Hermit crab shell is empty!!

Please post here if you are having a crab care emergency! Use a real subject and not just "HELP!"
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TheHermitSquads
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Hermit crab shell is empty!!

Post by TheHermitSquads » Thu Feb 01, 2024 9:11 pm

:( 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?
Eco-earth mixed with natural sand, around 4-5 inches but will be getting more soon!

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, humidity is at 85, temperature is 78-80

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
2 heat pads at the back of tank

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)?
Fresh and saltwater, use prime conditioner, instant ocean salt

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Feed a variety of mixes, romaine lettuce, blueberries, banana, chia seeds, cuttlefish,etc.. replace food everyday, sometimes every 2 days

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Have had for around 5 months, purple pinchers

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
One molted around a few weeks ago, other MIGHT have just surfaced

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

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
2 crabs, 3rd passed away a few weeks ago. One is a little smaller than the palm of your hand, other is even smaller.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
Around 7 shells in tank

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

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Only do occasional spot cleaning

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
No, Water dishes are cleaned with water and paper towel.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
We have added many new things since they are kind of new crabs!

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.)?
No

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
First of all, the biggest one has been molting for probably 2 months now! The smaller one has been out and about, but all of a sudden when I took out a big wood piece where he usually is, he brought another shell next to him, so I thought he would change shells, but instead, both shells, his and the other were empty in the middle. Now randomly, the one that has been missing for months has appeared at the top of the tank! I was shocked, but could it be the other one took his shell? I have no clue, but maybe someone could help out!

.

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curlysister
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Re: Hermit crab shell is empty!!

Post by curlysister » Fri Feb 02, 2024 12:23 am

Just so I understand....the crab that was underground for a couple of months has surfaced, and the other crab's shell is empty but there is no naked crab?
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers

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TheHermitSquads
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Re: Hermit crab shell is empty!!

Post by TheHermitSquads » Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:13 am

That is correct

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TheHermitSquads
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Re: Hermit crab shell is empty!!

Post by TheHermitSquads » Fri Feb 02, 2024 9:15 am

I’m sorry I couldn’t make it clearer, I was panicking in the moment 😅

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curlysister
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Re: Hermit crab shell is empty!!

Post by curlysister » Fri Feb 02, 2024 11:48 pm

If he is actually underground without a shell, he will not survive. However in a vast majority of these cases, the crab has taken a new shell and gone underground with it.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers

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Re: Hermit crab shell is empty!!

Post by TheHermitSquads » Sat Feb 03, 2024 12:06 am

Oh, alright! Thank you

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