What's happening to my crab?

[Fox]

I just woke up and looked into my crabitat and saw my hermit crab on his back with his legs sticking out. I got really scared and though he was dead, but when I slowly picked him up he moved his legs. However whenever he does I hear something that sounds like crackling. I'm really really worried. What should I do?!

[Ryry]

Can you post a picture without bothering him too much? I don't have any idea but the photo could help

[CallaLily]

If you haven't already, isolate the crab in proper conditions. How is the crab acting since being flipped back over? Does he seem weak?

Answering these questions is probably a good idea too, just to double check all is well. It's a big help when trying to figure out what could be going on. http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 27&t=46102

[MuseCrazy]

Is it possible the crackling you heard was him chirping at you?

[Fox]

Thank you for the responses, everyone. I didn't think about chirping. I feel like that might have been what he was doing, but I've never heard a chirp before. He is half way out of his shell now, but he's just standing idle. Also, I think his antennae aren't moving... That's strange, right? I know he's alive, though, because he's moving (albeit slowly) in and out of his shell. He's being very very slow, which is scaring me a bit. I'll try to take a picture in a little bit.

[Fox]

Update: He is fine! I guess what I heard was him chirping. I looked it up on Youtube, and the "crackling" I heard sounded a bit like the beginning of a full-blown chirp. What a weird sound!

I really thought something was wrong with him. I guess he was sleeping (?) when I found him on his back and picked him up, but now that the sun is down he's moving all around the tank, climbing and eating and drinking like nothing happened. Thank you for the answers, everyone, and sorry for the scare.

[YYWW]

Thanks for sharing! Now i have a better idea of what a chirp sounds like


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[CallaLily]

What concerned me was the weakness and being on his back. I'm glad he's acting normal now. How strange. Keep a close eye on him just to be sure.

Chirping E: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tFfWVVSnKyg

[YYWW]

What concerned me was the weakness and being on his back. I'm glad he's acting normal now. How strange. Keep a close eye on him just to be sure.

Chirping E: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tFfWVVSnKyg

Thank you so much for posting!!! Not only did i not expect that sound, not only did it sound like a squeaky duck, but that was SO SERIOUSLY CUTE! Must resist trying to replicate with my Es!


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[Fox]

Here's a picture of him just in case there's something i'm missing!

[KellyCrabbieLove]

He is adorable!

[CallaLily]

Cute little guy! Is he still climbing and eating like normal?

[Fox]

Yep! Although yesterday the "creaking" happened again when I moved him during the day so I could replace the water. Shortly afterwards he came out of his shell and walked around, though, so I guess it really is just him chirping!

[YYWW]

You have a vocal crab, i guess.... Lucky!


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[aussieJJDude]

Don't worry, my crabs love to tuck themselves into the plants and sleep on their backs, it quite cute! I wouldn't worry about it too much as long as they moving soon after - and looking normal - they should be fine.