Herme without shell

Please post here if you are having a crab care emergency! Use a real subject and not just "HELP!"
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Hermecuckoo
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Herme without shell

Post by Hermecuckoo » Tue Nov 10, 2020 11:15 pm

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play sand and eco earth 7-8in 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?
Yes humidity 80 heat 75 located on the left side of the tank

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes a heater is on the back. Tapped to half of the upper back side of tank.

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)?
Salt water and fresh water pools available with bubblers. I use the zoo hermit crab water drops. Salt is 1 cup tap & 1 teaspoon mix. Fresh 1 cup tab 2 drops of mix

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Calcium powder, red shrimp, plankton, grounded lobster shells, bee pollen, various flowers, egg shells, chia seeds. Change every 3 days.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Purple pincher since mid August purchased from a beach shop :(

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
No it hasn’t. It possibly may be trying to moly now.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?

30 gal long tank w/ mesh lid I covered in plastic wrap to keep humidity level & temp regulated.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
5 crabs. 2 small 3 med

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
14

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
First time owning crabs haven’t cleaned it yet

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No sponges used

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Just fresh/salt water pool with bubblers.

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 saw him one night on that an aquarium Rock that sits inside the pool relaxing

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

I found him outside his shell. Just standing there beside it not moving.
.

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curlysister
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Re: Herme without shell

Post by curlysister » Tue Nov 10, 2020 11:54 pm

A crab will drop it's shell when it is too weak to carry it. A naked crab will die, so he needs to get back in a shell asap.
Here is the HCA care sheet about what to do for a naked crab, and some possible reasons why it is naked:

viewtopic.php?f=27&t=122302

Nothing major in your set up looks like it needs correcting. You may notice your crabs are a bit more active if the temp is around 80.
One thing that you could improve is your water. Here is the care sheet about dechlorinators and salt:

viewtopic.php?f=127&t=92553

Unfortunately, crabs go through a lot of stress before we get them, and sometimes run out of energy and can not recover even if our conditions are perfect. It is called PPS - Post Purchase Syndrome. There is a care sheet about that too.
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crabbycasey
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Re: Herme without shell

Post by crabbycasey » Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:27 am

Sending positive vibes your crabby gets in a shell (that he loves) soon! The recommended care sheets are a great resource. Good luck and keep us updated!


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Topic author
Hermecuckoo
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Location: Maryland

Re: Herme without shell

Post by Hermecuckoo » Wed Nov 11, 2020 12:06 pm

IMG_7834.HEIC

He’s still outside his shell. I have placed his iso tank inside my gallon tank so he’s with the right temperatures.


Topic author
Hermecuckoo
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Re: Herme without shell

Post by Hermecuckoo » Wed Nov 11, 2020 12:07 pm

He still has his color white abdomen and slightly pic. I was hoping to post a picture

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curlysister
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Re: Herme without shell

Post by curlysister » Wed Nov 11, 2020 1:26 pm

I can not see the photo.

Did you follow the instructions in the care sheet, about putting him in a bowl with shells? If he wont' re-shell, you will need to follow the instructions on how to re-shell him manually.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers


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Hermecuckoo
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Re: Herme without shell

Post by Hermecuckoo » Wed Nov 11, 2020 7:46 pm

I did follow the directions and I attempted to reshell him. Unfortunately he passed away.

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aussieJJDude
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Re: Herme without shell

Post by aussieJJDude » Wed Nov 11, 2020 8:15 pm

Im sorry to hear.

It may also be wise to review the foods offered, it seems to be heavily protein rich however not a lot of carbs (sugars, plsnt based) foods are offered. Things like fruit and veg - which also contain nutrients thats missed/in low concentration with the meats offered!
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crabbycasey
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Re: Herme without shell

Post by crabbycasey » Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:25 pm

I’m so sorry . My son told me they go to Hermie Heaven and get gold shells...or ones made of gems, sweet thought.


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Re: Herme without shell

Post by CrabbyLover77 » Wed Nov 11, 2020 11:11 pm

Hermecuckoo wrote:I did follow the directions and I attempted to reshell him. Unfortunately he passed away.
Aw I'm sorry. Image

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Re: Herme without shell

Post by Pumpkincrab » Thu Nov 12, 2020 12:37 am

I am so so sorry.
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Owner of 4 purple pincher hermit crabs in a 55g tank.

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