HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello, I am a fairly new pp crab owner. I rescued a crab from my high school english class because it was not properly taken care of. There was less than an inch of substrate in his 10 gal aquarium, only fresh water (that was not dechlorinated or always readily available) , and it was not moist at all. He lived in there for over 6 months and I finally decided to help him. He is about the size of an American quarter. Really small. His new terrarium is at a constant 75 degrees F and 80% humidity. I got another hermit crab about the same size as he is. I didn't want to get too many more and overcrowd the 10 gal. I will be upgrading to a 20 in a few weeks. Anyway, for the past two days I noticed my crab had not moved at all. I picked him up to find he had a slight odor. I feared he was dead, but he moved. He moves his legs now and then but he won't come out. Is he sick? I am so worried I don't know what to do . Please help!!!

Since he was in poor conditions he may be very stressed and/or very much in need of a molt. Do you know if he molted with his previous owner?

I don't think this would count as PPS since he was there for over 6 months but I think I'd treat it similarly. Keep him isolated from the other crab in proper conditions and load him up with high energy foods. Only disturb him to refresh water and food - otherwise leave him alone. It may do good to gently place a hide over him as well. You can place food and containers of both fresh and salt water right near him to make things easier on him. I really hope he pulls through for you!

No he did not molt with his previous owner! I just did all that, thanks so much! I'll let you know how he does!

Thanks for saving the little guy! I don't have any other advice to offer, but I hope he makes it. Keep us updated

I just checked on him 24 hrs later. He hasn't moved, so I gently turned him over. He's very limp. He doesn't smell, but just very limp. Not sure if he made it

I'm sorry I know how rough it is to just watch and wait, but that's about all you can do at this point - if he has passed away, you'll know for sure from an unmistakable rotting fishy smell. Never give up until that happens! I'm sending good thoughts your way

He's passed wish I could've done more for him. Now I have another little hermie to care for. I should get her a friend soon :/

I am so sorry to hear that, I have tears in my eyes at my desk. I had that happen recently with two little tiny guys that I rescued. It is heart breaking. You just have to remember that you did a great thing saving him.
Sending you hugs

I'm so sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

I'm sorry your little guy didn't make it, its so sad...