Crab wont go into a new shell

[Brittany55]

For last 2 weeks I noticed one my small hermit crabs will not stay in its shell, it has many options about 7 shells free for it and it wont go into shell for two weeks i've tried all i could do to try get it to go into a new shell and it will wont... What can i do? The tank its in is a 28 gallon glass tank and its located in my bedroom where no one goes but me its not near any windows has natural light all day long temperatures in tank are right all other crabs in the tank are healthy and happy. But why wont this one go into a shell? Please someone help me I'm worried about the little guy.

[Kermie16]

So sorry to hear about ur little guy:( Can you fill out the emergency template? It would really help us to try to find out what may be going on with him.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GotButterflies]

Crabs streak due to stress. Please fill out the emergency template so that we can help you. It is a series of questions that tells us specifics about your tank. (Under the forum section). Your crab needs to be reshelled. This has to be done VERY carefully. Once the questions are filled out we can help you.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Brittany55]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? I use a mix of coconut substituents for hermit crabs with a bit of forest moss and some reptile bark saying safe for hermit crabs, the bedding is very deep as my biggest crab can fully cover himself or itself.

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? I do have gauges and they are inside the tank near the back where i can read them the humidity is about 78% the temp is at 75 in the tank itself

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? The heat source is a under tank heat pad

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)? My crabs have access to both fresh water and salt water in my tank I buy the hermit crab salt water where i bought my carbs from I also keep many fresh water buckets that sit out a few days before i use them and i was told it was fine if i do that so don't have to use dechorinators? unless im wrong for doing so?

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? I use a mixed variety of bought food from pet store meant for hermit crabs i also bought a side curriculum meant for hermit crabs. I also supply organic friuts and veggies for them and its replaced every day.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I've had my crabs for about 2 months but had them in past never had issues with them. The kind crab i have is purple pinchers

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? So far this guy hasn't molted but others have

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? I have a 28 gallon front bowl glass aquarium with glass lid

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? There are about 7 in the tank all together and all about the same size.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? There is a small basket full about 10 other shells in the tank for them to choose from.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? I don't spray fums or chemicals in the room they are in and if i do i close the door to the bathroom they are located near witch is also in my bedroom and i air my bathroom out very well.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I clean the tank every other day but always but i keep the food bowls and water bowls very clean. I also check for any hidden food in my tank and clean it out.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? I use one sea sponge in he fresh water bowl. the sponge i cut up and replace every other day as well

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? Nothing new has been added to the tank recently

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.)? I have taken my crabs out of their tank and let them wonder around in my hands. and i spend hours watching them at night in moonlight lighting. I have yet to try give my crabies a bath. But i mist my tank not every day but ever 3 to 4 days or when needed to.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

I have a small hermit crab as i mentioned above that will not go into its shell and keeps walking around the tank without a shell on and he did go into a shell that i did offer him a while back maybe stayed in it few days then its been out its shell for two weeks and i just can't seem to figure out what the problem is.... please help me I'm getting very worried about the little guy...

[daws409]

I answered all questions with a D- [WINKING FACE]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? I use a mix of coconut substituents for hermit crabs with a bit of forest moss and some reptile bark saying safe for hermit crabs, the bedding is very deep as my biggest crab can fully cover himself or itself.

D- Coconut fiber also known as eco earth is a better substrate. This is very similar looking to ground up coffee and it helpsbto boost humidity. You can also use play sand from hard ware store. Make sure your not using calcium sand as this hardens to cement when wet.... Many use a 5:1 ratio (sand:ee). You can use the ratio, anything in between, straight ee, or straight sand.... Also want to add that 6 inches of sub is bare minimum. More is better however.

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? I do have gauges and they are inside the tank near the back where i can read them the humidity is about 78% the temp is at 75 in the tank itself

D- digital gauges are always better than analog. You can get a set from Wal-Mart or any hardware store for under $10. You'll want to shoot for 80 temp and 80 humidity. These are bare minimums.


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? The heat source is a under tank heat pad

D- This is good just make sure that it is along the back and ABOVE the sub. Also want to mention that zoomed does little to nothing for heat. Reptile Basics .com is usually best for UTH pricing.

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)? My crabs have access to both fresh water and salt water in my tank I buy the hermit crab salt water where i bought my carbs from I also keep many fresh water buckets that sit out a few days before i use them and i was told it was fine if i do that so don't have to use dechorinators? unless im wrong for doing so?

D- you'll still want to use prime for both FW and SW. Also want to be using marine grade salt such as instant ocean. Also want to make sure water bowls are large enough for them to fully submerge. You can use Tupperware with plastic canvas as ramps.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? I use a mixed variety of bought food from pet store meant for hermit crabs i also bought a side curriculum meant for hermit crabs. I also supply organic friuts and veggies for them and its replaced every day.

D- Most things marketed for hermies are actually unsafe. You can get mealworms, shrimp, and krill from fish section. Also cuttlebone from bird section. Many fresh fruits and vege's are okay. Be sure to check safe foods list first before offering anything. (sorry don't know how to post links; safe food list found under crab care)

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? I've had my crabs for about 2 months but had them in past never had issues with them. The kind crab i have is purple pinchers

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? So far this guy hasn't molted but others have

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? I have a 28 gallon front bowl glass aquarium with glass lid

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? There are about 7 in the tank all together and all about the same size.

D- 28 gal is good but you may want to try adopting a few out or upgrade to a bigger tank. It sounds as if their overcrowded... Most of us follow 5 gal/crab rule. (Petco has dollar/gal sale til Jan 28)

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? There is a small basket full about 10 other shells in the tank for them to choose from.

