HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Posted: **Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:12 pm**

Last week, one of my 3 hermies went naked. I left them with some shells all cleaned off but the crab wanted nothing to do with the shells and eventually passed. It left no smell but was growing some fuzz and looked like it was decomposing.

2 nights ago, a second crab was found naked but extremely active. I cleaned it off and some shells and put them into a container together. Within a half hour, the hermie chose a shell and I thought all was over.

Check the tank the next evening (tonight) and the crab is out of the shell again and much less active. Just a limp crab . I did the same thing but no luck. It's hardly moving.

I had previous success a month ago with one of my crabs molting under the substrate. Humidity and temp is within the recommended range on the tank.

Anything else I can try?

Posted: **Sat Jan 23, 2016 8:13 pm**

There were 7 empty shells available, salt water and fresh water also

Posted: **Sun Jan 24, 2016 11:31 am**

Can you fill out the emergency template? I know you've already provided some information, but answering all of the questions will give us a better idea of your set up & how we can help.

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?

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?

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?

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)?

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?

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.)?

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

I have one additional question to ask - what kind of extra shells do you have available?

HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Somewhat limp and naked crab

Somewhat limp and naked crab

Re: Somewhat limp and naked crab

Re: Somewhat limp and naked crab