HCA: Hermit Crab Association

curlysister wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 31, 2022 11:47 pm

Or it could be due to conditions that the crab was in prior to the poster getting it. It may not have anything to do with what the current conditions are.

Right, it could be. Best to make sure everything is okay so the crab has the best possible chance at living a healthy life.

I don't think there's anything wrong with crabs picking at their substrate. Mine has been doing it for the 9 years I've had him and he's fine :) It may be worth offering some (safe/sterilized) detritus like leaf litter, worm castings, some cork bark, etc. as they like to eat that stuff and may be lo...

IamSam wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 28, 2022 12:20 am

Thank you. That's a relief. I'm just driving myself nuts trying to figure out why he got sick.

Dropping legs is a sign of severe stress and lack of proper conditions. What is your tank setup like? What is his diet like?

Yes, hermit crabs need saltwater. However, it depends on what species you have- purple pinchers apparently rarely venture to the ocean and are capable of living without saltwater. It's still important to provide it though; they need to be able to regulate their own salt levels especially for molting...