Stuck in shell?

Please post here if you are having a crab care emergency! Use a real subject and not just "HELP!"
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Topic author
Roxy04
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu May 15, 2025 11:11 am

Stuck in shell?

Post by Roxy04 » Thu May 15, 2025 11:25 am

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play sand coco fiber 6.5 inches

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?
83% humidity 84% temp middle hanging from top

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Bean farm mat covers entire back 2 inches above sub

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 salt and fresh. Primed marine salt

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Etsy complete mixes and fresh foods. Daily for fresh every 3 for dry

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
1 week PP

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Idk just got him :)

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
40g glass lid

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
4 smaller side

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
30

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?

No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Every few days if the don't make a mess lol Daily if they do :)

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.)?


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

My brother in law seen my tank and asked if I would take his kids hermit crab. They didn't realize what all you need to actually have a happy hermie. When I picked him up he was in a painted shell. I set him on the food dish and left him alone. He has since moved to the opposite side of the tank by the water dishes and he sit there 24/7. He has his (sorry idk technical term) first back tiny legs out and making a small wiggling movement. He can move around if he chooses to. It almost seems like he is stuck in the painted shell. He is sitting next to a shell atm with one of his front legs in it and literally looks like he is trying to pull himself out of the other shell but can't. Idk what to do. I know we can't make them switch shells. I'm lost in this situation. I don't want him to die if he is stuck :( I have moved food to him and he will eat. Just doesn't ever leave that spot. Please help. I'm really worried 😟
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C: ClareCrabOwner :)
Posts: 244
Joined: Sun Jan 19, 2025 9:38 pm
Location: United States of America

Re: Stuck in shell?

Post by C: ClareCrabOwner :) » Fri May 16, 2025 10:55 am

So...
Hermit crabs can sometimes get stuck in painted shells, as sometimes people make them move into the shell before the paint is fully dry. Can your crab go further into his shell if he wants to? Have his "first back tiny legs" been sticking out since you picked him up? Have you looked at this: viewtopic.php?f=120&p=1096822#p1096822 ?
Just a new crabber trying to take the best care of her crabs she can. :)
5 Purple Pinchers, 15 gallon tank. (4 small, 1 medium.)

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