HCA: Hermit Crab Association

PJS299 wrote: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? sand and ecoearth about 6 inches

CL77-Is it moistened to sand castle consistency using dechlor fresh or salt water?

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? the temp is usually around 80-85 and humidity 70 ish

CL77-If you can, try to boost the humidity to 80%+. It could help relieve some of the stress the crab is experiencing.

3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what? I have a heating pad on the side of the 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)? I have fresh and salt water available with sponge filters in them

CL77-Are you using a marine salt for your salt water pool?

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced? I feed them fresh organic veggies and fruits and occasional plain popcorn I make in a brown bag (no salts or oils)

CL77-Variety is key. Crabs need a daily source of protein and calcium. Check out the safe food list for some ideas. I keep cuttlebone and calcium powder in my tanks at all times.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known? since 2021 it is a purple pincher


7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen? it molted maybe 4-5 months ago


8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing? they are in a 50 gallon tank with a stable lid


9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they? two crabs maybe 2-3 inches


10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any? I keep around 5 extra shells

CL77-HCA recommends 3-5 shells per crab, so you'd want to have at least 6-10 shells available (ones with round openings since PPs prefer those).

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


12. How often do you clean the tank and how? I do a spot cleaning weekly and every month or so clean the walls and water tanks and climbing things


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


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.)? no


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail. I noticed my crab hadn’t been around for a few days; figured he was molting. Today I look and he is in the loft with his legs gone and only one claw

Can’t figure out how to attach image

CL77-To attach an image, use an image sharing site, or download the Tapatalk app.

Make sure you start supplying plenty of protein. It's possible the one crab attacked the other. This is less likely to happen if they have consistent access to protein. Be prepared to iso the sick crab if you notice the other one picking on him. Also make sure to add a calcium source asap if you don't have one. If your lid isn't completely sealed, do that to boost your humidity to keep the crab more comfortable. You can also offer high energy foods like natural peanut butter and honey. If he can't get around well, put some small food and water dishes near him. If he can get his strength up, he might try to molt again to regrow his missing limbs.

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