If my hermit crab molting or is it dead? He dosn'nt stink like death and it has been 3 days. He had a bubble looking thing under his abdomon and was'nt in his shell. He did'nt dig under the sand I put in his seperated tank. He shows the signs of molting but I am still not sure. Please help!
2006-09-05 05:43:32 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
First of all, a vet will NOT be able to help you, neither will a pet store.
The crab is under extreme stress, is either too hot or the tank is too dry.
When hermit crabs molt they do not ever leave their shell and go anked. It is not natural and a sign of stress.
Make sure your tank conditions are within the correct ranges...
76-82 degrees F and 75%-85% relative humdity.
You must monitor these readings 24/7 with humidity and temperature gauges.
You must provide both fresh and natural oceanic or marine salt de-chlorinated waters.
Sand, moist coco-fiber or a mixture of both for a substrate.
A tight fitting solid lid
Fresh fruits, veggies, meats, fish and whole grains as food.
The thing on his abdomen is a molting or water sac. Something they take on to hydrate them while they are molting to help split their old exo-skeleton. DO NOT touch the crab or move it again!!!
There is nothing more you can do other than to get the tank within range, offer the proper foods and waters and make sure there are at least 4 extra shells per crab in the tank at all times of the proper type size and shape, paying attention especially to the opening shape and size.
If you need more help please feel free to contact us here at the rescue at hermitcrab_rescue@yahoo.com
2006-09-05 05:53:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just saw this on Animal Planet this weekend.
He is molting. Leave him alone and just put some new shells by him. Alot of people assume there crab is dead but if he if under the sand with no shell he is molting. It can take about 6 weeks to finish. Don't touch him because without a shell he is very easy to break, He will come out when hes ready.
2006-09-11 21:59:26 · answer #2 · answered by lissamarfin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i think u needa take i t to a vet gurl or its jus like all the other crabs lazy
2006-09-05 12:46:31 · answer #3 · answered by tavis c 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure, a vet may know more. Good luck to you! Another thought--maybe it's laying eggs?
2006-09-05 12:46:05 · answer #4 · answered by Elizabeth S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
who nows,if he;s molting
he;ll need a bigger shell.
2006-09-05 12:47:12 · answer #5 · answered by rottentothecore 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