D- you'll want a minimum of 4 shells per crab varying in sizes. PPs prefer turbos but their are a few who like other kinds.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? I don't spray fums or chemicals in the room they are in and if i do i close the door to the bathroom they are located near witch is also in my bedroom and i air my bathroom out very well.

12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I clean the tank every other day but always but i keep the food bowls and water bowls very clean. I also check for any hidden food in my tank and clean it out.

D- most of us don't really clean (deep clean). Spot clean (removing left over food) is good however.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? I use one sea sponge in he fresh water bowl. the sponge i cut up and replace every other day as well

D- Some say sponges are okay as long as you sanitize them. (let them dry, then microwave them..... However most of us stay away from sponges because they're awful for harboring bacteria. I would toss the sponges. You can use plastic canvas as ramps.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? Nothing new has been added to the tank recently

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.)? I have taken my crabs out of their tank and let them wonder around in my hands. and i spend hours watching them at night in moonlight lighting. I have yet to try give my crabies a bath. But i mist my tank not every day but ever 3 to 4 days or when needed to.

D- a little while out of tank is okay but I would do it too much since they need optimal conditions. Many houses can't mimic their crabitat... Bath time isn't recommended anymore but if crab has been in ISO, a quick dunk in FW is okay before adding them to main tank.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

I have a small hermit crab as i mentioned above that will not go into its shell and keeps walking around the tank without a shell on and he did go into a shell that i did offer him a while back maybe stayed in it few days then its been out its shell for two weeks and i just can't seem to figure out what the problem is.... please help me I'm getting very worried about the little guy...

D- they usually only leave shell because of stress or they're too weak to carry it. I would try getting a better shell selection. Also offer lots of healing foods such as peanut butter, honey, and calcium. If you haven't already done it, he needs to ISO'd (make sure to provide optimal conditions 80/80) with foods above and dish of FW and SW.

Wishing you luck and hope your little guy pulls through!



Sent from my HTC6515LVW using Tapatalk

[aussieJJDude]

daws409 has already answered most of your responces, however I just want ot highlight a select few:
3. The heat source is a under tank heat pad

Thats fine, However where exactly is the UTH (under tank heater) located? If its under, I would suggest placing it on the side like daws409 suggested, which will also help increase your tank temperature.

4. My crabs have access to both fresh water and salt water in my tank I buy the hermit crab salt water where i bought my carbs from I also keep many fresh water buckets that sit out a few days before i use them and i was told it was fine if i do that so don't have to use dechorinators? unless im wrong for doing so?
Sorry, no. It just gets rid of the chlorine thats in your water - as chlorine will naturally dissipate after a period of time - but chloramine - which is far more dangerous - and heavy metals - like arsenic and copper - will still remain in your water. Purchasing a dechlorinator that mentions on the LABEL that it removes chlorine, chloramine & heavy metals. daws409 mentioned prime - which does remove all these products - but there are many more that you may find to be more suitable.

5. I use a mixed variety of bought food from pet store meant for hermit crabs i also bought a side curriculum meant for hermit crabs. I also supply organic friuts and veggies for them and its replaced every day.

Try to offer meats as well, they are scavengers and appreciate both veggie and meat sources in their diet.

9. There are about 7 in the tank all together and all about the same size.
Depending on the size of the crabs, you may be overstocked. Many people here follow the 5 per gallon rule, which is a good starting point for keeping smaller crabs. What size is your crabs:
- dime
- marble/grape
- golf ball
- tennis ball
- soft ball?
12. I clean the tank every other day but always but i keep the food bowls and water bowls very clean. I also check for any hidden food in my tank and clean it out.
Sounds ok, but what does your cleaning schedule entail?

13. I use one sea sponge in he fresh water bowl. the sponge i cut up and replace every other day as well

Ok, sea sponges are fine to offer dry as a food source for the crabs to munch on, but in general try to keep them away from the water bowls. They like a all you can eat buffet - including hotel - for harmful bacteria to develop.

Try to Isolate the crab that streaking, providing him deep enough water sources so he can stay hydrated. (Shells make sure their abdomen stays nice an moist.) Likewise, offer shells so he can reshell - if possible, include the one he has ditched - and wash each shell out with FW before offering to make sure that foreign matter - like sand - has been removed. Try to also keep it in a dark place to keep his stress levels down as well.

[Brittany55]

Well i got some good news After taking it out the aquarium and putting it alone in a small carrying case with a few shell to choose from it happily made a new home in a shell within an over night period so i put the guy inside with the rest and i seen him her happily eating at food bowl so i guess just having a hard time thinking of what kind shell to go into?

[aussieJJDude]

I guess, regardless keep an eye on him just in case for the next few weeks. Glad to hear he has reshelled again.

[mool]

Your substrate isn't deep enough. It should be 3 times deeper than your tallest crab; or 6" minimum. Coconut fiber is fine, but the other things you mention aren't that great. You can get some regular play sand from a hardware store and use that to get the right depth.

I suggest you read up on the care requirements and make sure everything is copacetic.

[GotButterflies]

Glad your hermit took a shell again. I know Daws mentioned to you about getting your heat and humidity up to at least 80, but I would really strive for mid 80s on both. Surviving is not thriving. Humidity is extremely important as hermits have modified gills and need the humidity to breathe properly.

[Brittany55]

So after fixing everything up.. im very sad to say little guy has passed on...

[daws409]

Sorry for your loss!

Sent from my HTC6515LVW using Tapatalk

[LadyJinglyJones]

So sorry!

[GotButterflies]

Sorry about your little guy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk