HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello,
I've had three purple punchers for a month now. One of my bigger ones Giuseppe over the last few weeks has got really active lately. Two nights ago I got some fake plants from the dollar tree (just the fake material no glitter etc). He of course was the first one climbing on it for a while. He eventually got on lid upside down climbing and I noticed his claw looked like it had like a little blood on it (it seemed; wasn't a great amount). Well he finally got down and rested. The last two days he hasn't acted his normal self. He has been very lethargic, today he was in his cocohut and his arms were in funny position around his shell, but he eventually moved. Maybe I'm just overreacting but I know the day after I put plants in his behavior did a 180. Obviously I have since removed plants just in case.

Should I be concerned?

Also conditions are good 80/80

Sorry I just saw your post today. How is he now? Did the plants have metal in them? usually remove the metal in them to keep them safe. Are you sure it was blood n not a new spot of coloring? Hope your lil guy is ok tho n good luck .

Nia wrote:Sorry I just saw your post today. How is he now? Did the plants have metal in them? usually remove the metal in them to keep them safe. Are you sure it was blood n not a new spot of coloring? Hope your lil guy is ok tho n good luck .

Thanks for your concern! It was like leaves and a vine connecting them. I cut the vine and there was no metal in it. He's resting right now I put some honey in there his favorite. Hopefully he'll be okay tonight. Thanks!

AW I feel bad for the lil guy I hope that he is ok. Do you have any calcium in there? He will need that to heal up. Glad there was no metal so he didn't hurt himself on that so that is a positive . Wonder what he did though 0.o. Is he ready for a molt? He will get sluggish before he molts.

I doubt it's the plants (metal wire or no). A lot of crabbers use dollar store plants with no problems. As long as they didn't have glitter or fragrance, they're safe. They only need a quick wash in hot water before use.

He may be getting closer to a molt. Hopefully he'll dig down soon to do just that. If he doesn't and seems very weak, you may want to isolate him just to protect him from the other crabs. Keep conditions right and offer high energy foods like honey, peanut butter, bee pollen, and sweet fruits. Also be sure to provide a variety of protein and calcium sources. Keep us updated.
Can you describe the spot you thought might be blood?