Unhealthy Crab?

Where we discuss the behavior of our hermit crabs, as in fights, pecking orders, shell swaps, etc. Please post all naked-crab posts in the Emergency forum.
Post Reply

Topic author
Sherman12
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:35 am
Location: Oklahoma

Unhealthy Crab?

Post by Sherman12 » Mon Mar 19, 2018 6:50 pm

My crab doesn't seem to ever dig. And rarely moves and when he does he'll sit in the same place for an hour or so.
I never see him eat, and the food bowl doesn't noticeably change in food amount ( do they just eat very little )
He also never digs anymore even with his new easier to dig in sand.

Is there something wrong?
Rest in peace Feller

User avatar

Moonlightdreams
Posts: 401
Joined: Wed Jan 17, 2018 4:01 pm

Re: Unhealthy Crab?

Post by Moonlightdreams » Mon Mar 19, 2018 7:17 pm

They do eat very little. I recommend filling out our emergency template. We can spot anything wrong with your crabitat and help you to fix it. :) http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 27&t=46102
Loving owner of two hermit crabs and two dogs! Call me Moon, Icy, Kermit, or anything you'd like! sheldon_and_peanut (hermit crabs) and sisterchins (dogs) on Instagram.

User avatar

piratetoothgir
Posts: 1341
Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2017 7:08 am
Location: Texas

Re: Unhealthy Crab?

Post by piratetoothgir » Mon Mar 19, 2018 8:45 pm

Hello, I really think your crab is fine. Some crabs dig, and some don't.
Out of the seven crabs I have, only three like to dig, and the others just sit around on the surface.

Hermits eat very little, and only have tiny stomachs which means they don't have big appetites.
Some species eat more than others, especially in the protein range.

I'd still recommend filling out the ER template, it'll help!
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... 27&t=46102
Crabber Since 2016
7 Caribbeans & 2 Ecuadorians
I am the proud owner of my hermit crabs, aquarium fish, and isopod totes!

User avatar

wodesorel
Tech Support
Tech Support
Posts: 10587
Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 am
Location: Leetonia, Ohio
Contact:

Re: Unhealthy Crab?

Post by wodesorel » Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:42 pm

The reptile sand, low humidity levels, and lack of proper nutrution will have taken it's toll. Even once those things are corrected, a crab can't start to heal until it is able to molt which may take weeks or months of stocking up on food and water before they are ready to dig down. Also, if they are still in a 5 gallon tank then there is not a lot of space for them to move around so they may choose to be less active as they are able to see everything they can get to so there is no need to explore.
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram

Post Reply