New crabs (2 days) one found with legs missing - dead?

[Libro]

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? coconut fiber and sand 5inces on 1/2 tank


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 have both that came with kit. Mounted on side 1/2 way up

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? yes. Lights and mat mounted under


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 treated with zoomed hermit crab drinking water conditioner. 1cup to 2 drops
Using CC pet hydrate salt water solution for hermit crabs

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Zoomed hermit crab crunchies, zoomed hermit crab fruit salad,
Zoomed Hermit crab food



6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? we’ve had it two days we have a purple and a red pincher it’s the purple pincher that lost its legs


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? we don’t know


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

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? two crabs in the tank, one medium about an inch


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? there are no shells in right now we just got some today and I boiled them . I was going to wait until tomorrow when we sterilize and redo the tank.


11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
None

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
We just got them on Friday 2/23/24


13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes I bought a natural sponge. I got it wet with declorinated water and placed it in the fresh water bowl.


14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
The entire habitat is new but my daughter put in a piece of driftwood and some seashells we had a few days before we got the crabs. We noticed the sand became discolored where the seashells were so I had her remove them and we spooned out the affected sand before we put the crabs into the tank.


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.)?
I’m not sure we set up the substrate correctly. She put the coconut fiber in about 2/3 of the tank and the sand in the other part. We got a coconut hut but have been waiting on new shells to arrive so there are no shells yet. We also have all kinds of tiny bugs running all over (they seem to be multiplying quickly) we decided we need to clean everything and start over so we are getting new supplies and planning to redo the tank tomorrow. We are so confused we read and see so many contradictory things. I feel absolutely horrible about this and we are already over $200 into this and completely lost


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
We lifted the lid on the coconut hut tonight and discovered that the crab was missing its legs (we found 5 legs and the crab is still in its shell) and we’re not sure if it’s dead or alive or what to do. We have been madly searching online to figure this out so we cleaned out a yogurt container and put the crab and its legs along with a tiny bit of coconut fiber in it. We poked air holes in the lid and put it back in the tank in case it’s not dead. There is no smell

.

[JoeHermits]

Do you have any gauges to measure temperature or humidity? Those are two major factors that affect how comfortable the setup is

In the meantime keep offering food and water. Anything rich in protein will be helpful for regrowing lost limbs. Honey is also good in a pinch for a quick energy boost


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Libro]

Yes we have the humidity and temperature gauges from Petco. They are both at 80 but it’s been hard getting it there. There was a lot of temperature and humidity fluctuation until this afternoon. It seems to be stable at 80.

We are sure if the crab is dead or alive so we have it in a yogurt container with holes in it inside the tank with a tiny bit of coconut substrate

Should we be putting food and water in the yogurt container?

[curlysister]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it? coconut fiber and sand 5inces on 1/2 tank
Curly - Did you use play sand? Or a 'hermit crab' sand?

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 have both that came with kit. Mounted on side 1/2 way up

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? yes. Lights and mat mounted under


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 treated with zoomed hermit crab drinking water conditioner. 1cup to 2 drops
Using CC pet hydrate salt water solution for hermit crabs
Curly - Unfortunately, these aren't appropriate for long term health. Check out our 'water' care sheet that explains all about water. You will need a dechlorinator to remove the chlorine from tap water (Seachem Prime is a commonly used brand), and then you will need a marine salt to make the salt water (Instant Ocean is a commonly used brand).

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Zoomed hermit crab crunchies, zoomed hermit crab fruit salad,
Zoomed Hermit crab food
Curly - Variety is the key for hermit crab nutrition, including animal protein and calcium daily. Be sure to read the 'nutrition' care sheet. They can eat many of the same foods that we eat, including fruits, veggies, greens, meat, eggs including shells, nuts, seeds, grains, leaves, etc.


6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? we’ve had it two days we have a purple and a red pincher it’s the purple pincher that lost its legs


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? we don’t know


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

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? two crabs in the tank, one medium about an inch


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? there are no shells in right now we just got some today and I boiled them . I was going to wait until tomorrow when we sterilize and redo the tank.
Curly - Be sure to have a look at the 'shells' care sheet, to ensure that you get the correct type of shells. HCA recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab.

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?
None

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
We just got them on Friday 2/23/24


13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
Yes I bought a natural sponge. I got it wet with declorinated water and placed it in the fresh water bowl.
Curly - The sponge will only harbor bacteria, so remove it from the water. They do sometimes like to eat the natural sponges, so you don't have to throw it out, just put it in the tank dry.

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?
The entire habitat is new but my daughter put in a piece of driftwood and some seashells we had a few days before we got the crabs. We noticed the sand became discolored where the seashells were so I had her remove them and we spooned out the affected sand before we put the crabs into the tank.


