I Know my Hermit Crab is Going to Die...What Should I Do Now
Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2015 9:23 am
I have a little hermit that refused to change into over 10 shells. I'm not gonna bother trying to get more because I know he isn't going to change. He's never been a picky crab and I gave him LOTS of options. I have accepted that he isn't going to make it, but I'm not sure exactly what to do with my naked crabby to make his death as peaceful as possible. I had him in ISO but he seems to prefer being protected by a cup in the main crabitat at this point. I've let him try to walk around and explore for shells in his own but he isn't interested despite being able to walk around fine. Here's some details:
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play sand, 4 inches as my crabs are pretty small (quarter size).
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?
The gauges are located in the middle of my cage away from water or sponges. They usually read 74° and 80% humidity.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I live in a warm area so no heat source has ever been needed (however I would get one if the tank wasn't warming up like it should be).
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 have pure freshwater and saltwater, mixed with ZooMed's sea salt. I use amount specified o the packet but at this point since my crabs are so small and because I've been doing this for so long I tend to just eyeball it. I believe the ratio is 1 tsp of salt for 1 cup of water.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I feed a mix of rice, orange bell pepper, carrots, celery, apples and peanuts. I change every other day when I can.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I've had this specific crabby for 7 months. He seems to be a PP.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
He hasn't molted for me yet as far as I know. He has grown though so maybe he did and I didn't notice!
8. 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 tank with a mesh lid cover with plastic wrap to keep in the humidity.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 quarter sized crabs, 2 strawberries and 1 PP.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
I have about 15 in there right now.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I spot clean every other day and deep clean only when really needed (once so far).
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
I have a sponge but the crabs don't seem to like it, so it's been sitting at the corner of my tank unused (but still cleaned) for a while. I clean then and then microwave them.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Nope.
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 don't bathe unless I take them out. Overall however I have a very hands off approach. The hermit in question was always very active, healthy and easy for me, which is why this is such a surprise and difficult time for me.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
I said mostly everything above...I just want my favorite and most active/healthy crab to die a peaceful and hopefully least painful as possible death. What to you recommend?
1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Play sand, 4 inches as my crabs are pretty small (quarter size).
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?
The gauges are located in the middle of my cage away from water or sponges. They usually read 74° and 80% humidity.
3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
I live in a warm area so no heat source has ever been needed (however I would get one if the tank wasn't warming up like it should be).
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 have pure freshwater and saltwater, mixed with ZooMed's sea salt. I use amount specified o the packet but at this point since my crabs are so small and because I've been doing this for so long I tend to just eyeball it. I believe the ratio is 1 tsp of salt for 1 cup of water.
5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
I feed a mix of rice, orange bell pepper, carrots, celery, apples and peanuts. I change every other day when I can.
6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
I've had this specific crabby for 7 months. He seems to be a PP.
7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
He hasn't molted for me yet as far as I know. He has grown though so maybe he did and I didn't notice!
8. 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 tank with a mesh lid cover with plastic wrap to keep in the humidity.
9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
3 quarter sized crabs, 2 strawberries and 1 PP.
10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
I have about 15 in there right now.
11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
Not that I know of.
12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
I spot clean every other day and deep clean only when really needed (once so far).
13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
I have a sponge but the crabs don't seem to like it, so it's been sitting at the corner of my tank unused (but still cleaned) for a while. I clean then and then microwave them.
14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
Nope.
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 don't bathe unless I take them out. Overall however I have a very hands off approach. The hermit in question was always very active, healthy and easy for me, which is why this is such a surprise and difficult time for me.
16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
I said mostly everything above...I just want my favorite and most active/healthy crab to die a peaceful and hopefully least painful as possible death. What to you recommend?