Hermit Crab Remaining Stationary for Long Periods, No Antenna Movement

[rowdyred]

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?
5:1 ratio of play sand and eco earth coco fiber, 6in in some spots, 8 in others

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, located near salt water source. Reads 81F, and 80% humidity
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Yes, 17in heating pad on the back wall of tank. Typical brand sold at pet stores.
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 and fresh water sources available. Water is prepared with IO and Seachem Prime. I premix it in gallon jugs. The water is in filtered 1gallon fish tanks with options for climbing in/out or drinking from the surface.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Food is replaced daily. They have leaf litter, worm castings, chia seeds and sprouts, foraging materials, fresh fruit and veggie varieties, and shrimp. I did order new food and oils that are coming in today from South of the Oceam

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

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
He came up from molt about a month and a half ago

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
30 gallon tank with a 2 piece plastic lid with ventilation

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2, very small crabs. Not sure about exact length as I do not handle them much. I have not measured them. They are very small though.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
Currently 15 or so turbo shells in varying sizes. Mostly Mexican turbo.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
No.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I have springtails that do most of the cleaning. I spot clean if anything looks particularly poor. I add sub if needed.

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

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
No.

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 check on them and care for them daily. I don’t touch them unless I need to do a health check or clean up around the tank or reset/clean decor.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

My crab is usually a very happy guy. He usually likes to explore. For about 3 weeks he has been sitting in one spot not moving. He just sits, not recoiled in his shell for days. He isnt going to water. He will munch on leaf litter or chia that’s right in front of him. Last night, I added fresh food and sat him at the dish just to encourage eating. He walked a few inches away after a bit and has been in the same spot since. Just staring. His antennas aren’t active. He will recoil into his shell if frightened but he comes back out and just sits. He does not seek out food or water. He doesn’t burry. He’s just sitting. My other hermit crab is eating, climbing everywhere, and using the water sources. Every time you look for him he is in a different spot.

Thank you for reading! If needed, I can provide tank photos/crab photos.

[JoeHermits]

Sometimes they’ll just sit somewhere and stare into space. The fact that he does eat is a good sign. Regardless of whether he’s sick or just in a mood best you can do is keep conditions good and wait


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