Disappearing crabs!

Where we discuss the behavior of our hermit crabs, as in fights, pecking orders, shell swaps, etc. Please post all naked-crab posts in the Emergency forum.
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Topic author
cristinas
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:56 am
Location: New York

Disappearing crabs!

Post by cristinas » Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:59 am

Hello,

Three of my four hermit crabs have disappeared. I found empty shells with no crabs inside, and parts of an empty crab exoskeleton, like claws, but those did not have any meat inside. What could have happened to them? They did not escape.

Thanks.

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Hermiesguardian
Posts: 3029
Joined: Sun Oct 15, 2017 10:41 pm

Re: Disappearing crabs!

Post by Hermiesguardian » Thu Sep 26, 2019 11:54 am

Did you have extra shells? They probably changed shells and went underground to either destress, molt or just because. Just don't dig for them. Are your conditions right? Substrate depth/consistancy, heat/humidity, diet?
raising son's dog, Dante. Husky/hound.
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi

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purplepincher
Posts: 783
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2019 6:07 pm
Location: Topeka, Kansas

Re: Disappearing crabs!

Post by purplepincher » Thu Sep 26, 2019 1:29 pm

maybe they were eaten
I love my little Acorn! #besthermitcrabever
I also Love Jesus! My favorite food is doughnuts, my favorite drink is orange soda,
and my favorite color is gold! (I like shiny things)

I am also a Die hard Lego fan!


Topic author
cristinas
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:56 am
Location: New York

Re: Disappearing crabs!

Post by cristinas » Thu Sep 26, 2019 1:31 pm

They did not change shells. They are nowhere in the cage, I went through the entire substrate and they aren't in the cage. I use cocofiber mixed with sand, depth about 8 inches, they haven;t been eating for a while.


Topic author
cristinas
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Sep 26, 2019 10:56 am
Location: New York

Re: Disappearing crabs!

Post by cristinas » Thu Sep 26, 2019 1:31 pm

Eaten by the single remaining crab? He was the smallest of the 4. Wouldn't there be some remains though? Something foul smelling?

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purplepincher
Posts: 783
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2019 6:07 pm
Location: Topeka, Kansas

Re: Disappearing crabs!

Post by purplepincher » Thu Sep 26, 2019 2:15 pm

they are probably REALLY deep in the shells.
I love my little Acorn! #besthermitcrabever
I also Love Jesus! My favorite food is doughnuts, my favorite drink is orange soda,
and my favorite color is gold! (I like shiny things)

I am also a Die hard Lego fan!

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purplepincher
Posts: 783
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2019 6:07 pm
Location: Topeka, Kansas

Re: Disappearing crabs!

Post by purplepincher » Thu Sep 26, 2019 2:16 pm

or dead
I love my little Acorn! #besthermitcrabever
I also Love Jesus! My favorite food is doughnuts, my favorite drink is orange soda,
and my favorite color is gold! (I like shiny things)

I am also a Die hard Lego fan!

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