He is just lying there in the tank on his side just moving his arms and legs. We don't know what to do. It was suggested that we get him a new shell, but there are many already in the tank. If you know anything at all, please help!! I seriously don't want him to die, as wierd as it sounds.
2006-10-26 11:42:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Make sure the shells in the tank are big enough. It's possible he's lonley. Maybe a bigger tank will make him happier if the tank you have isn't small enough. Maybe get another crab, female (If a male, they will fight trying to choose which one is dominant) if you want. Maybe some bigger shells or something will also make him. Remember to give him food, water, and all the stuff. THere isn't a sign that your crab is dying though, so that's good news.
Look at this site, maybe it'll help you so you will know if your crab is dying.
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/pages/moltingordying.html
2006-10-26 11:45:48 · answer #1 · answered by shewolf2899 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without seeing the crab my guess would be that it is working on molting. When a crab molts the it's exoskeleton is shed in a single piece. It will look like the part of the crab that you can see outside the shell. The crab's new exoskeleton is soft and the crab can now hide much further back in the shell than before. You need to leave his exoskeleton there because the crab needs to eat it. If the crab actually dies you will smell a strong fishy smell, It reminds me of low tide on a beach with a lot of sea weed.
Do not use pet store care sheets, they are generally inaccurate. Instead use this link for info.
2006-10-26 20:40:57 · answer #2 · answered by Betty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to petco and get a care sheet u might not have everything u think u need for a hermit crab t/there is alot more to them then u think (the the beaches let u to thinik.)
here is a few things i know u need in there
dish,food,frush water,saltwater,sand,lilrocks(like from a fish tank)u have to dip them every2-3 days in water a mister with water, Temp must be right...
if f go to petco they have free care sheets that will help u out alot...
2006-10-26 19:50:04 · answer #3 · answered by animal lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good grief. It is wierd you have such affection for a food item, does your hermit crab love you back? Crabs belong in the wild or on a dinner plate. Bless your heart for loving all animals but I think he may die.
2006-10-26 18:52:01 · answer #4 · answered by Honeypai 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The shells may not be big enough, water, sponge in water, food, clean living space all that stuff. I do agree you seem very attached to your crab but I think it's nice to see someone who cares!
2006-10-26 18:57:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they become not active when they are getting ready to molt
2006-10-26 19:35:19 · answer #6 · answered by yorkies2@sbcglobal.net 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