HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey all!

I have a little E that has lost a couple of its legs. It tries so hard to get around. For the past 3-4 weeks I have seen gel-like legs growing! And they seem to be getting longer! How much longer before he molts? I am so worried the others will attack him. Should I bury him myself?

He is a little smaller than a golf ball.

Hope to get some replies!

Thanks!

You shouldn't bury him yourself. When a crab digs, they leave a tiny air pocket for themselves to breathe. If you're worried about the crabs hurting him, you could ISO him until he molts.

Oh no! That is kinda scary. I did dig a little and put him about 1" or so down the other day. Should I go dig him back up and put him in an ISO tank????

I really don't want anything to happen to this little guy, he has tried so hard, and done so well to be as handicapped as he is.

Thanks for the reply.

You never want to either bury or dig up a crab if at all possible. By all means, you should dig him up now, as he may be suffocating. Even though he is missing a few legs, chances are he could & would dig down when he is ready to molt. They can carry gels legs for weeks, but that doesn't mean they are truly ready to molt.

If you feel better putting him in ISO, then you could do so. I have never had the need to do so. I just had a micro PP that was missing his BP and a walking leg dig down just fine.

Keep us posted.

you would be surprised at how much crabs missing limbs STILL dig down when they're ready. I recently had a molter regrowing both pinchers and two walking legs completely, and even she dug down a tiny bit in the substrate. good luck with this molt.

Caroline

Man.

I hope it isn't too late

I need to get home ASAP and dig this guy up. I only put him down an inch or so, and covered him very lightly, so maybe he will be ok??

He was lightly pinching my palm when I was holding him. I would be so hurt if he died b/c of me.

I will do that ASAP, and keep everyone posted...

Thanks all...