Help?! New crab owner

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 12:38 pm

I've got substrate deep enough to bury him in. So should I not touch him or anything to make sure he's still alive?

finalfantasyxii · Post by **finalfantasyxii** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:28 pm

If he dies you will smell him its a terrible fishy smell. You should leave him alone they are very stressed when they come to us and they need time to acclimate. Handling him frequently can continue his stress and prevent him from being able to molt.

Marshmelo76 · Post by **Marshmelo76** » Sat Jul 20, 2013 1:28 pm

You should leave them all alone for 4 weeks...I know it's hard! I've had mine 2 weeks. One of mine was really stressed and just hid in a corner and ended up doing a top molt, but he finally started moving around last night. Hopefully, stress is the case in your guy. You would know if he had passes...there would soon be an awful smell described as very fishy. If you don't smell that "death smell" I would leave him alone.

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 1:24 am

Ok, thanks. I know I need to add stuff for them to crawl around on and in. Can I use empty and clean yoplait containers as caves and small huts? Or will the ink and stuff from the detailing on the outside kill them? Also my smallest crab, the one who isn't moving (his name is Cas) is in a very small shell that's painted and I can't find one that's small enough for him to change into.

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 1:26 am

Also I can't tell what species my crabs are, and I don't want to hold them. How can I tell?

Geranium · Post by **Geranium** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 2:07 am

I would not use anything with coloring/paint that wasn't made for an aquarium. You can use plastic containers or plant pots, I just wouldn't use ones with paint. Did you look through the cost cutters post at the top of the Zoea section?Smaller shells can be found at craft stores like Joann's or Walmart/Kmart.You can take photos of your crabs and someone here will likely be able to tell what kind of crabs they are.

HermitCrabby_LHC · Post by **HermitCrabby_LHC** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 4:04 am

Maybe I should come to your house! You live so close to me! WelcomeOh yea! And guys, if she keeps them outside its fine. Our humidity is like 80-85 and temp is no lower than 80 at all times

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 4:15 am

Haha probably. Virginia Beach has so many people! But now I do have a legitimate cage for them! I keep my window open so it's about 80 degrees, plus the humidity which is so bad! I think I have a Ecudorian, but then Cas hasn't came out of the shell, so I of course don't know yet.

jgfceit · Post by **jgfceit** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 4:17 am

Welcome!This might help with species identification:www.hermit-crabs.com/species.html

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 6:12 am

I do have a Ecuadorian named Raj! I figured that out, but I'm trying not to bother Cas until he's decided to move around and de-stress. I am going to try to find a good shell for him, and a couple more just in case Raj wants to move too.

jgfceit · Post by **jgfceit** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 7:03 am

Three shells per crab is recommended, but 1 or 2 in the tank for each will do.

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 12:57 am

I remember reading that somewhere too. I think Raj is either molting or destressing because he keeps digging under. I know he's eating cuz he left a lot of sand on his food.

HermitCrabby_LHC · Post by **HermitCrabby_LHC** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 8:08 am

Is the sub moist?

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 10:00 am

Yes. Raj made his own hiding spot underneath a little container that I put in, for him to hide in. He obviously doesn't like it.

newcrabbieowner · Post by **newcrabbieowner** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 1:24 pm

Unfortunately Cas died today. I thought he would considering the fact he wasn't doing anything.