We just "inherited" 3 crabs. Three days ago the huge one left his shell. After reading your web pages, we made an isolation are for him. He, I believe is molting. When I moved him, he was on his back and has stayed on his back with his legs in the air. Is this what is supposed to happen?
I appreciate any input.
Crab on back
Re: Crab on back
Does the crab need to be flipped over?TheMom wrote:We just "inherited" 3 crabs. Three days ago the huge one left his shell. After reading your web pages, we made an isolation are for him. He, I believe is molting. When I moved him, he was on his back and has stayed on his back with his legs in the air. Is this what is supposed to happen?
I appreciate any input.
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soilentgringa
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Re: Crab on back
The best thing you can do for the crab is to leave it alone. Is it tucked into the shell or hanging out?TheMom wrote:Does the crab need to be flipped over?TheMom wrote:We just "inherited" 3 crabs. Three days ago the huge one left his shell. After reading your web pages, we made an isolation are for him. He, I believe is molting. When I moved him, he was on his back and has stayed on his back with his legs in the air. Is this what is supposed to happen?
I appreciate any input.
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Re: Crab on back
He left his shell and had been walking around shell=less. When I moved him to the isolation tank, I used a small scoop to move him. He slid off the scoop onto his back. I don't know if it was good, but we did try to flip him and now he is on his side. I am so worried now that, in trying to "make things right", I might have hurt him/her. He is very large - about 7".
Re: Crab on back
I didn’t use Tapatalk and was told that some couldn’t see posts not using that format so I’ll put it through again from my phone. It might have been my fault that he is on his back and I did try to turn him because he seemed to be struggling. Now he is on his side and I’m concerned that I, again, made a mistake.
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aussieJJDude
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Re: Crab on back
IMO, reshelling him is probably the vest thing you could do, or ensure that the Iso has a thin layer of water - like less than a cm depth - so his abdomen doesnt dry out.
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Re: Crab on back
I think he might be molting. 
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Re: Crab on back
I appreciate your replies. I want to do what is right for him.
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aussieJJDude
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Re: Crab on back
I dont think its moulting. They usually do it with a shell on, usually a shelless crab means that its sick or dying.
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I strive to make HCA a welcoming space for all
Infrequently on due to studies, on a little more on in FB group
I strive to make HCA a welcoming space for all
Infrequently on due to studies, on a little more on in FB group
Re: Crab on back
Oh, no. He was a large crab stuck in a small shell for a long time before we got him. I put him in water, as suggested, and he perked up a bit. I have bigger shells available but he shows no interest. I’ve also offered food, but also no interest. If he needs to be respelled, I can try that but don’t know how to properly do that.
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Re: Crab on back
After reading on how to reshell a crab, I put him in a shell. I have him near food and water. I will keep him in isolation until he either recovers or dies. I thank you for your responses. They have been helpful.
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soilentgringa
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Re: Crab on back
If you can, would you fill this out? It can help address issues/areas of concern and pinpoint what happened.TheMom wrote:After reading on how to reshell a crab, I put him in a shell. I have him near food and water. I will keep him in isolation until he either recovers or dies. I thank you for your responses. They have been helpful.
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http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=46102
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soilentgringa
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Re: Crab on back
I received the answers from OP in a PM; I'm gonna drop them here:
I wasn't sure if you wanted me to post the answers or send you the answers. If they need to be posted, let me know and I can copy this to the posts - I think. (I am struggling to find all the ins and outs of how to do things on the forum. I am learning but not always successful.)
Someone gave my granddaughter three crabs and we have been scrambling to provide a suitable habitat for them.They all seemed to be active and then the largest crab left his shell. That is when our problem started. And I am afraid that I contributed to his problem.
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
About 4" - 5" of play sand in main container and in the isolation container - one end is 3" deep and the other 1" deep.
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?
