HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So one of my hermits (that are technically my little brother's) has been overly lethargic and stocking up on food and water. Originally Callahan was social and such, but she hasn't shown any signs of desiring to dig? I've made a tiny pot hole in the substrate near her favorite spot and gently moved her over there. I came back from school and she was slightly out of her shell a bit more, but besides that hasn't moved. She's been lethargic for over a week now.


1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
The coconut fiber bricks; It's between 5.5-6 inches
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?
They gauges are above the freshwater pool, normally at 70 degrees and varying between 80-93%
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Sadly no
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)?
Both fresh and saltwater are available. I use AquaSafe and an aquarium salt mix (I can't find the carton right now)
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
It varies between spinach, carrot, crushed egg shells, and sunflower seeds (without salt)
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I've had this crab for three weeks by tomorrow, and it's a PP
7. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?
10 gallon glass aquarium with saran wrap currently (shop didn't sell any lids that fit)
8. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
Right now 3 crabs are in the tank, 2 medium and one small
9. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
8
10. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
None at all
11. How often do you clean the tank and how?
It's still a new enough set up that I haven't cleaned it yet.
12. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
There was but not anymore
13. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Just a few new shells
14. 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 don't have the money or supplies for an ISO so I'm not quite sure how to handle the surface molt with two other crabs running around.

She might just be lethargic because there's no heat. Your temps need to be 75F-85F, but 80F-85F is best. At 70F she might just be trying to stock up for molt, but not comfortable enough. She could also be trying to eat to get warm. If you have no heat source maybe you can use a desk lamp shined at the front of the tank?


Crabbers unite!!!

One thing that caught my eye aside from the low temp is the food. Offer some proteins as well as veggies and seeds such as unseasoned meats (I just pinch some off of whatever we are making for dinner and either cook it first or serve raw), shrimp tails, or dried krill/bloodworms/crickets - I know someone uses Flukers dried mealworms and bloodworms. Also you can boil or scramble an egg (unseasoned) and serve it in the shell for a good treat. Raw unpasteurized honey and all natural peanut butter are great for restoring energy too.

Okay, thank you so much!

I'm getting paid tomorrow so I'll try to get a heater as soon as possible

Great! Hopefully you can order an Ultratherm. You should also move the guages to right where she hangs out.
Has she been the same since?


Crabbers unite!!!

Mostly, she at least moved back to sitting next to the food. She probably ate some while I was out. I'll be able to grab a heater tomorrow when I'm out and about

She could just be eating to increase her metabolism in order to warm up
Get heat ASAP! Keep us posted!


Crabbers unite!!!

Heating pad installed and snagged a second deeper water bowl! She's currently cuddling up against the slightly warmer wall while I'm waiting for it to heat up more

Interesting! Did she move to the heat on her own?


Crabbers unite!!!

EDIT: the heat pad is on the side, not underneath, correct?

Yes, its on the side. And kinda, I scooted her about an inch away from it but she snuggled her self against it some.

I'm still worried because she's distanced herself from the heater again and is now sitting very far out of her shell (that's still too small for her).

As long as she's not naked, it should be ok. Can you see her soft abdomen?


Crabbers unite!!!

For atleast an hour yes. She's curled back up in her shell again looking limp.

At least she's shelled any antenna movement? Any flinching?


Crabbers unite!!!