Hermit Crabs Haven't Moved in Months.

[ErrorTsukiko]

So, I have three hermit crabs. I've had them for about a good three-four months. They have everything they need, good diet, water, temp., humidity, substrate, ect. But, no matter what I try, they aren't active at all. All of them sit in their log for WEEKS, I haven't seen any of them come out and eat for months. I know they're not molting. I haven't touched them, I keep thinking one day they'll just be happy and come out. I really would like to find out why they're just sitting in a log, its annoying how much good food I'm wasting.

[LadyJinglyJones]

Have you tried smoothing out the sub at night & checking for little feet prints in the morning?

Also, the more shelter/hiding places there are in your tank, the safer they're likely to feel & the more we tend to see them out. Perhaps more logs is the answer!

Also, try pasting & filling out the template linked below... we can see if there are areas that can be improved.

viewtopic.php?t=46102

[ErrorTsukiko]

I haven't tried smoothing out the substrate, that's a good idea!

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
I use Ecoearth, and its about 6 inches deep.

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, they are located in the clearing of the tank and closer to the water bowls, it usually reads 80%.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I use a heating pad that's about 8 watts?

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 fresh and salt water is available. For saltwater, I use instant ocean that is pre-made in a gallon jug. And for freshwater I have a private well on my property, so no chemicals are added to the water. I usually just let it sit out for a day or two before using it.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Main food is the "Basic Diet" from the 'Hermit Crab Patch', of course fruits and veggies are also given along with oats, certain meats, and sometimes rice.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I have had my hermit crabs for about three months, and all are PPs.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
None of my hermit crabs have molted yet.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
The hermit crabs are kept in a 15 gallon aquarium, and has the basic aquarium lid.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Three: one tiny and two small.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
I have eleven extra shells available in their tank, hopefully getting more soon!

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I haven't cleaned my tank yet!

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No sponges! I do use moss instead to help with humidity.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
An large plant has been added to give more climbing space, that's about it.

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.)?
I don't have 'playtime' with my hermit crabs, because they're always in hiding. There was one time I took two out to check up on (they were both out and about), and when I put them back, they went into hiding, I haven't seen one since.


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
I suppose this isn't an emergency.

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[LadyJinglyJones]

2. What temperature is the tank? Humidity looks good, but their metabolisms are linked to temperature, so after a day or so at 80° you tend to see more activity from them (barring that they're just in a more lethargic point in their never ending moult cycles.)

7. Prior to a moult a crab may be more lethargic. (Also more active, because crabs don't like to allow us the comfort of hard & fast rules... but mine always seem to slow down a lot before they dig down.)

Since their wild capture & warehousing & shipping & petstore stays, it may have been a long time since they've been able to dig, much less moult. Nutrition and conditions have likely been unhealthy.

There's a good chance their hormonal process is readying them for a moult.

Moulting is a physically intense thing - their whole bodies go through maaaasive alterations. It's hard for us to even comprehend what an incredible physical process it is - they are constantly at some point in this cycle, building up to or comming out of one moulting phase or another. In every phase there are different physical processes taking place - muscle and shell being absorbed and reconstituted, horomones that manifest changes, energy stores being used or built up... it blows my mind, honestly.

A lot of energy is needed. This may explain their behaviour.

So that's my two cents. Keep doing what you're doing.
Honestly, the hardest part of keeping hermits is not worrying.