What to do if your hermit crab isn't eating

[bbcraft22]

You're probably thinking "Help! My hermit crab doesn't seem to be eating!" Well, there is a way that he/she will eat.
What you have to do is hand feeding. You could feed them whatever they like, preferably apples, raisins or coconut chunks.

What you need to do is to hold them in the air, but near the ground. Hold the soft food near their claws. Be patient. It will take them a while. If they still won't eat the food, bring them closer to the floor.


Any questions? Ask me in a reply!

[Cortnilin]

In most situation the crabs are actually eating and they just may not eat enough to be noticeable to us. I'm sure there are times that hand feeding is appropriate, perhaps when they lose their feeder claw, when they are sick, or with hermit crabs that are not fearful of humans. However, it is not something to do simply bc they don't appear to put a dent in their food on any given day. Doing so would likely stress the crab out unnecessarily....


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[bbcraft22]

Doing so would likely stress the crab out unnecessarily....
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ok. Thanks for the feedback! But I meant when they have a serious injury.

[Jedi Sena]

A great way to see if they're eating on the sneaks (because they often prefer privacy) is to smooth out the substrate around the dish and then check for footprints in the morning. Also, sometimes they're eating substrate and tank decorations instead of the foods you're offering.

[PinchersAndShells]

Another thing I've noticed is they get a lot of sand on the food in my tank.

[bbcraft22]

A great way to see if they're eating on the sneaks (because they often prefer privacy) is to smooth out the substrate around the dish and then check for footprints in the morning. Also, sometimes they're eating substrate and tank decorations instead of the foods you're offering.

That is true. I have seen them eat wood, substrate, and drift wood.

[Skymall007]

A great way to see if they're eating on the sneaks (because they often prefer privacy) is to smooth out the substrate around the dish and then check for footprints in the morning. Also, sometimes they're eating substrate and tank decorations instead of the foods you're offering.

This^ you work hard to provide food of all sorts and you walk in the room and find one of them snacking on dirt.

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[soilentgringa]

You're probably thinking "Help! My hermit crab doesn't seem to be eating!" Well, there is a way that he/she will eat.
What you have to do is hand feeding. You could feed them whatever they like, preferably apples, raisins or coconut chunks.

What you need to do is to hold them in the air, but near the ground. Hold the soft food near their claws. Be patient. It will take them a while. If they still won't eat the food, bring them closer to the floor.


Any questions? Ask me in a reply!

Handling hermit crabs is stressful to them and imo, shouldn't be done more than absolutely necessary.

They should be allowed to eat and drink as they see fit. It is not necessary to handle and attempt to force feed them. They eat small amounts and will eat when they are hungry.



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