For both: Temp usually between 70 and 85 degrees. Humidity between 70% and 85%, sometimes higher in the isolation tank. Gauges are sitting on sand, leaning on side of container
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
For the large container by heating pads, one under container and one behind the container. The quickly put together isolation tank has a heating pad laying over the lid.
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 water is well water from our home so has no chloride. Salt water is provided according to the directions on the soaking salt bottle we bought. The brand is "All Living Things."
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Fresh lettuce, broccoli, dried shrimp and meal worms and pellets. Replaced daily. Also have frog moss which is not replaced.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I believe they are purple pinchers. We have had them for 10 days.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No. Not the crab that is having a problem. Out of ignorance, I thought he was molting and might have contributed to his problems by not touching him and so leaving him on his back for 3 days. I am so distraught over that thought. Of the other 2 crabs, one went underground and we haven't seen him in a week. The third is very active - crawls around and eats a lot.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
they are in plastic storage tubs with lids. the main tank is 24"x15" and is 13" tall. The isolation tank is 24"x13" and is 6" tall
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Two medium crabs in the large tank and the large crab (sick one) in the small tank.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
They came with no extra shells and we don't know how long the other person had them. We couldn't find shells locally and so ordered some, hoping they would be a size and kind they needed. The shells came on Saturday and now have some bigger shells for them. However, I think we will have to order more because they are too big for the smaller crabs.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Too new.
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
They came with a fake sponge which the medium crab always sat in during the day. After reading this forum, I microwaved it and put it back. He isn't sitting in it any longer. So, I might take it out since the moss should provide the humidity needed. I have ordered natural sponges for them.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
It was all new for them.
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.)?
We have been leaving them alone and not touching them so they could adjust to their new surroundings.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
After having the crabs about 5 days, the big one left his shell. I thought he might be molting and, since I had to leave for work in half an hour, quickly set up an isolation container for him with sand and water and food. The sand was in the garage and was probably too cold for him. But I was in a hurry and I feared that if I left him with the others for 9 hours that would be bad for him. So I scooped him up and put him in the new home. I sprayed to give him humidity and put the lid on. When I came home, he was on his back. I wasn't sure if that was a molt position or not. So I left him. I started searching online what to do when I discovered this forum. On Monday, I flipped him over, but he was on his side. Then someone said that he needed to be put in water and reshelled. I put him in the salt water, which got him moving a little. I then tried to slip him into a larger shell. I am not sure how successful I was, but he seems to be in the shell. But he doesn't move except to wiggle an appendage when I open the lid to check on him. I put a mashed shrimp mixture close enough that he should be able to reach it but I don't think he has eaten. I fear he is dying. I am hoping that he will recover, but if not, I want him to be as comfortable as possible.
I am thankful to the person who answered my post. I certainly need guidance. I am open to and appreciate any and all help and suggestions. We got the hermits with nothing and are trying to give them a good home with what little resources we have.
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I wasn't sure if you wanted me to post the answers or send you the answers. If they need to be posted, let me know and I can copy this to the posts - I think. (I am struggling to find all the ins and outs of how to do things on the forum. I am learning but not always successful.)
Someone gave my granddaughter three crabs and we have been scrambling to provide a suitable habitat for them.They all seemed to be active and then the largest crab left his shell. That is when our problem started. And I am afraid that I contributed to his problem.
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
About 4" - 5" of play sand in main container and in the isolation container - one end is 3" deep and the other 1" deep.
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?
For both: Temp usually between 70 and 85 degrees. Humidity between 70% and 85%, sometimes higher in the isolation tank. Gauges are sitting on sand, leaning on side of container
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
For the large container by heating pads, one under container and one behind the container. The quickly put together isolation tank has a heating pad laying over the lid.
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 water is well water from our home so has no chloride. Salt water is provided according to the directions on the soaking salt bottle we bought. The brand is "All Living Things."