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.)?
I’m not sure we set up the substrate correctly. She put the coconut fiber in about 2/3 of the tank and the sand in the other part. We got a coconut hut but have been waiting on new shells to arrive so there are no shells yet. We also have all kinds of tiny bugs running all over (they seem to be multiplying quickly) we decided we need to clean everything and start over so we are getting new supplies and planning to redo the tank tomorrow. We are so confused we read and see so many contradictory things. I feel absolutely horrible about this and we are already over $200 into this and completely lost
Curly - If you are using play sand and coco fiber, I wouldn't throw it out. You can put the two side by side like you did, no problem. Some people mix them, some people layer them. The important part is to moisten it with dechlorinated water - enough that it holds it's shape, but not so much that the water pools in the bottom, ie- sand castle consistency. I have had my crabs for over 13 years. When I first got them, I also found that there was contradicting info out there....so I decided to follow the recommendations of only one group. If you haven't looked at the care sheets yet, start with the 'basics' one - it outlines everything you need for a basic tank. And a 'basic' tank is all you need - there are people with big fancy tanks, but I have always had a pretty basic one. Using only HCA info, my crabs have been happy and healthy for over 13 years! While the bugs might be alarming, they are not likely to be harmful to your crabs at all. The only mites that are harmful are ones that attache to the crabs themselves - the vast majority are not harmful whatsoever.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.
We lifted the lid on the coconut hut tonight and discovered that the crab was missing its legs (we found 5 legs and the crab is still in its shell) and we’re not sure if it’s dead or alive or what to do. We have been madly searching online to figure this out so we cleaned out a yogurt container and put the crab and its legs along with a tiny bit of coconut fiber in it. We poked air holes in the lid and put it back in the tank in case it’s not dead. There is no smell
Curly - Are the legs hollow or solid? There is a chance that the crab may be molting - if it shed it's exoskeleton, it might look like legs, but if they are hollow it might be the exoskeleton. If the crab pokes his head out of the shell at all, you will be able to see if he has any legs or not. Crabs drop legs when they are weak, in a last ditch effort to survive. Many crabs don't make it when we bring them home, because they have gone through too much, and had not been in proper conditions since being taken from the wild. Post Purchase Syndrome is how we describe it - they simply don't have the energy to live, even if we put them into ideal conditions as soon as we get them. They are susceptible to it until at least after their first molt. You did the right thing by isolating the crab from the other one.

[Libro]

First of all, thank you so much for responding and so quickly I am absolutely heartbroken. After learning about these crabs. I wish I had done more research prior to learning my daughter get them..
We did not realize how hard this would be, or how much work was involved in creating a good habitat for them, but we are willing to do whatever it takes to help these sweet little creature survive


We are using the sand that came with the zoom hermit crab kit, which I believe is the calcium kind of that I read about which may not be good for them so we purchase some place and we will be replacing it with that

I believe it’s referred to as the hermit crab sand But I threw away the packaging, so I’m not positive

I will check out the water sheet and purchase whatever is the best product for them. Thank you.!

I will also be reading the nutrition care she thank you for pointing me to that information.
I will also read the shells care sheet. I have purchased many shells through Amazon that I’m hoping will arrive tomorrow and I have a few here that I’ve already boiled dechlorinated water I plan to add to the habitat tomorrow

I will remove the sponge immediately and replace it with the extra dry one that I also purchased.
We are not using the play sand yet, but we will be along with new coconut fiber, and I plan to disinfect the whole cage and everything in it. I’ve also purchased extra huts and ladders , cholla wood and things to climb on so hopefully we can make a happy little place for them. I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate your input. I had no idea how stressful this would be for these poor little creatures, and for us as well we only want to provide them with a good home, but in retrospect, I wish I had done more research prior to purchasing.

[curlysister]

First of all, thank you so much for responding and so quickly I am absolutely heartbroken. After learning about these crabs. I wish I had done more research prior to learning my daughter get them..
We did not realize how hard this would be, or how much work was involved in creating a good habitat for them, but we are willing to do whatever it takes to help these sweet little creature survive


We are using the sand that came with the zoom hermit crab kit, which I believe is the calcium kind of that I read about which may not be good for them so we purchase some place and we will be replacing it with that

I believe it’s referred to as the hermit crab sand But I threw away the packaging, so I’m not positive
Curly - If it came with the hermit crab 'kit' it will most likely be calcium sand - which you are correct is not good, as it turns solid when it gets wet, like cement.

I will check out the water sheet and purchase whatever is the best product for them. Thank you.!

I will also be reading the nutrition care she thank you for pointing me to that information.
Curly - The care sheets really are a wealth of information. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but just take it step at a time.

I will also read the shells care sheet. I have purchased many shells through Amazon that I’m hoping will arrive tomorrow and I have a few here that I’ve already boiled dechlorinated water I plan to add to the habitat tomorrow

I will remove the sponge immediately and replace it with the extra dry one that I also purchased.
We are not using the play sand yet, but we will be along with new coconut fiber, and I plan to disinfect the whole cage and everything in it. I’ve also purchased extra huts and ladders , cholla wood and things to climb on so hopefully we can make a happy little place for them. I really can’t tell you how much I appreciate your input. I had no idea how stressful this would be for these poor little creatures, and for us as well we only want to provide them with a good home, but in retrospect, I wish I had done more research prior to purchasing.
Curly- Try not to be discouraged - the vast majority of us started exactly like you did! When I got my two, they were in a tank with only a dusting of sand, regular tap water, no heat source, no temp or humidity guages, and the food that was in with them was a peach pit and a few potato chips! It was a pretty steep learning curve, and it took a while to get everything I needed since I live in a small town without any pet supplies and the nearest city is a small-ish city an hour away. It sounds like you are well on your way to getting a good tank set up. Remember that even tho you may see photos posted of really elaborate tanks, that is often just for the human's enjoyment - crabs can be happy and healthy in very basic tanks as long as they have a few essentials. My tank(s) have never had deep pools, multi levels, toppers, humidifiers, bubblers, etc.