New hermit crab with only one leg!

[Ginko]

My sister wanted to share a tank with me, so she got our dad to go to the pet store after work and get one. I've washed him out with de-chlorinated salt water and put him in a shallow bowl with my other crabs for a little while.

The new hermit crab lost all but one leg and he's very slow almost limp and doesn't go back in his shell when picked up. I know hermit crabs can grow back limbs after molts but I want to know what can I do for him now? I put him in the food bowl with lot's of dried flower peddles and dried shrimp. And for the moment the tanks temp is good around 85 degrees. Lot's of shells scattered around the tank as well.

[YYWW]

Sounds like PPS. What was this crab like at the store? What were the store's setup like?


Crabbers unite!!!

[Ginko]

I'm not sure what he was like at the store or the stores tank conditions. There were no legs in the box and I just checked on him and his last leg is gone! I'm really worried about him, can he move around with no legs?

[megmaholm]

I hate to be negative, but in my experience once they start dropping limbs they're usually starting to shut down Obviously don't give up, though!

Transitioning to captivity is tough. They're not treated well while being caught and transported, and pet store conditions are usually crummy. Some of them can bounce back and do fine, and others just can't.

He won't be able to move on his own without legs. You can try hand feeding him something like honey or peanut butter, or roll a q-tip in it and set it in front of him so he can reach it without moving. Just try to keep his stress level as low as possible.

[Ginko]

This makes me sad, what can I do to keep his stress level down? I put some food in front of him and set him in one of the warmest spots in the tank. When I set him in the food dish he was eating for a good while. Would wet Sphagnum moss be good for a water source?

[megmaholm]

He can get some moisture from wet moss, definitely. If you offer some fresh fruit to him, he can get water from that as well. The easiest way to keep his stress levels down is to just keep him in a warm, humid spot and handle him as little as possible. Change his food as needed but don't pick him up or anything unless you absolutely have to.

Keep us updated on the little guy! I'll be sending good thoughts

[Ginko]

I'm doing most of those things now, he's only been in the tank for a few hours now. But I fear for the worst, I don't understand why pet stores just can't take good care of them.

It's not that hard! I have 4 other crabs and since they came into my care they've been doing extremely well! It could be a little hotter in there at night and a bit more humid but for the most part it wasn't that difficult to achieve stable conditions.

[megmaholm]

Pet stores ultimately care about the almighty dollar, and a lot of employees aren't well-educated or just don't care. Hermit crabs are typically viewed as throw away pets, and while they're not necessarily expensive to maintain, initial setup can cost more than many people want to spend on a pet that supposedly won't live long. They don't understand that crabs can live 40+ years.

It sounds like you're doing all you can. If you need any more advice or info, we're all here to help. :grouphug:

[Ginko]

I delight in the irony! Most people believe hermit crabs are throw away pets but the truth is if you take good care of them they have the potential to outlive you!

[Ginko]

Well he survived the first night, and seems to be doing ok. I hope he survives!

[Beebalm]

Sending healing, hopeful thoughts to you and the little guy!! I'm sorry you're going through this tough thing...

[megmaholm]

That's great he's hanging in there! Keep us updated

[Ginko]

He was sitting in the spot I put him in all night with some dried shrimp and crickets. This morning I put a chunk of calcium cookie from the Hermit Crab Garden. He ate it for a good while and after I took a shower he managed to drag himself into the food dish. He's been there for almost 3 hours.

[Ginko]

It's about 4:18 PM over here and the hermit cab has lost his big claw and all of his legs.

[Ginko]

Is there anything else I can do to help him at this point?