HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Since you've come to the emergency forum, we know you want a fast answer to your question. In order for us to figure out the problem as quickly as possible, we ask that you answer the following questions as best you can. Some of them may seem odd, but they're all designed to give us the information we need to give you a good solution for your problem. The things in the [ brackets ] are there to make this post easier to read once submitted. Thanks!


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


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?
No they broke

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)? declorinated


5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? Cucumbers and celery/ non hot peppers


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


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? yes, 1 month ago


8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? 5 gallon, West lid with plastic wrap sheet covering


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? 2 gum ball size


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? 6


11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently? no


12. How often do you clean the tank and how? 6 months


13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned? no sponges


14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently? no


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.)? not that I can think of


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. Crab was changing shells recently but this morning is now completely shelless


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Ok so, your crab is probably naked due to the stress in his environment. We try to replicate their natural homes as best we can by providing them heat and humdity, having gauges in the crab tank is definatly a must, just guessing the numbers is not very safe. I've heard that there should be 5 gallons provided for each crab, (I'm not saying that you should get rid of a crab) but I think you would have a better time with your crabs if you purchased a 10 gallon tank. (Petco almost ALWAYS has a dollar for a gallon sale)(So a 10 gallon would only be $10. How deep is your subtrate? You also might want to consider feeding your crabs some (safe) meat so they don't eat each other. Hope this helps

This article from "Crab Street Journal" might help as well.

https://crabstreetjournal.org/blog/2012 ... t-do-i-do/