Dying Hermit Crabs

[Cheyenne kolbe]

I have 5 hermit crabs left out of ten they are extra small and small sizes I have 10 shells in the tank and I have 3 small and 2 extra small left I think the smallest ones are very young and I hate that they are during and suggestions

[wodesorel]

Hi Cheyenne! So sorry this is happening. We need more information before we can tell what's going on and make suggestions.

Could you please take a moment and answer these questions? I know it seems like a lot, but it's what we need to know to be able to help.

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?

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?

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?

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)?

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?

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

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?

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

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

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

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

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?

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.)?

[Cheyenne kolbe]

I use eco dirt about 8 inches.
I do have gauges they are on the right side of the tank, normally about 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 humidity.
The heat source in the tank is a heat lamp.
Types of water available is fresh treated with ecoearth hermit crab water conditioner.
I feed fresh veggies every day like carrots broccoli and cauliflower also cucumber peels.
And it's a purple pincher had about 2 months.
She molted about 2 weeks ago
5 two extra small and three small crabs.
I have 10 shells in the tank for them to change into.
No fumes or chemicals.
I clean the tank once a month with boiling water and scrubbing the tank down and boiling everything that was in the tank.
Nothing new into the crabitat recently.
I do 15 minutes of playtime every day. And a salt water bath every other day

[soilentgringa]

There are a few things that stand out that you will want to fix ASAP.
Your humidity needs to be at 75% at a bare minimum. It's best to strive for 80°F and 80% humidity (as a baseline). Your crabs need fresh and saltwater dishes deep enough to submerge in and they both need to be treated with something that removes chlorine and ammonia like Seachem Prime. Instant Ocean is a popular aquarium grade salt that will provide them with the necessary minerals they need in their salt water. Unfortunately items marketed as hermit crab conditioners and treatments offer little to no benefit to the crabs. Your crabs need a protein source and something for their exoskeleton. They must have protein in the form of mealworms, shrimp, raw (or cooked) unseasoned meat, crickets, krill, scrambled unseasoned unbuttered egg, and a calcium source like crushed eggshell, cuttlebone, crushed oyster shells, etc. Whole oats, leaf litter from oak trees or other trees on the safe food list that are 100% pesticide free (I rinse mine in dechlor water thoroughly before drying and adding) and an assortment of fruits, veg, nuts are offered and rotated out. Raw natural honey is a great treat and provides energy.
Once your tank has been established it is not necessary to remove everything and clean it. This actually removes all the good bacteria that has built up in your tank and can harm your crabs. A mix of playsand and Eco Earth is recommended, moistened to a sand castle consistency (it will hold shape if you mold it or pat with your hands). This allows them to tunnel and make caves for destressing and molting.
It is not necessary to bathe your crabs unless they have mites or you are adding a new crab. You may also bathe a crab after it molts so that it doesn't smell like a snack to the others. Bathing crabs can stress them out; they know when they need to take a dip and will often do it while you aren't looking! I've got crabs that like to sit at the bottom of their pool and relax for 30 mins or so, then climb out. You want at least 2-3 shells per crab. PP's like round openings like turbos and magpies. Crabs are great to watch but aren't pets you play with. Excessive handling isn't recommended, due to stress. Some crabbers do take their lil guys out once in a while but usually not until they've molted and had plenty of time to get used to their new home. Some crabs never get used to us, we do look like giant predators to them, after all!
Try to adjust your conditions and read the care guides. Best of luck!

[aussieJJDude]

First off, welcome! HCA is a wonderful place; I hope you like it here!

soilentgringa has raised some of the concerns I've had, so... Instead of parroting; I'll just say that I 100% agree.

I have some quick questions:
1. How large is your tank?
2. Do you feed your crabs other foods besides veggies?
3. What type of salt do you use?
4. If a crab is moulting, do you still clean out the tank or do you wait?
5. Do you offer a calcium source?

(Sorry to feel like I/we are jumping onto you, were all here to help. Our questions are asked so we can gauge your tank conditions and help you improve. )

[soilentgringa]

First off, welcome! HCA is a wonderful place; I hope you like it here!

soilentgringa has raised some of the concerns I've had, so... Instead of parroting; I'll just say that I 100% agree.

I have some quick questions:
1. How large is your tank?
2. Do you feed your crabs other foods besides veggies?
3. What type of salt do you use?
4. If a crab is moulting, do you still clean out the tank or do you wait?
5. Do you offer a calcium source?

(Sorry to feel like I/we are jumping onto you, were all here to help. Our questions are asked so we can gauge your tank conditions and help you improve. )

Absolutely what JJ said, it can be overwhelming and a lot of info to take in all at once, we wish nothing but the best for you and your crabs so please don't feel like we are picking on you, we all started somewhere!

[Cheyenne kolbe]

My tank is a 20 gallon.
I feed my crabs egg shells and raw shrimp sometimes cooked chicken

[Cheyenne kolbe]

If the crab is moulting I wait to clean it out.
And eggshells as a calcium source

[aussieJJDude]

My tank is a 20 gallon.
I feed my crabs egg shells and raw shrimp sometimes cooked chicken
If the crab is moulting I wait to clean it out.
And eggshells as a calcium source

OK, thanks for that. I was thinking that maybe your overcrowded your crabs, however 5 small crab in a 20g is fine - for now, until they grow!
Hermit crabs love a varied diet, I suggest looking here for some more ideas and a good/basic guide that you may find useful.
It's good that you wait for them to "finish" before you clean. I was under the impression that you do it monthly, not matter what.

[Cheyenne kolbe]

Nah I know that if you mess with a hermie when he/she is moulting that it would kill them from stressed

[Cheyenne kolbe]

And will do about the humidity and temp and I'll get a bigger tank and suggestions for new climbing toys or