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?
Both sand and coconut fiber
8 inches+

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,
Temp- 70-75°
Humidity: 60-70%
Located top left of tank


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Heat lamp + light (red for night, light for day) small heating pad

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 salt water
Flunker hermit head quarters

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

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Blue crab
1 year and 2 months

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Yes, 6 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?
Tank, mesh lid

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
4, 1 small, 1 med, 2 large

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

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

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

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
None currently

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.)?


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.


One of my crabs is locked tightly inside his shell. I was afraid because a new crab I brought in died a few weeks after getting him from the fair (usually those herrmies aren't in healthy conditions) he passed over a month and a half ago, so I don't believe he got my other babies sick.
So when i noticed him locked in place underneath decorations in the tank I moved him to check, and he didn't move (he usually stretches out his legs when he is picked up) I heard a click and felt slight movement so I don't believe he is dead currently.
The humidity was in the 55-60° range, so I increased the humidity and tightly resecured the heating pad to increase the temperature as well (back up to 70° range)

I'm just worried that he is sick. Any suggestions?

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?
Both sand and coconut fiber
8 inches+

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,
Temp- 70-75°
Humidity: 60-70%
Located top left of tank


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?
Heat lamp + light (red for night, light for day) small heating pad
Curly - Your heat light is what is decreasing humidity. Can you get a bigger heat mat? Heat mats should be mounted on the back or sides of the tank, never underneath.

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 salt water
Flunker hermit head quarters
Curly - While this salt isn't harmful, it won't provide all the minerals your crabs need for long term health. We recommend tap water treated with a dechlorinator (SeaChem Prime is a commonly used brand), and a marine salt for the salt water (Instant Ocean is a commonly used brand).

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?
Tetrafauna, food is replaced daily
Curly - What are the ingredients? Hermit crabs need a wide variety of foods, including animal protein daily, as well as a calcium source. Fruits, veggies, eggs, nuts, seeds, greens, grains, flowers, etc.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?
Blue crab
1 year and 2 months
Curly - Do you mean Purple Pincher?

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?
Yes, 6 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?
Tank, mesh lid
Curly - Your mesh lid is allowing the humidity and heat to escape. You will want a solid lid, like glass or plexi glass, or even plastic wrap over the top. How large is your tank?

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?
4, 1 small, 1 med, 2 large

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?
10 shells of different sizes
Curly - HCA recommends an extra 3 to 5 shells per crab.

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

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?
Once a month
Curly - Spot cleaning, or deep cleaning?

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?
None currently

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.)?


16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.


One of my crabs is locked tightly inside his shell. I was afraid because a new crab I brought in died a few weeks after getting him from the fair (usually those herrmies aren't in healthy conditions) he passed over a month and a half ago, so I don't believe he got my other babies sick.
So when i noticed him locked in place underneath decorations in the tank I moved him to check, and he didn't move (he usually stretches out his legs when he is picked up) I heard a click and felt slight movement so I don't believe he is dead currently.
The humidity was in the 55-60° range, so I increased the humidity and tightly resecured the heating pad to increase the temperature as well (back up to 70° range)

I'm just worried that he is sick. Any suggestions?
Curly - There are a few things that need to be remedied in your tank. Humidity under 70% isn't safe, crabs have modified gills and need the humidity in order to breathe. For PPs, 72F is the low end of safe temperatures.
If your crab molted 6 months ago, it is not stuck or glued into it's shell. I wonder if he is molting, or if his old exo is stuck? Can you post a photo of him please?