Hermit Crab lost BOTH claws during molt

This forum is where you discuss issues relating to molting hermit crabs, including pre- and post-molting issues. If you are having a molting emergency please post in the Emergency Forum.
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DiogenesLover
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Hermit Crab lost BOTH claws during molt

Post by DiogenesLover » Sat Feb 04, 2023 12:04 pm

So my saltwater hermit crab molted and now I’m noticing it has lost both of its claws in the molt. I’m worried mostly about how I’m going to feed him since he can only use his legs to pull in food now. Is this normal for hermit crabs to do? Is it a stress-related thing? I don’t want to be hurting my hermit or stressing myself out for something that might be totally normal for a molt. Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

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JoeHermits
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Re: Hermit Crab lost BOTH claws during molt

Post by JoeHermits » Sat Feb 04, 2023 6:24 pm

Losing limbs is usually a stress response, including to injuries or poor health. Is it still able to eat at all?

Note that this forum is for terrestrial hermit crabs so we may not have the best advice for you. A forum for saltwater aquariums may be better


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Topic author
DiogenesLover
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2023 11:32 am
Location: Florida

Re: Hermit Crab lost BOTH claws during molt

Post by DiogenesLover » Sun Feb 26, 2023 5:21 pm

Good news, he’s still able to eat. He hasn’t suffered any recent injuries, and I’ve been doing the best I can to keep him happy and not stressed. The tank is in fine condition as well. My guess before this would be that he just accidentally pulled them off while sliding out of the exoskeleton. I know that molting can be stressful for hermit crabs, so that’s probably why they fell off. I’ll make sure to use a saltwater-related forum the next time a problem comes up. Thank you, and sorry for the late response!

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