Hasn’t eaten anything in a month

[mhr]

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?
I use coconut substrate and sand. It’s about 2 in 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?
I do not.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I just purchased a heat lamp.

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)?
I use dechlorinated drinking water and salt water. I also just started misting the substrate with tap water.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I have hermit crab food (pellets)

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I have had the crab for 1 month.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
My crab took 3 weeks to molt and finished one week ago.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
It is a 10 gallon tank. I had 2 crabs, but one died yesterday (post-molt). They both molted and re-emerged at the same time.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
1 crab now, it’s about 1.5 inches

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
There are 4 extra shells

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 not cleaned it yet

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?
I added a bridge hut thing for climbing and hiding under

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.)?
No

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
Neither of my crabs seem to have eaten anything, and I got them about 1.5 months ago. (One died yesterday). Right now my second crab which is still living has buried himself a little bit again. Not as deep as with molting though. He hasn’t eaten his exo yet either.

.

[HermitGuy3]

Hi,
I have noticed some things that could be the reasoning why he hasn't eaten In a while.
First of all, the pellets you are feeding your crab can actually be toxic for them, and you should be feeding your crab some organic fruits and vegetables. You can check out the safe food list here on the forum. This is probably why your crab has not eaten.
Second, your substrate needs to be at least 6 inches deep, or 3 times the height of your largest crab.
Third, you need to purchase a hygrometer and a thermometer. A good brand is called Acurite. Hermit crabs need humidity of 70% or higher and heat needs to be 75-82 Fahrenheit.
Fourth, instead of having a heat lamp, you should purchase a heat mat. This is because the heat lamp zaps the humidity.
Fifth, when you said you were spraying with tap water, is that water dechlorinated also? If not, you need to dechlorinate it.

[curlysister]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
I use coconut substrate and sand. It’s about 2 in deep.
Curly - Crabs need substrate to be at least 2-3 times as deep as your largest crab. Be sure that it is moistened with dechlorinated water so that it holds it's shape.

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 not.
Curly - As already stated, crabs need higher humidity and temperature than most of our room conditions. They have modified gills, and can't breathe with low humidity. Most of us aim for around 80F and 80%. A thermometer/ hygrometer is a necessity.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I just purchased a heat lamp.
Curly - Heat lamps will zap humidity. Depending on where you live and what the ambient humidity is, some people do use heat lamps if they live in a very humid climate. Those of us who live in drier areas use a UTH (under tank heater) mounted on the side or back of the tank (not underneath, or it is a fire hazard). When you get your thermometer/ hygrometer, you will know how much more you need to heat your 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)?
I use dechlorinated drinking water and salt water. I also just started misting the substrate with tap water.
Curly - What brand or each are you using? Not all are appropriate. As already stated, you should be using dechlorinated water for misting. Be careful that you don't add too much water and cause a flood. When you get your hygrometer, you will know if your humidity is good or if it needs improvements. Here is our 'water' care sheet.

viewtopic.php?f=127&t=92553


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I have hermit crab food (pellets)
Curly - As already stated, pellets can have preservatives that aren't safe long term. There are some brands that are safer than others. Crabs need a variety of foods, including animal protein and calcium daily. If you haven't seen our nutrition care sheet, have a read through.

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=92554


6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I have had the crab for 1 month.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
My crab took 3 weeks to molt and finished one week ago.
Curly - Did he bury underground, or molt on the surface?

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
It is a 10 gallon tank. I had 2 crabs, but one died yesterday (post-molt). They both molted and re-emerged at the same time.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
1 crab now, it’s about 1.5 inches

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
There are 4 extra shells

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 not cleaned it yet

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?
I added a bridge hut thing for climbing and hiding under

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.)?
No

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
Neither of my crabs seem to have eaten anything, and I got them about 1.5 months ago. (One died yesterday). Right now my second crab which is still living has buried himself a little bit again. Not as deep as with molting though. He hasn’t eaten his exo yet either.
Curly - How long ago did he finish his molt? Was it underground or on the surface?
There are a number of things that need changed in your tank to ensure long term survival of your crab. If you haven't read through our care sheets, start with the 'basics' one.
viewtopic.php?f=120&t=119273