HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Let me first say, I am a new crabby mommy, so I'm still learning the proverbial ropes - I've read through some posts on here, but I still don't know. ...

I awoke this morning to find my biggest - Grog - chilling in the saltwater bowl, kind of hanging on the side. It's not like her to do this, but I didn't think a whole lot of it. I took my fiance to work, and when I came home (maybe 1.5 hours later) she hadn't moved and was scary still (didn't retract when I put my hand near her). I went to pick her up so I could isolate her just in case, and she slid right out of her shell. I looked her over for a while, gently tried moving her legs a bit, and nothing - the only movement was like a muscle retraction. No movement in her big pincher either.

No smell at all, but also no physical signs that I've read about to indicate she might be prepping for a molt - nothing wonky about the eyestalks/eyes, no cracking/peeling/anything off about her exo, and her color is still very vibrant.

As I said, I've iso'd her and am playing the waiting game, but I would appreciate any advice.

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/148911105 ... 795962205/

Here are a couple of photos I took - one was from earlier when she was just hanging out in the saltwater bowl, one is post my discovery

Make sure ISO is dark in case she is molting. Has she gone back in her shell? If not, very gently place her back in her shell. Then, leave her alone and let her destress. In able to help you out further, please fill out the emergency template that tells us the products that you use and conditions of your crabitat. I'm sorry, I don't know how to attach it, but it is under our forums. I'm sorry that you and your crab are going through this. We are here to help you! Listen to a moderator with advice!!


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http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=46102 Emergency template. Reshell and Iso the crab if they are not already. Sitting in the water dish is a sign of illlness/ injury. I'm really sorry to hear about this! :/

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I appreciate the responses - I sadly don't think it will be necessary to fill out the template. I noticed a smell this morning, a light sulphur smell, where there has been no smell whatsoever previously. Couldn't do anything about it as I had to get ready for work, so I'm going to verify when I get home

cherryflamez wrote:I appreciate the responses - I sadly don't think it will be necessary to fill out the template. I noticed a smell this morning, a light sulphur smell, where there has been no smell whatsoever previously. Couldn't do anything about it as I had to get ready for work, so I'm going to verify when I get home

Decided to fill out the template anyways. Always good to know if I've done something wrong


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

Main tank (10gal) - half coco fiber, half calcium sand - ranges from 3-5" deep. Iso tank (about 1 gal) set up for Grog - about 5-6"deep

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? 

Yes - about halfway up the back and side, not too close to the heat lamp. Humidity runs average about 70% and temp is steady 70-75

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

Heat lamp

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 - bottled water for fresh, bottled water with saltwater treatment added for salt

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

Daily. I mix up the foods - usually a store bought hermie-safe food as a base, then I add extras that I change day to day (coconut, seeds, veggies, fruits, shrimp, worms, etc)

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

1 month, PP

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

No

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

10 gal tank with screen top - just added a plexi sheet over half the lid to maintain humidity

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

Before Grog was iso'd, six. She is the largest, about the size of a golf ball. One a little smaller than Grog, 3 about the size of a quarter, and maybe nickel size. (I know a 10 gal is too small, it was all I could get for them quickly [they were all beach vacation rescues]. A new larger tank is coming this weekend)

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

6 or 7

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

No

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

Have not yet done a deep clean on the tank, since it's only been set up for 1 month. Check daily for any scooping necessary, clean and change water bowls daily

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

Yes, boiling water, rinsed with bottled water, allowed to air dry (switched out with  a clean sponge). I do this weekly

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

New water bowls, cleaned first

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.)?

Can't think of anything

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.

Copied from my topic post in the Emergency forum, Saturday November 5th:

 "I awoke this morning to find my biggest - Grog - chilling in the saltwater bowl, kind of hanging on the side. It's not like her to do this, but I didn't think a whole lot of it. I took my fiance to work, and when I came home (maybe 1.5 hours later) she hadn't moved and was scary still (didn't retract when I put my hand near her). I went to pick her up so I could isolate her just in case, and she slid right out of her shell. I looked her over for a while, gently tried moving her legs a bit, and nothing - the only movement was like a muscle retraction. No movement in her big pincher either.

No smell at all, but also no physical signs that I've read about to indicate she might be prepping for a molt - nothing wonky about the eyestalks/eyes, no cracking/peeling/anything off about her exo, and her color is still very vibrant.

