Hermit crab lost a leg while underground

[Pebbles]

I have 3 hermit crabs. One of them went underground the first day I got him on aug 4. He has been under ground ever since. And I've researched a lot to know that I shouldn't be worried. He dug next to the wall of the tank so I could see him in his cave on the other side. I check on him every so often to make sure he is alive. But today sept 6 he lost a leg. Ot wasn't an exoskeleton. It was an actual leg and he hasn't been moving much. He has been alone in his cave for a month alone as he other two never really buries. They just climb and stay on the surface a lot. They are all about two inches so they don't have much of a size difference which is why I don't think they fought. I have never and will never dig him out unless i know that he is dead.

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
I use eco earth. Its about 6in


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? I have a thermometer hygrometer gauge. I always keep them 75-80°F and 80% humidity.


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I have an uth at the back side of the tank. I havent turned it on because its still hot but i will once it get colder.


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)?
I have fresh water and salt water. I treat it with prime and add reef crystals to the saltwater.


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I give them fresh fruits and veggies and store bought for some variety. I replace it every night.


6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Ive had it for about a month. Its a pp.


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Im not sure if it currently is.


8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
Its a 10 gal glass tank with a screen lid.


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Three. Approximately 2 inches.


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? I have 7 since they are all about the same size and can pick and choose the same shells.


11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No. They are on a drawer in the living room.


12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I boil the stuff in the tank every two weeks and dip the plastic stuff quickly in boiling water just to clean them.


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


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.)?
I dont take them out or touch them except for just moving them out of the way to place their stuff back in after i cleaned them. I dont bathe them too.


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
A leg fell off

[Hermiesguardian]

I have 3 hermit crabs. One of them went underground the first day I got him on aug 4. He has been under ground ever since. And I've researched a lot to know that I shouldn't be worried. He dug next to the wall of the tank so I could see him in his cave on the other side. I check on him every so often to make sure he is alive. But today sept 6 he lost a leg. Ot wasn't an exoskeleton. It was an actual leg and he hasn't been moving much. He has been alone in his cave for a month alone as he other two never really buries. They just climb and stay on the surface a lot. They are all about two inches so they don't have much of a size difference which is why I don't think they fought. I have never and will never dig him out unless i know that he is dead.

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
I use eco earth. Its about 6in


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? I have a thermometer hygrometer gauge. I always keep them 75-80°F and 80% humidity.


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I have an uth at the back side of the tank. I havent turned it on because its still hot but i will once it get colder.


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)?
I have fresh water and salt water. I treat it with prime and add reef crystals to the saltwater.


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I give them fresh fruits and veggies and store bought for some variety. I replace it every night.

HG - they need protein and calcium daily. And a varied diet. Check out the safe/unsafe food list and the food pyramid.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Ive had it for about a month. Its a pp.


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Im not sure if it currently is.


8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
Its a 10 gal glass tank with a screen lid.

HG - is your lid sealed? Otherwise it won't keep in the humidity. You can seal it with saran wrap taped down.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Three. Approximately 2 inches.


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? I have 7 since they are all about the same size and can pick and choose the same shells.

HG - The HCA recommends 3-5 shells per crab.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No. They are on a drawer in the living room.


12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I boil the stuff in the tank every two weeks and dip the plastic stuff quickly in boiling water just to clean them.

HG - just make sure you don't take out any items that are partially buried. It can disturb tunnels and caves.

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


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.)?
I dont take them out or touch them except for just moving them out of the way to place their stuff back in after i cleaned them. I dont bathe them too.


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
A leg fell off

HG - i'm sure someone with more experience can advise on the leg.

[Maddamay32]

How do you know it's not exo?

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[Maddamay32]

Aww poor baby. Well there is such a thing as "post purchase syndrome" when crabs are stressed they're known to lose limbs. Even if your crabitat is perfect sometimes the move is all it takes for them to be overstressed.
This doesn't mean he's bound to pass away though, hopefully he'll molt soon and start regrowing that leg.

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[Pebbles]

How do you know it's not exo?

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I could see it missing a leg. It was not hollow and was very vibrant and not whitish or translucent or dull at all. It also had a bit of uhh meat at the end where it fell off.

[Pebbles]

Help. Im getting really worried. He was my first crab too.

[Pebbles]

Aww poor baby. Well there is such a thing as "post purchase syndrome" when crabs are stressed they're known to lose limbs. Even if your crabitat is perfect sometimes the move is all it takes for them to be overstressed.
This doesn't mean he's bound to pass away though, hopefully he'll molt soon and start regrowing that leg.

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Should or can i do anything??

[Maddamay32]

Not for now. Everything you have filled out above is perfect. I would recommend adding calcium to their diet. Egg shells would be the easiest way. Other than that leave your crab alone and let him do what he needs to do. Taking the size of your crabs and your sub debth into consideration, means your crab will be able to molt in prime condition to molt successfully. He/she was probably very stressed and lost a limb (not your fault) he/she will probably molt soon and start the process of regrowing the limb. If any other abnormalities arise with this crab, let us know so we can help.

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[Pebbles]

Not for now. Everything you have filled out above is perfect. I would recommend adding calcium to their diet. Egg shells would be the easiest way. Other than that leave your crab alone and let him do what he needs to do. Taking the size of your crabs and your sub debth into consideration, means your crab will be able to molt in prime condition to molt successfully. He/she was probably very stressed and lost a limb (not your fault) he/she will probably molt soon and start the process of regrowing the limb. If any other abnormalities arise with this crab, let us know so we can help.

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Thanks so much for the reassurance. It was greatly appreciated:)). Also i do have boiled crushed shells I sprinkle of their food.

[Maddamay32]

No problem! That's great to hear about the eggshell, that'll help your little guy to prepare to grow a healthy exo as well as your other crabs.

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[curlysister]

The only other thing I would suggest is to cover the 'window' he made, so he has darkness to finish his molting. Even just tape a piece of paper over it. I did this once when Sonny molted next to the glass, but couldn't resist peeking at him every now and then!

[Pebbles]

The only other thing I would suggest is to cover the 'window' he made, so he has darkness to finish his molting. Even just tape a piece of paper over it. I did this once when Sonny molted next to the glass, but couldn't resist peeking at him every now and then!

Ill just put a post it over it

[Pebbles]

This website is so wholesome. Just seeing people help each other is a nice break from the negativities of social media.

[Maddamay32]

This website is so wholesome. Just seeing people help each other is a nice break from the negativities of social media.

I agree! I'm so happy I found HCA!

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[curlysister]

LOL, a post-it note would be perfect!