HELP!!! Is my crab dead? With emergency sheet.

[Shawna]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
All purpose sand with coconut fiber 5:1 ratio. Sandcastle consistency.
2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?
Yes. 70-75 degrees F. 70-79% humidity. It is sitting on the substrate in the middle of my 10 gallon aquarium.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
UTH...attached to the back of the tank above the substrate.
4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?
Fresh distilled water and instant ocean (1 gallon to 1/2 cup I think)

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Hermit crab food (commercial) and fresh fruits so far.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I have had them 4 days and I think they are both purple pinchers.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
10 gallon aquarium with glass top.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs, about how the size of a quarter I would say.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
8 extra shells.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I haven't had them long enough to clean it. I have emptied the water and food dishes daily and rinsed them with hot water.
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes. Hot water.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Yes. It is all new!
15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?
My husband accidentally dropped the dead looking good crab about 2 feet onto a soft chair the second day we had them. I have also handled 2 times a day for a couple minutes each time all 4 days we have had them. They would come out right away and walk around on my hand.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
I woke up to find one crab laying on the substrate naked and missing his big pincher claw. He looks dead and has not moved all day. The other crab switched shells and is buried under the Moss pit. I am not 100% positive, but I don't think he took the dead looking crabs shell. The naked crab had a shell on when purchased and I bought him another one just like it except a little bigger because he didn't seem to be fitting well in his shell when I bought him. His legs were all sticking out when he went into his shell, so I thought he could switch into the new shell that was just like his old shell. Being a new crabber, when I saw the scene this morning I freaked out! I picked up the dead looking crab and he didn't move, I put him back in the crabitat and got on here to post. Although I have been sad all day, I am now trying to think a little more clearly. I am thinking he has PPS and dropped his big pincher and his shell. I don't know for sure if he is dead...I am guessing he probably is. I picked him up twice without his shell on. Should I rinse him off and try to put him back in his shell for protection? I just really want him to be okay and to live through this. It also doesn't help that my husband dropped him. I am also wondering if the damaged him even though he seemed fine and active after the fall.

Thank you everyone for your patience with me as a new crabber and new to this site.

[soilentgringa]

If the crab is still naked it needs to be reshelled immediately. Rinse the shell out in fresh water and carefully guide the crab's abdomen into the shell.

I'm going to address some areas of concern.

Temps and humidity should be around 80°F/80%

Toss the pellets. They contain ingredients that are toxic to the crabs. Will link the care guide that has safe food list.

Crabs are hands off pets. Handling them, especially when new stresses them out. They see us as predators. The best thing to do with new crabs is leave them alone and allow them time to destress.

Distilled water isn't horrible but doesn't provide elements that they need. Tap water treated with a dechlorinator is more cost effective and better overall for their health.

Here is the link to the guide:

http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=92457

Welcome!

[Shawna]

Thank you.