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Fresh lettuce, broccoli, dried shrimp and meal worms and pellets. Replaced daily. Also have frog moss which is not replaced.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I believe they are purple pinchers. We have had them for 10 days.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No. Not the crab that is having a problem. Out of ignorance, I thought he was molting and might have contributed to his problems by not touching him and so leaving him on his back for 3 days. I am so distraught over that thought. Of the other 2 crabs, one went underground and we haven't seen him in a week. The third is very active - crawls around and eats a lot.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
they are in plastic storage tubs with lids. the main tank is 24"x15" and is 13" tall. The isolation tank is 24"x13" and is 6" tall
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Two medium crabs in the large tank and the large crab (sick one) in the small tank.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
They came with no extra shells and we don't know how long the other person had them. We couldn't find shells locally and so ordered some, hoping they would be a size and kind they needed. The shells came on Saturday and now have some bigger shells for them. However, I think we will have to order more because they are too big for the smaller crabs.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Too new.
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
They came with a fake sponge which the medium crab always sat in during the day. After reading this forum, I microwaved it and put it back. He isn't sitting in it any longer. So, I might take it out since the moss should provide the humidity needed. I have ordered natural sponges for them.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
It was all new for them.
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.)?
We have been leaving them alone and not touching them so they could adjust to their new surroundings.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
After having the crabs about 5 days, the big one left his shell. I thought he might be molting and, since I had to leave for work in half an hour, quickly set up an isolation container for him with sand and water and food. The sand was in the garage and was probably too cold for him. But I was in a hurry and I feared that if I left him with the others for 9 hours that would be bad for him. So I scooped him up and put him in the new home. I sprayed to give him humidity and put the lid on. When I came home, he was on his back. I wasn't sure if that was a molt position or not. So I left him. I started searching online what to do when I discovered this forum. On Monday, I flipped him over, but he was on his side. Then someone said that he needed to be put in water and reshelled. I put him in the salt water, which got him moving a little. I then tried to slip him into a larger shell. I am not sure how successful I was, but he seems to be in the shell. But he doesn't move except to wiggle an appendage when I open the lid to check on him. I put a mashed shrimp mixture close enough that he should be able to reach it but I don't think he has eaten. I fear he is dying. I am hoping that he will recover, but if not, I want him to be as comfortable as possible.
I am thankful to the person who answered my post. I certainly need guidance. I am open to and appreciate any and all help and suggestions. We got the hermits with nothing and are trying to give them a good home with what little resources we have.
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GotButterflies
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Re: Crab on back
I received the answers from OP in a PM; I'm gonna drop them here:
Hi! Welcome to the HCA! I'm sorry that you are going through this! Let's hope we can get you and your hermit through this traumatic event! My name is GotButterflies. I'll reply with GB for my replies in Bold.
I wasn't sure if you wanted me to post the answers or send you the answers. If they need to be posted, let me know and I can copy this to the posts - I think. (I am struggling to find all the ins and outs of how to do things on the forum. I am learning but not always successful.)
Someone gave my granddaughter three crabs and we have been scrambling to provide a suitable habitat for them.They all seemed to be active and then the largest crab left his shell. That is when our problem started. And I am afraid that I contributed to his problem.
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
About 4" - 5" of play sand in main container and in the isolation container - one end is 3" deep and the other 1" deep.
GB: Substrate should be 6 inches or 3 times the height of your largest crab (whichever is deeper). This minimum depth should be throughout the entire tank. After the minimum depth is reached, then you can make it higher, never go lower than the minimum. The substrate should also be mixed with dechlorinated marine saltwater or dechlorinated freshwater to make the substrate 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?
For both: Temp usually between 70 and 85 degrees. Humidity between 70% and 85%, sometimes higher in the isolation tank. Gauges are sitting on sand, leaning on side of container
GB: Minimum heat and humidity should be 80/80. Hermit crabs have modified gills and need the humidity to breathe.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
For the large container by heating pads, one under container and one behind the container. The quickly put together isolation tank has a heating pad laying over the lid.
