HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hey guys! I hardly ever post anymore but I thought I would take the time since I recently over winter break had quite a scare from one of my crabs. He had dug underground to molt and 3 months later I figured he was dead (only my BIGGEST crabs take that long to molt and he is medium sized), and since I needed to board the crab tank at the vet for my trip home I decided it was time to dig him up and put the crabs in a clean tank. When I did there he was, deader than dirt with most of his limbs fallen off. I was going to just carry him straight to the trash but thought well let me go get a bag first, so I left him on his back in the tank. I moved all the other crabs out, washed their water bowl, came back, and picked up dead crab. Oops, forgot the bag and put him back down. Left got a bag came back picked him up...and his pincher moved

When I flipped him over he came right out...he had 1 leg and big pincher on the same side and that was it. His antennae were flailing around and he was scooting in circles because, well, he only had left side limbs. His one leg was deformed with a piece of partially shed exo stuck to the end of it, making him look all around pretty gruesome. So...I called up my vet and told her I had a very sick crab that would be in a separate (iso) tank and told them not to mess with him, and that he would probably die.

When I returned from my vacation 10 days later the vet had decided to feed the crab....and he was completely covered in green fuzzy mold. I thought welp maybe he passed in peace and picked him up. I nearly got NAILED when his big pincher came out after me, he was alive and FIESTY!! I took him home, cleaned him up, and removed a crab poop against all odds he is eating!

That was over a month ago now...and the crab is still alive and kicking. He likes to sleep on his back because everytime I check on him I flip him over and when I check on him again there he is on his back. I can't believe his will to survive. He still has that nasty deformed leg (the funky piece has not broken off). My plan is to keep him in his iso (I have the tank inside of a closed box for darkness since he cannot bury) until he has remolted. I know if he eventually survives he will be SO tiny. I assume he is growing gel sacs (he wont come out far enough for me to see, he just waves his pincher around and sticks out an antenna to sniff the predator).

So now you know how hardy these little guys can be! If you all are interested I will keep you updated on his progress.

Definately keep us updated! lol Congrats on such a courageous hermie! He's going to gain quite the cheerleading squad from everyone here.

Wow, Rip!!! I have something similar going on right now. I have a rug who I found underground while doing a deep clean. I hadn't seen Bazooka in ages, so heaven knows how long he was down for. When I found him, he had nothing bu his BP & a walking leg on the same side, plus he has a stub, missing the bottom leg segment on the other side. I found him two weeks ago, and he is still alive.

How are you feeding & watering your little guy? I mean is he getting around by himself, or are you leading him to food & water? A part of me says to leave him alone for fear of stressing him out. Another part of me says to place him in the water & food dishes. Just not sure how to handle this. Any help would be appreciated.

Wow what a little trooper! Good luck, I will keep my fingers crossed that he molts quickly and well.

I do not touch him except to check to see if he is still alive about once a week. he has a small plastic cap of water and a small piece of paper plate with food on it. I switch between FMR and peanut butter (I tried dried fruit and honey but then decided that is too difficult to eat for one with no feeder pincher). The food is ground up with a mortar and pestle very very fine. I honestly don't think he is eating anymore because it doesn't look messed with when I change it out, but it's sort of a just-in-case. From my experience once they are in molt-mode they quit eating all together. Also I stuck a hidey log over him so when I take the top off his tank the light doesn't disturb him everytime.

Good luck with your crab kathy! And don't be surprised when the legs come back they will be 1/3 their regular size. It will look REALLY funny.

I lost her, Rip.

I'm so sorry, Kathy! [smilie=comfort.gif]

Sorry you lost your little Rug Kathy. I know how much you love them.

What an amazing story though Ripshaw. Do keep us posted on this little ones determination!

What an amazing story!!

I am beginning to go through something very similar right now As in my latest post. I basically had to molt the crab myself.

He is all moving around, and has quite the will to live. I hope he makes it....please keep us updated.

Kathy, I am sorry to hear about your loss