Crab fell into pool and was wedged.

[alric3]

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?


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?


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?


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)?


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?


6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?


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


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?


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


11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?


12. How often do you clean the tank and how?


13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?


14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat 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.)?


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. we found our xtra large hermit crab upside down behind a large rock in his pool. We set him on the substrate but he is very lethargic and barely moving. Not sure what to do.


.

[curlysister]

Was he under water?
There isn't much you can do other than keep the conditions good, feed some high energy foods like honey and peanut butter, and wait to see what happens.

[alric3]

Yes. Was under water and not sure for how long. I can put those foods in his bowl but no sure how he’s going to get to them. I see no movement. His antennae are tucked between his legs and there is hardly any movement if I use a leaf to touch them. Im trying not to handle him as to not further stress him. I wish there was something I could do to help him.

[alric3]

I checked on him this morning after overnight and he was barely moving even to the touch. Even his antenna were barely moving. I gave him some honey on a toothpick and he quickly withdrew into his shell. I’m surprised he had that much energy left. I came back in an hour later and he was back out of the shell again. His antenna seem to be slightly more active right now.

[curlysister]

Wait, he is out of his shell? You didn't mention that in your first post. Have you looked at our 'naked crab' care sheet? It explains what to do - your crab needs to get back into a shell asap, or he will die without a shell.