GB: Okay, by the heating pads, do you mean actual heating pads or ultratherms? First of all, please remove the one under the tank. That is not good to heat the substrate, and it could be a fire hazard if it is a zoomed. Most of us crabbers use ultratherm heaters to heat the air of the tank. We place them above the substrate on the back of the tank to heat the air. www.beanfarm.com or www.reptilebasics.com make good ultratherms. If you are indeed using heating pads, those can work temporarily - but I recommend ultratherms. You can also use blankets or towels heated in the dryer without dryer sheets. Some crabbers use heat bulbs. I personally don't like heat lamps, because they make the humidity evaporate.
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 water is well water from our home so has no chloride. Salt water is provided according to the directions on the soaking salt bottle we bought. The brand is "All Living Things."
GB: Unfortunately most products marketed for hermit crabs are not safe. The soaking salt is not good. Toss it or return it to the store. As far as salt, you need marine salt, to mimic the ocean. A lot of us use a product called Instant Ocean which is what aquarium hobbyists use to make saltwater aquariums. It has the essential trace elements that hermit crabs need.
You still need a dechlorinator that removes chlorine, and chloramine as well as neutralizes ammonia and heavy metals. Chlorine burns the hermit crabs gills. A lot of us use a product called Prime. You have to use the dechlorinator for both freshwater and marine saltwater. Both pools should be deep enough for them to fully submerge in and safe enough for them to get out of.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Fresh lettuce, broccoli, dried shrimp and meal worms and pellets. Replaced daily. Also have frog moss which is not replaced.
GB: Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.
Safe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92556
Food pyramid: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92554
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I believe they are purple pinchers. We have had them for 10 days.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No. Not the crab that is having a problem. Out of ignorance, I thought he was molting and might have contributed to his problems by not touching him and so leaving him on his back for 3 days. I am so distraught over that thought. Of the other 2 crabs, one went underground and we haven't seen him in a week. The third is very active - crawls around and eats a lot.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
they are in plastic storage tubs with lids. the main tank is 24"x15" and is 13" tall. The isolation tank is 24"x13" and is 6" tall
GB: Are they in storage totes?
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Two medium crabs in the large tank and the large crab (sick one) in the small tank.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
They came with no extra shells and we don't know how long the other person had them. We couldn't find shells locally and so ordered some, hoping they would be a size and kind they needed. The shells came on Saturday and now have some bigger shells for them. However, I think we will have to order more because they are too big for the smaller crabs.
GB: The HCA recommends 3-5 shells per hermit crab. I personally recommend more. It never hurts to have more There are incorrect shells to buy. Here is the shell guide: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=92552
Remember to boil all new shells in dechlorinated fw. Dip in dechlorinated msw.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Too new.
GB: You only need to clean out poop, spilled food and change water
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
They came with a fake sponge which the medium crab always sat in during the day. After reading this forum, I microwaved it and put it back. He isn't sitting in it any longer. So, I might take it out since the moss should provide the humidity needed. I have ordered natural sponges for them.
GB: Sponges are not necessary
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
It was all new for them.
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.)?
We have been leaving them alone and not touching them so they could adjust to their new surroundings.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
After having the crabs about 5 days, the big one left his shell. I thought he might be molting and, since I had to leave for work in half an hour, quickly set up an isolation container for him with sand and water and food. The sand was in the garage and was probably too cold for him. But I was in a hurry and I feared that if I left him with the others for 9 hours that would be bad for him. So I scooped him up and put him in the new home. I sprayed to give him humidity and put the lid on. When I came home, he was on his back. I wasn't sure if that was a molt position or not. So I left him. I started searching online what to do when I discovered this forum. On Monday, I flipped him over, but he was on his side. Then someone said that he needed to be put in water and reshelled. I put him in the salt water, which got him moving a little. I then tried to slip him into a larger shell. I am not sure how successful I was, but he seems to be in the shell. But he doesn't move except to wiggle an appendage when I open the lid to check on him. I put a mashed shrimp mixture close enough that he should be able to reach it but I don't think he has eaten. I fear he is dying. I am hoping that he will recover, but if not, I want him to be as comfortable as possible.
