HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So a couple weeks ago I had a hermit crab that came up from a molt and he was acting weird and within the next night I noticed that he was missing a leg so when I took a closer look he was missing more then one and he wasn't really moving. So I had put him in an isolation tank next to the main set up. It has only a little bit of sand/ eco earth in it (because he just came up from a molt) and the temp is around 75 and humidity is around 80%. I also have a towel over it to keep it dark for him. I've been feeding him peanut butter, honey, and some dried fruits and veggies. I also mist him at least once a day. The only problem is that a couple days later he left his shell. I have a total of five shells in the tank for him (including the one he left) and he seems to be more active and moving around he has just ditched his shell. So should I be worried that he is naked or should I just let him be and let him do his thing while he regrows his strength?

And I had a question about adding more substrate to the main tank:

I currently have a couple crabs molting but I just got another bag of sand and I've been wanting to add it into the tank so I was wondering if I have crabs molting if I can just add in more sand on top?

I<3Crabo's wrote: ↑

Fri May 17, 2024 6:35 pm

So should I be worried that he is naked or should I just let him be and let him do his thing while he regrows his strength?

This is actually considered an emergency! Please follow this link viewtopic.php?f=27&t=122302

And I had a question about adding more substrate to the main tank:

I currently have a couple crabs molting but I just got another bag of sand and I've been wanting to add it into the tank so I was wondering if I have crabs molting if I can just add in more sand on top?

you can add up to 1 in per 24 hours!

So in the iso tank he has several other shells available to him and they are on a tray with a little bit of the fresh water and he seems to be more active without his shell on. I read the link you attached and I've already done everything it says except for holding him in my hand. He also currently only has his claws (and little legs that would normally be in his shell). Within the tank there is nothing sharp in it that can scratch his abdomen. So could he just be refusing to go into a shell because it is too heavy for him right now?

I<3Crabo's wrote: ↑

Sat May 18, 2024 3:14 pm

So in the iso tank he has several other shells available to him and they are on a tray with a little bit of the fresh water and he seems to be more active without his shell on. I read the link you attached and I've already done everything it says except for holding him in my hand. He also currently only has his claws (and little legs that would normally be in his shell). Within the tank there is nothing sharp in it that can scratch his abdomen. So could he just be refusing to go into a shell because it is too heavy for him right now?

it cant just be an iso tank. it should be a mug with no extra space or sub except the crab and shells (and the teensy bit of water). Did you do that yet? Maybe you did! I just want to clarify because it seems you might be equating the two which i have done myself so no worries! But its an easy mistake but a mistake nonetheless. Even without sharp objects just the sand/ecoearth/whatever can disturb the abdomen and we want no distractions in this urgent time.

ok thank you so much for your help!!
I will be sure to set that up ASAP

He is more active without the shell because he is weak and the shell is heavy. However, he will die without a shell, so as has already been posted this is an emergency. The care sheet explains what to do to try to get him back into a shell.

ok thank you so much!