Help! Crab injured in shell war!

[LilbMitchell]

Our 2 crabs had a shell war. The aggressor snipped off one of the other's walking legs. They are both in new shells, but the one with the missing leg is very lethargic. She/he just lays there, half out of his shell. If you pick him/her up she will move, but only a little. When you place her back in the crabitat she does not relocate or hide. Yesterday she was eating and hanging out by the saltwater. The temp and humidity in the crabitat is ideal. Please help!!

[LadyJinglyJones]

It would be a good idea to isolate the injured crab.

Do you have an ISO tank? If not, you may cut the top off a pop bottle, clean it with dechlor, remove the cap and place it over the crab, pressed a little ways into the sand. This will protect the vulnerable guy. Fresh water, marine salt water, and food can be placed near him in bottle caps.
Raw honey, protein, calcium & other nutritious stuff is recommended. I find that my guys like honey & calcium powder mixed, or fish oil/organic coconut oil & calcium blended.

If you go to the Emergency section & fill out the emergency template ( you can cut & paste here), we can better offer suggestions to help your little dude.

[LilbMitchell]

I think she passed. She isn't moving at all now and when I tried to pick her up she fell completely out of her shell. Is there any possibility that she is just dormant?

[LadyJinglyJones]

There is a slight possibility that a surface moult is occurring.

Don't dispose of the crab just yet : can you get it back in its shell? If so, isolate it and keep it dark to promote moulting.

Though it does seem likely your crab, if still alive, won't make it.

Fingers crossed for moulting.

[LilbMitchell]

I was not able to get her back into her shell - honestly, I was afraid to try and force her little body. She is still isolated, and there has been no change. Since my house doesn't stink, I'm still crossing my fingers for molting, but I'm not very confident.