Possible tunnel collapse while molting ?!?!

[Gingythehedgehog]

1. What kind of substrate is used in your tank and how deep is it?

Eco earth with kiddy sand.
About 6 inches.

2. Do you have gauges in the tank to measure temperature and humidity? If so, where are they located and what temperature and humidity do they usually read?

Hygrometer and it’s about in the middle of the tank.
I aim for 80-90% humidity and 80 degrees


3. Is a heat source used in the tank? If so, what?

Currently I know a heat lamp is a no no. But I’m currently setting up a forever home. The tank never exceeds 82 degrees.

4. What types of water are available (fresh or salt) and how is the water treated (what brands of dechlorinator or salt mix and what ratio is used to mix it)?

Both fresh and salt. Both treated with prime.

5. What kinds of food do you feed and how often is it replaced?

Every other day. Both fresh and dry.

6. How long have you had the crab and what species is it, if known?

Both we have had since October. One is a purple pincher and the other one I don’t know what type he is but he’s brown.

7. Has your crab molted, and how long ago did it happen?

The small one did a surface molt late February and it lasted about a week.

The current molted this is his first time with us molting. Currently we are on day 8 or 9.

8. What type of housing are the crabs kept in, what size is it and what kind of lid is on the housing?

Currently a plastic container. 29 gallons. Once everyone is up they will be switched to a 55 gallon tank.

9. How many crabs are in the tank and about how large are they?

2 and I don’t know about sizes really. I call the brown one small and the purple pincher about medium or big.

10. How many extra shells are usually kept in the tank, if any?

About 5 each

11. Have there been any fumes or chemicals near the crabitat recently?

No

12. How often do you clean the tank and how?

I was told you don’t need to really clean anything besides food and water bowls.

13. Are sponges used in the water dish? If so, how are they cleaned?

No sponges

14. Has anything new been added to your crabitat recently?

Not really

15. Is there any other information you would like to share that might be helpful (anything that is regularly part of your crab care, playtime, bathing, etc.)?

We usually see them everyday. Not play but talk to them and they DO NOT fear us at all if anything when they hear us they run out. They do not pinch us.

16. Please describe the emergency situation in detail.


My big boy ( the escape artist ) went under about 8 or so days ago to molt.

Well the little one ( never has escaped before ) I can’t find him.

I was suggested he burrowed but I been putting fresh food out and I have not seen any changes to sand or the food.

We only have them two and I’m so worried about what if the little one escaped. Is there anyway to check the sand to make sure he’s in the tank? I HAVE dug around the general area of where the big one burrowed and have not seen or felt anyone.

Now I’m worried if I could have collapsed a tunnel.

I am just so worried on where my little boy is and I don’t know what to do and been so on edge about my boys the past few days and worried about messing up.

I really need help. I don’t want either of my boys dying.

The small one I can’t help but worry where he is and the big one what if I hurt him or collapsed something. I’m a panic mess. I regret digging around and don’t know what to do.

I feel like a horrible crab mom.
I’m so stressed I’m crying.

[JoeHermits]

You messaged us on Facebook, didn’t you?

I still think they’re okay. It’s normal to disappear for a few weeks and they know how to take care of themselves. Keep offering small amounts of dry food and they’ll eat when they come back up.

I know what it’s like to worry. Just try to remember that they’re woefully rebellious of our expectations and will do what they want to.


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