Missing claws

[jacob5948]

When we got our hermit crabs (3 days ago) we noticed that the smallest one (out of 3) had no claws. We assumed at the time that it was just because it was small but after doing some research I realized that this is not normal. I know they can grow them back but will it be able to eat without them? I think he's eating but i'm not sure. I recorded them overnight and he seem to be eating but I can't really tell. Here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRonwBCJlyQ) is the recording. Yesterday and the Day before yesterday they ate Bananas and honey and today they ate raisins and egg shells. I'm moving them into a new tank with a sand substrate Friday, because the tank they're in is nowhere near liveable. I appreciate any help. Thanks!

Edit: here's a picture of him.

[MamaKelly]

It does appear to me that he is eating. Normally they use their claws, especially the smaller one, to break/tear up food and pick it up. They then pass it to a smaller pair of limbs which bring the food to their mouth. It looks like he's using his legs to help guide the food to where the smaller limbs can reach it.

He can regrow those claws when he molts and in preparation for that he needs a variety of nutritious foods available so that he can stock up on the energy and nutrients he needs for a successful molt. There are great resources for picking foods to offer in the FAQs. In order to help him eat more easily I would finely chop or break up any foods that aren't soft.

Definitely focus on offering lots of quality food while you're working on the new tank so he'll be stocked up if he decides to molt ASAP when you put him in a more suitable environment which is highly likely.

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[MamaKelly]

Make sure you're feeding protein, too. I don't see where you've given them a protein option the last couple of days.

He is fortunate to be the smallest crab because the others shouldn't be likely to try to take his shell for him while he's defenceless.

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[jacob5948]

It does appear to me that he is eating. Normally they use their claws, especially the smaller one, to break/tear up food and pick it up. They then pass it to a smaller pair of limbs which bring the food to their mouth. It looks like he's using his legs to help guide the food to where the smaller limbs can reach it.

He can regrow those claws when he molts and in preparation for that he needs a variety of nutritious foods available so that he can stock up on the energy and nutrients he needs for a successful molt. There are great resources for picking foods to offer in the FAQs. In order to help him eat more easily I would finely chop or break up any foods that aren't soft.

Definitely focus on offering lots of quality food while you're working on the new tank so he'll be stocked up if he decides to molt ASAP when you put him in a more suitable environment which is highly likely.

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Thank you so much! I appreciate the help.

[jacob5948]

Make sure you're feeding protein, too. I don't see where you've given them a protein option the last couple of days.

He is fortunate to be the smallest crab because the others shouldn't be likely to try to take his shell for him while he's defenceless.

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Yeah, I'll make sure to get him some soon.

[soilentgringa]

Hi! Welcome.

I see you're already upgrading their habitat so I want to link you to our care guides. They outline everything your crabs need

After you read the guides feel free to ask any additional questions

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=92457