HCA: Hermit Crab Association

One of my crabs is very sluggish and is color is almost white different from when I brought him. I thought he was molting at first because he was down for about a week. Now I think he's just sick. Should I take him to a Vet do they no much about Hermies??? Budget is tight right now with the holiday quickly approaching but I don't want to lose him!!!!

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There is absolutely nothing a vet can do to help a hermit crab. They'll take your money happily though and give you bad care advice - we've seen it before! Hermit crabs are not covered in their schooling, except for maybe a mention.

Because their exoskeleton is solid and formed when they molt, they shouldn't be able to change color unless they have molted again. Any chance you can share photos? White or pink usually means a freshly molted crab that hasn't hardened yet. Younger crabs are naturally very pale though.

Hermits don't normally move around much, but if he's not responding to stimulus (like moving when you change food or water) that's a bad sign. If he's still new it's likely Post Purchase Syndrome: viewtopic.php?f=67&t=92531

I had him for about two months. One of his limbs broke off recently maybe that's the reason for his limpish walk. Hope he's not in pain. Thanks for the Vet advice. I know some sites will tell you to take them to the Vet. I had plenty of dogs and cats that I took to the Vet and never seen anyone in the waiting room with a Hermit Crab. But if he his any special food I should give to help him get well?

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If he is sick* is what it should read.

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I will share a photo once he comes up.

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Organic honey, bee pollen, calcium in some form, peanut butter.

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Is he still underground? Treat it like a molt - with luck he'll be down for a month or two and be back up freshly molted. Whatever you do - and I know how tempting it is - don't dig. He'll either have the strength to get through it or he won't, and disturbing him will only make the situation that much worse. Two months is plenty of time to build up reserves for molting. He'll also repair that broken limb.

Yes is so tempting, because you want to make sure he's alright now not wait until a few months to find out they are dead. But I definitely will follow your advice. Ty!! They are such gentle creatures and we just want to do whatever we can to preserve their life.

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Okay he's up!! Have a picture but don't know how to post it!! Please help!!![WEARY FACE]

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See! Worrying for nothing. Lol just like ALL of us. Yay for him coming up!

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They are such complex creatures!!!

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No question is a stupid question! I would put him in a iso tank away from other crabs when he does come up.. healthy crabs sometimes love to attack and eat a sick or new molted crab