HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello, I am a new crab owner I have 3 Kevin, Shelldon, & Clawdia. Kevin is the larger of the three. I recently changed them from a 10 gal 1/2 sand 1/2 hermit crab soil to a 20g long tank 1/2 play sand 1/2 soil. The humidity never goes below 50% and the temp is always around 73-78degrees. The substrate ranges from about 4 inches on the sand side to maybe about 6 on the soil. Within a few days of their new tank Kevin dug himself deep into the sand for maybe 2 days then came up only to redig himself in the soil part. After 1-2 days of Kevin being down Clawida soon followed and they are about 3-4inches of eachother. It's been about a week now and I haver seen either one. Clawdia has a tunnel and I can see the tip of her shell but Kevin is completely under. Since their disappearance Shelldon seems to be awake n out of his shell all day. He's eating and drinking a lot And just sits out of his shell watching the other animals through the glass. Since I'm knew to this I've only had them about 2 months if that I'm concerned and Confused. I know never to dig up a burried crab. Any advice on how to keep my crabs happy and healthy would be appreciated! Thank you!!

Buy a spray bottle! Ideally the humidity should be in the 70%-85% range. They need the moisture to breathe! Make sure your substrate is wet, too. The "soil" [I'm assuming it's some form of coconut bedding] should be moist and the sand shuld be able to hold shape. I'm sure you know that. ^^

I got a super tiny guy. They really only take a small amount of time to molt, but mine stayed under for over two months when I first got him. Just be patient and let them do their thing. Sometimes they molt together. That could be happening. Also, make sure to feed them enough protein so no one goes digging up other crabs for an easy source of protein. o.O
You sound like youre doing fine! Don't stress too much. :]

Thanks! But now I'm really panicking! Shelldons out of his shell!! I gave him a bath yesterday then he was drinking or something in the saltwater bowl & now he's naked! Clawdia n Kevin are still down but I hear movement. What do I do?!?!!


Also whats a good source of protein & calcium I can provide for them?

I think you should post this in the emergency section, and fill out the template they give you.

Do you have extra shells in the tank?

I see you posted this about 3 hours ago. Is he still out of his shell?

what did you bath him in? And you should fill out the emergency template. If they have been in low humidity for a long time then he could be badly hurting.

Ok i will, I gave him a bath in the sink I think it may have been the tap water! I wasn't thinking! We I left for work at 9 he was still out, I gave his natural peanut butter n fresh water and 5 diff shells to change into

you should put him in a small container with his and other like size shells with just a bit of proper water and he may reshell.

First thing - that the crabs buried down is a good sign if they're new! Crabs need to molt to grow larger and most will do this as soon as they get home. All you can do is wait them out, and it may be a few months, but when they come back up it's so worth it.

As for Shelldon, kip posted the emergency template for you over in your emergency thread. If you can answer those when you get a chance, it'll really help us answer the "why" part. I hope he's okay when you get back!

Calcium can be from egg shells, oyster shells, cuttlebone, or shrimp or crab shells. Protein can be any unseasoned meats that you eat (beef, chicken, fish). Personally, I like using freeze-dried insects from the fish and reptile section as they provide both protein and calcium and they don't smell if you leave them in there for a few days.