I am thankful to the person who answered my post. I certainly need guidance. I am open to and appreciate any and all help and suggestions. We got the hermits with nothing and are trying to give them a good home with what little resources we have.
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HCADirectors
Posts: 53
Joined: Fri Jan 18, 2008 4:37 pm
Location: The HCA
Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk[/quote]
Hi! Welcome to the HCA! I'm sorry that you are going through this! Let's hope we can get you and your hermit through this traumatic event! My name is GotButterflies. I'll reply with GB for my replies in Bold.
I wasn't sure if you wanted me to post the answers or send you the answers. If they need to be posted, let me know and I can copy this to the posts - I think. (I am struggling to find all the ins and outs of how to do things on the forum. I am learning but not always successful.)
Someone gave my granddaughter three crabs and we have been scrambling to provide a suitable habitat for them.They all seemed to be active and then the largest crab left his shell. That is when our problem started. And I am afraid that I contributed to his problem.
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
About 4" - 5" of play sand in main container and in the isolation container - one end is 3" deep and the other 1" deep.
GB: Substrate should be 6 inches or 3 times the height of your largest crab (whichever is deeper). This minimum depth should be throughout the entire tank. After the minimum depth is reached, then you can make it higher, never go lower than the minimum. The substrate should also be mixed with dechlorinated marine saltwater or dechlorinated freshwater to make the substrate 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?
For both: Temp usually between 70 and 85 degrees. Humidity between 70% and 85%, sometimes higher in the isolation tank. Gauges are sitting on sand, leaning on side of container
GB: Minimum heat and humidity should be 80/80. Hermit crabs have modified gills and need the humidity to breathe.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
For the large container by heating pads, one under container and one behind the container. The quickly put together isolation tank has a heating pad laying over the lid.
GB: Okay, by the heating pads, do you mean actual heating pads or ultratherms? First of all, please remove the one under the tank. That is not good to heat the substrate, and it could be a fire hazard if it is a zoomed. Most of us crabbers use ultratherm heaters to heat the air of the tank. We place them above the substrate on the back of the tank to heat the air. www.beanfarm.com or www.reptilebasics.com make good ultratherms. If you are indeed using heating pads, those can work temporarily - but I recommend ultratherms. You can also use blankets or towels heated in the dryer without dryer sheets. Some crabbers use heat bulbs. I personally don't like heat lamps, because they make the humidity evaporate.
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 water is well water from our home so has no chloride. Salt water is provided according to the directions on the soaking salt bottle we bought. The brand is "All Living Things."
GB: Unfortunately most products marketed for hermit crabs are not safe. The soaking salt is not good. Toss it or return it to the store. As far as salt, you need marine salt, to mimic the ocean. A lot of us use a product called Instant Ocean which is what aquarium hobbyists use to make saltwater aquariums. It has the essential trace elements that hermit crabs need.
You still need a dechlorinator that removes chlorine, and chloramine as well as neutralizes ammonia and heavy metals. Chlorine burns the hermit crabs gills. A lot of us use a product called Prime. You have to use the dechlorinator for both freshwater and marine saltwater. Both pools should be deep enough for them to fully submerge in and safe enough for them to get out of. 5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Fresh lettuce, broccoli, dried shrimp and meal worms and pellets. Replaced daily. Also have frog moss which is not replaced.
GB: Make sure you cover all aspects of food pyramid
Foods should be organic when possible. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers. Safe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92557
Unsafe food list: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92556
Food pyramid: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92554
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I believe they are purple pinchers. We have had them for 10 days.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No. Not the crab that is having a problem. Out of ignorance, I thought he was molting and might have contributed to his problems by not touching him and so leaving him on his back for 3 days. I am so distraught over that thought. Of the other 2 crabs, one went underground and we haven't seen him in a week. The third is very active - crawls around and eats a lot.