As I said, I've iso'd her and am playing the waiting game, but I would appreciate any advice."

An update to this - I noticed a smell this morning, a bit of a sulfur smell - there was no smell at all prior. Her color has faded, she hasn't gone back in her shell, and her abdomen has gone from a peachy color when I first found her to a greyish purple.





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1. Calcium sand is dangerous. It can become hard when wet, and can be hazardous to your crab. It is better to use play sand or multipurpose sand made by Quickcrete. You can purchase these items at Lowes or Home Depot. Mix them in a 5:1 ratio with eco earth (coco fiber), moistened with marine salt water.

2. Your humidity & Heat are way too low. They shouldn't be any lower than 80 if possible for optimum health. Pp's can handle lower, around 75 is lowest, but better to have higher to not be stressful for them.

3. A uth heater might help you keep the tank warmer, as well as not zap your humidity. http://Www.reptilebasics.com

4. What kind of salt are you using? Make sure it is to mix a saltwater tank for. I use Instant Ocean. Also, are you using a dechlorinator for the water? I use Prime.

5. Make sure the foods are organic. Hermit crabs are sensitive to pesticides and fertilizers.

9. Definitely a crowded tank. Glad you have a larger one on the way.

10. You need more extra shells.

13. Make sure the water is dechlorinated. Also, the water bowls should be large enough for the hermits to submerge in. Sponges are not necessary.

16. She could be surface molting or could have PPS. Post Purchase Syndrome. If she is completely out of her shell please gently re shell her. Then I would continue to leave her alone in ISO.

When you have the time I recommend reading the hermit crab care sheets under the forum. They are very helpful! Good luck!


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Sadly, it was quite apparent when I got home from work that Grog was most definitely gone. It is surprising how attached you can get to a critter in only a month.

Thank you for all of the advice and tips. I've been reading on hermit crabs since I got them, and it seems like there are so many contradictions between various sites. It makes me feel more confident though, with the wealth of information here and the consensus between members as to what is good and what isn't. I have a notebook full of info from here that I take with me anytime I go look for things for my crabbies.

I'm going to set up the new tank when I get it this weekend, and I will switch to the play sand/coconut fiber mixture. I have one hermie (my smallest one, Pip) who's been burrowed since the day I put him in the tank - not sure where I'm going to keep the 10gal with him in it until he is done molting, haha.

In my area - northern Virginia - there is little selection for hermit crab supplies, shells especially. Online shopping it shall be unfortunately (I'm weird, I like to be able to physically examine products before I buy them).


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cherryflamez wrote:Sadly, it was quite apparent when I got home from work that Grog was most definitely gone. It is surprising how attached you can get to a critter in only a month.

Thank you for all of the advice and tips. I've been reading on hermit crabs since I got them, and it seems like there are so many contradictions between various sites. It makes me feel more confident though, with the wealth of information here and the consensus between members as to what is good and what isn't. I have a notebook full of info from here that I take with me anytime I go look for things for my crabbies.

I'm going to set up the new tank when I get it this weekend, and I will switch to the play sand/coconut fiber mixture. I have one hermie (my smallest one, Pip) who's been burrowed since the day I put him in the tank - not sure where I'm going to keep the 10gal with him in it until he is done molting, haha.

In my area - northern Virginia - there is little selection for hermit crab supplies, shells especially. Online shopping it shall be unfortunately (I'm weird, I like to be able to physically examine products before I buy them).


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Since I don't drive(personal choice) I do most of my shopping online. I have gotten really good deals online, and honestly a lot of my hermit stuff I got from dollar tree, walmart Joann fabrics. You would be surprised how everyday items can be turned into something that can go in your tank. Shower caddy, soap dish, Tupperware, mason jar, fake plants, plastic canvas.

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Sorry about Grog. Honestly, a lot of things labeled for Hermit crabs are not hermit crab friendly/safe- so buyer beware!


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I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. If you would like to learn more for the future our basic care guide link is here: http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 51&t=92457
Losing a pet is hard, try to hang in there.

so sorry for your loss! hopefully with a little updating and gotbutterflies tips/advice your other hermits will only do much better in their future! it can be kind of crazy figuring out whats what at first. i know i made some of the same mistakes you did but this site is great for figuring out anything you need! wishing your hermits the best.