Hermit Crab Molting or Dead??

TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:34 pm

Hi, My biggest hermit crab has been ontop of the substrate for about a week or 2 now, and he hasnt moved. When I was curious as to why I picked him up and a body fell out, but I saw inside a pinkish body with its claw and everything. I put him back down and hes sitting ontop for now. Thx for any help.

TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:38 pm

Here is a picture. I dont mean to hurt him if hes alive still, but I just need to make sure hes okay.

Link: http://imgur.com/ISZXMJf

Momadopolis · Post by **Momadopolis** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:45 pm

Mine looked just like that after a surface molt. You should isolate him with his exo so he can eat it. Keep it as dark as possible.

TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:48 pm

I do not have its exo, what should I give him to eat? And Im moving him to my other tank so should I bury him or put him into one the crab shacks?

Momadopolis · Post by **Momadopolis** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:51 pm

No exo? Lots of calcium. Egg shells and cuttlebone, calcium powder. I gave mine a lot of protein as well. Dried shrimp and crickets.
Don't bury him. Just put him under a hide and block the opening.

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TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:56 pm

I ordered a protein mix from the hermit crab patch today before I noticed he was in this state, and it should be here in 2 days. I ordered this: http://www.hermitcrabpatch.com/Surf-n-T ... /ft011.htm

Along with their variety pack. I will put a bowl of water and another bowl with the stuff when it arrives. Where would I be able to buy calcium powder at, or should Ijust wait until my order comes from THCP?

Thx

Momadopolis · Post by **Momadopolis** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 7:58 pm

You can get calcium powder at any pet store usually. My Walmart also carries it next to the reptile food. Also cuttlebone is really cheap. Usually $2 each. You can just crush some of that up too.

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TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:08 pm

Okay I cant go now because the store is closed, but tomorrow I will. Do I give him a the stuff from THCP when it comes and the calcium? Ill post a picture of the setup in a min.

Momadopolis · Post by **Momadopolis** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:10 pm

The calcium would be something he'd need ASAP. Can you boil an egg and crush up the shell to give him? Also try honey for energy. The protein can wait till you get it.

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TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:12 pm

Here is my half-fast setup: http://imgur.com/gkZNYVJ

I am going to the store tomorrow to buy the proper dishes and stuff. He is in the shack on the left. Should I put something over the entrance to make it completely dark?

TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:14 pm

Yes I can make an egg and crush it up. Ill give him the egg as well. Can I keep the dishes where they are or move them closer?

Momadopolis · Post by **Momadopolis** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:15 pm

As dark as possible. Make sure when you get his food to put it close to him. In the hide if it's big enough. I use moss to cover the opening but anything hermit safe would be fine I'm sure.
You could put a large towel over the entire enclosure too.

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TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:24 pm

Okay I covered up his entrace, and I will put a big towel over it too. Did you see how I set it up? Is that good enough for tonight and tomorrow? I also put a little bit of scrambled egg in the cup and the egg shells as well.

Momadopolis · Post by **Momadopolis** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:26 pm

As long as the temp and humidity are ok and he can easily reach food that looks ok for now. You'll want to add fresh and salt water at some point but I don't think mine drank for several days.

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TheNewComer · Post by **TheNewComer** » Thu Jul 16, 2015 8:30 pm

Alright, and do you know when he will start moving again? I picked him up a lot today, for like 10 minutes, which was a bad idea because of my panic. Should I check up on him everyday? And should I replace the food everyday as well or leave it for a few days?

HCA: Hermit Crab Association