How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

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.
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LeonardoDaPinchi
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How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by LeonardoDaPinchi » Fri May 10, 2019 6:57 pm

Ive had my crabs for 4 months noe but I dont think ive ever seen them defecate or found feces in their crabitat. One is very active, I hear him every night and I know he eats because there's less food in the morning. My second is buried so I believe he's preparing to molt. Do crabs not defecate often or is this something I should be worried about?

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Wlfwo
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by Wlfwo » Fri May 10, 2019 7:51 pm

Yes, they do. I've found it in the food dish, in their wheel and since I hung the acurite, on top of that. Looks like little, tiny brown bananas.

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ROSIEonFIRE
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by ROSIEonFIRE » Sat May 11, 2019 1:13 am

There's really no reason to he worried, it's very easy to miss. Not oy are their poops small but they eat ALOT of sub so it will likely blend right in. You'll see some eventually ;)

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curlysister
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by curlysister » Sat May 11, 2019 1:18 am

I agree - it can be hard to see with the substrate, especially if the crabs are small. If they are alive and well, they are pooping somewhere! LOL!
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wodesorel
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by wodesorel » Sat May 11, 2019 2:47 am

Some are more discrete than others. With my Rug, the only sign of her pooping is a brown dusting on top of the sand. I rarely find whole pieces. My PPs though leave it everywhere! It looks like chocolate sprinkles.

Try checking inside extra shells. They love using them as toilets.
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odelayheehoo
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by odelayheehoo » Sat May 11, 2019 7:37 am

I find some turds in my tanks sometimes, but the isopods do a good job at keeping them at bay, but occasionally I will find a green poo in the topper from greensand.
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Oliviet#1
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by Oliviet#1 » Sat May 11, 2019 7:22 pm

I saw my crab Peach spread her stuff into the sand on the edge of the glass of the tank on almost all of the sides. The only way for me to get it out is by scooping the sand out. Now the sand looks a little orange on the edge lol.
I have had pets in the past, but my family can’t have any furry or feathered ones due to allergies. I usually try my best to help and currently trying to set up a crabitat. I also try to treat others with Love!❤️

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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by curlysister » Sat May 11, 2019 8:18 pm

I don't scoop it out, I just mix it into the sub and figure it will break down like compost, LOL.
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teachincrabbie
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by teachincrabbie » Tue May 14, 2019 10:14 am

I find pieces occasionally on their log. However, I didn't notice the pieces until I got bigger crabs. I only had 2 teenies for a bit and didn't notice anything. When I got my medium crab I noticed more poop.

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Hills
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by Hills » Fri May 24, 2019 10:56 pm

I like to give my crabs carrots and then look out for their orange poops! They love the carrots, and I think it's funny, so win-win.
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Adastra1018
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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by Adastra1018 » Tue Jun 25, 2019 9:44 am

Hills wrote:
Fri May 24, 2019 10:56 pm
I like to give my crabs carrots and then look out for their orange poops! They love the carrots, and I think it's funny, so win-win.
Was just about to say this!! It's only brown if you don't give them carrots! :hlol:

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Re: How do I know if my crabs are defecating?

Post by Xenocrab » Fri Aug 02, 2019 9:32 pm

My big guys in the 55 poop in one spot and it looks like log houses! Sometimes I'll scoop it out only because I find it unappealing to look at!

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