8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
they are in plastic storage tubs with lids. the main tank is 24"x15" and is 13" tall. The isolation tank is 24"x13" and is 6" tall
GB: Are they in storage totes?
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Two medium crabs in the large tank and the large crab (sick one) in the small tank.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
They came with no extra shells and we don't know how long the other person had them. We couldn't find shells locally and so ordered some, hoping they would be a size and kind they needed. The shells came on Saturday and now have some bigger shells for them. However, I think we will have to order more because they are too big for the smaller crabs.
GB: The HCA recommends 3-5 shells per hermit crab. I personally recommend more. It never hurts to have more
There are incorrect shells to buy. Here is the shell guide: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=92552Remember to boil all new shells in dechlorinated fw. Dip in dechlorinated msw.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Too new.
GB: You only need to clean out poop, spilled food and change water
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
They came with a fake sponge which the medium crab always sat in during the day. After reading this forum, I microwaved it and put it back. He isn't sitting in it any longer. So, I might take it out since the moss should provide the humidity needed. I have ordered natural sponges for them.
GB: Sponges are not necessary
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
It was all new for them.
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.)?
We have been leaving them alone and not touching them so they could adjust to their new surroundings.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
After having the crabs about 5 days, the big one left his shell. I thought he might be molting and, since I had to leave for work in half an hour, quickly set up an isolation container for him with sand and water and food. The sand was in the garage and was probably too cold for him. But I was in a hurry and I feared that if I left him with the others for 9 hours that would be bad for him. So I scooped him up and put him in the new home. I sprayed to give him humidity and put the lid on. When I came home, he was on his back. I wasn't sure if that was a molt position or not. So I left him. I started searching online what to do when I discovered this forum. On Monday, I flipped him over, but he was on his side. Then someone said that he needed to be put in water and reshelled. I put him in the salt water, which got him moving a little. I then tried to slip him into a larger shell. I am not sure how successful I was, but he seems to be in the shell. But he doesn't move except to wiggle an appendage when I open the lid to check on him. I put a mashed shrimp mixture close enough that he should be able to reach it but I don't think he has eaten. I fear he is dying. I am hoping that he will recover, but if not, I want him to be as comfortable as possible.
I am thankful to the person who answered my post. I certainly need guidance. I am open to and appreciate any and all help and suggestions. We got the hermits with nothing and are trying to give them a good home with what little resources we have.
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HCADirectors
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Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
Re: Crab on back
Thank you for your response and all the suggestions. Unfortunately, our sick crab has died and so now we are maintaining only 1 habitat.
It is a plastic tote with a lid and not glass.
We are using people heating pads that we had here for the heat, not ultratherms. We removed the one under the tote, as you suggested, and just kept the one at the back of the tank.
Regarding the salt water, I will check with the pet store to see if they have the Instant Ocean.
I will need to add sand. The sand at the back of the container stays moist, but I will moisten the rest.
Thank you for the list of foods and the list of shells. One shell I ordered was on the list (murex) but the muffin snails were not so I guess I will need to look into getting more.
I hope we can begin to give them a better home. I appreciate your input. It has been a great help.
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It is a plastic tote with a lid and not glass.
We are using people heating pads that we had here for the heat, not ultratherms. We removed the one under the tote, as you suggested, and just kept the one at the back of the tank.
Regarding the salt water, I will check with the pet store to see if they have the Instant Ocean.
I will need to add sand. The sand at the back of the container stays moist, but I will moisten the rest.
Thank you for the list of foods and the list of shells. One shell I ordered was on the list (murex) but the muffin snails were not so I guess I will need to look into getting more.
I hope we can begin to give them a better home. I appreciate your input. It has been a great help.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk