2006-08-08 16:18:14 · 6 answers · asked by malkav_us 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
thanks for help so far have a few shells in cage with him he been sitting in the water for a few hours now, he has moved but is lacking in any red color is he maybe getting ready to molt. would be the first time me and wife have had one do so.
2006-08-08 16:26:59 · update #1
If he is missing his color then he has already molted.
Also when they get in the dish like that is mean there is not enough humidity in their tank. What is it running right now?? He also may be hot.
The temp should be 76-82 degrees F and the humdity MUST be between 75%-85% relative.
If you have enough of the proper kinds of shells with the correct size openings then that is not the problem. Everyone assumes that is the only reason why hermit crabs act funny.
Make sure it is not too hot.. and that there is enough humidity in the tank. If he is soaking up water to molt he will be fine and will do it in his time, just do not pick him up or touch him. ALSO...
he may be flushing his shell which they do often to echange shell water and to flush our debris.
He will be fine I am sure... feel free to email us if you need to..
hermitcrab_rescue@yahoo.com
2006-08-09 04:50:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give it a variety of different, larger shells. It could be outgrowing it's current shell.
Make sure that you keep the cage humid enough as well. Water and moisture level are very important for their health.
How do I Measure my Crab for a Shell? Take your crab in your hand and look at his large claw. The perfect-fitting shell will have an opening about the size of the large claw plus about 1/8" all around (for larger crabs it will be more) or 1/10" all around. You're ultimately looking for a shell whose entrance the crab will be able to plug with his or her large claw and far left walking leg.
Another very important purpose of the crabs shell is to minimize the evaporation of water from the crab's body. As you have read on the basic care page (in the critical care tips) moisture is the most important thing in a hermit crab's life.
2006-08-08 23:28:08 · answer #2 · answered by curiouschick18 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is molting. Hopefully you have a variety of empty shells for him to choose to move into.
Here are some good websites:
http://www.crabstreetjournal.com/
http://www.hermit-crabs.com/
2006-08-08 23:27:55 · answer #3 · answered by Em 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might be taking a bath to wet the inside of his shell. Always have slightly bigger shells, inside the cage, so if he is trying to move to a bigger shell.
2006-08-08 23:24:56 · answer #4 · answered by bcringler 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope nothings wrong with him. I have one too. That means you have to get him/her a bigger shell go to your pet store and get one thats a tad bigger than the old one.
Yoou shouls turn the light down, the heat hurts there shell if durectley in the heat.
2006-08-08 23:28:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe its just getting a drink? or maybe it needs a bigger shell, you should have spare shells that get bigger as itself gets bigger. you should put the spare shell(s) in its cage.
2006-08-08 23:23:29 · answer #6 · answered by Captain Sara 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