HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi all,

I have always had PP's before, but I wanted to branch out to Es. A few weeks ago I got two adorable little guys. One is down molting now, but I am worried about the other as he never really seems to move away from one tiny spot by a giant heating pad. He just seems to hang his body out and "spread" in that spot. He will retract and go back in his shell, and if I pick him up he will come out, but moves slow. When I first brought him home he was quite lively.

I actually just picked up another heating pad about a week ago b/c I was having trouble with the temp getting to 85 (which I know they like) - it was usually around 75.

Now the back half of the tank rests around 84 and the front half 75.
Other current conditions:
20 gal
humidity ranges from 73-83, but usually rests at 77
50/50 EE and play sand @ 6'' deep
salt and fresh water (no sponges)
variety of foods (actually just got some new ones from TheHappyHermitSupply and UrbanHermits on Etsy to add more)
8 shell varieties and sizes
2 PP for company (1 PP and 1 E currently molting)
lots of things to climb/explore

I feel so sad because since I brought him home his activity level has gone down and I feel like I must be doing something wrong. My only current suspicion is the temp...but like I said half the tank is 84. I know ideally the whole tank would be...it this that big of an issue that it could be causing his lethargic behavior? Please let me know your thoughts as I want to make sure he is happy!!

The temperature may have been playing a role but he's also still adjusting. I don't recommend handling him until he has successfully molted. Don't want to add unnecessary stress. It may be PPS. Make sure he has easy access to fresh and salt water and a variety of high energy foods, calcium, and protein. If he becomes very weak or the others are bothering him, you may need to ISO. I hope he pulls through!

It does sound like something is wrong. Does he have water deep enough to submerge? Maybe he needs a soak. My Es spent a lot of time sitting in deep pools. If there's something bothering him, a soaking might help.
The temp 75-84 should be alright. If your and my thermometers are both accurate, then our tanks are similar temps, and my Es don't appear to have any issues (2-3 molts per each of 3 Es).
Can you try bumping up humidity? A nice bubbly pool will fix that right away. If you've no space or means for a bubble pool, then mist it all up, and try to get it 85%+ as a constant.
Can you take a pic of your pools/bowls?


Crabbers unite!!!

Es really should have 80-90F, imo.

CallaLily wrote:Es really should have 80-90F, imo.

I agree, but as long as the entire back is 84F it shouldnt be the problem right now.


Crabbers unite!!!

Oh I agree with you there. I misunderstood what you meant.

I have a knack of causing that .


Crabbers unite!!!

I have a knack for reading things wrong!

Thanks for the replies guys! Yes, it does sound like PPS a bit. I am going to leave him and hope he molts soon. Others are not bothering him and I can easily boost the humidity since I have plenty of moss. I got an awesome protein and calcium variety pack recently. They also have coral to munch on. Chia sprouts are growing too. Now that I think of it, I should have taken a pic of that too! The pools are hard to see but they are about 3-4 inches deep - big enough to take a dip. I may give him a bath later. First time posting pics so I hope the pool pictures come out okay.

Freshwater


Saltwater

You got it!!


Crabbers unite!!!

Ok your pools look fine. Just keep the water clean and let him do his thing. I cant say a bath would be good at this point, because your pools look fine and its best to stress him less.
Keep us posted and good luck!


Crabbers unite!!!

RIP Jake :*(