I'm sorry that they get marketed as easy to care for pets. They aren't. We are here to help you. There are more areas, but these issues are important!!

[Moonkitten94]

UPDATE: The little dude has definitely passed and I feel crappy. It just sucks because any other day I would have been able to catch it before hand. This ordeal has also made me want to dig up my three other crabs because I'm all paranoid that something similar happened. Ugh. I never realized owning hermits was so stressful when I first got them, but I honestly worry about them all the time.

I am very sorry for your loss. Did you happen to read what I posted about your tank conditions? I just caught that you have an Ecuadorian in your signature. There are a few things I would like to change about what I posted. Ecuadorians need a minimum of 10-12 inches of substrate REGARDLESS of size. They also prefer temps of around 85. You really need to get a gauge. Walmart, $8: https://www.walmart.com/ip/16888914?wml ... 3=&veh=sem . Are you using marine salt? You didn't state. Hermit crabs NEED THIS. Most of us use Instant Ocean. The hermits need access to shells all of the time. You will have shell jacking if you don't allow this. Please check out the food links I provided you. Commercial foods really should get tossed. I would really like to prevent more issues from occurring. I'm sorry that they get marketed as easy to care for pets. They aren't. We are here to help you. There are more areas, but these issues are important!!

I didn't know that about Ecuadorian crabs. I took him from a friend because of an emergency situation she had to prevent him and four of her other ones from dying . I just know that they like to dig and are more active. She told me he was an Ecuadorian, but I'm not entirely positive. How would I post a picture here to ask?

Yes, I use instant ocean. I added all of the extra shells that I have to the tank yesterday when that advice was given. I know that extra shells are recommended, but I took them out and started only putting them in occasionally as opposed to all the time/taking crabs out individually to choose shells when I got new ones for them because they never showed any interest in switching and the empty shells end up getting buried.

I do not think that the lack of shells is what caused this mishap for a couple reasons. The two crabs were no where near the same size, for one and it was my assumed Ecuadorian that came across my other crab while on his common digging spree. I assume he went off his usual path and found the other one on accident. I do, however, think that I need a taller tank that holds more sand now, even before you said something about Ecuadorians needsing more sand.

I have one large hermit crab, two smaller mediums, four smalls, and three teenys (ranging on the scale). How big of a tank would you guys recommend? (I'm also not quite 100% on the chart. That's me giving it my best guess).

I give them access to commercial food all the time, but they usually ignore it for the fresh food I feed them every day.

I think it's so insane how they are marketed. I started out with two crabs and had less than an inch of sand in their tank for a really long time. I didn't even know that they molted! I almost buried my live hermit because I thought he had died until I realized what happened. It's really sad. I know that I'm not the best owner by far, but I know that I'm at least better than the pet stores.

Thank you for all he advice.

P.s. I pried off the temp/humor gauge I had on my ISO tank and it's now on the other and I was already using the cling wrap trick to keep humidity in.

[GotButterflies]

I'm wondering if their shells are too small....when they go in them are they able to retract fully into them?


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[Moonkitten94]

I'm wondering if their shells are too small....when they go in them are they able to retract fully into them?


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All but one of my crabs have a shell they can fully retract into. The one that is in a shell that is too small is in there by choice lol. He was in a shell that fit, when I got him, I offered him a ton of shells of all sizes to choose from. He swapped between a couple before settling on the one he's in now that is too small.

[KayedeeLove<3]

Well, I took the advice about rinsing him off and putting him into a shell. While rinsing, I noticed that he was, indeed, missing a few of his tiny back legs and had some sort of wound on his abdomen (not deep) and on his big claw. I cleaned him off the best I could, dig a divet on the ISO tank in the sand (didn't cover it), and gave him the remaining part of his exo. He moved a little while I cleaned him and responded to water, so he is still alive....I don't have high hopes for him, tho . It really sucks. He was doing so great. Literally the most PERFECT molt. I watched him daily and even saw the outline of his exo once he pushed it off and then my Ecuadorian had to get all dig happy and run into him, instead of minding his own business.

I really hope he makes it .

So sorry! E's are known for this kinda thing.

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[nancat]

I'm wondering if their shells are too small....when they go in them are they able to retract fully into them?


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All but one of my crabs have a shell they can fully retract into. The one that is in a shell that is too small is in there by choice lol. He was in a shell that fit, when I got him, I offered him a ton of shells of all sizes to choose from. He swapped between a couple before settling on the one he's in now that is too small.

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[nancat]

I'm so sorry for your loss! It is heartbreaking! The first time I lost one of my hermies I was devastated Rest In Peace, little guy.


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