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ok so how can you tell if your hurmit crab is molting or dead? because like.. theres liek something that looks like body parts that he like spit out of his shell but inside i can still see his claw like normal.. is this normal?? please i dont konw what i should do. and i know this sounds lame.. no im not THIS worked up over a hermit crab. but i just dont know.

2006-11-13 12:24:03 · 6 answers · asked by Peace and Love 4 in Pets Reptiles

6 answers

Hermit crabs usually molt when the sand is really damp, they bury under. However, if your sand is not damp enough they will try to molt on top and that is not good. Hermies that are molting eat their exoskeleton, but if you see it prior to him munching it --it will look just like him, only dry and crunchy. A crab that has just molted looks very pink and pale, it takes awhile for him to harden up again and get his old color back...thats one reason they eat their exoskeleton, its very healthy.

Hermies do kick their "poo" out of their shells, but this doesn't sound like what you are seeing. Its hard to say what is going on without seeing the crab or getting more information. The can lose "parts" too if the humidity is not high enough. Try giving him a warm bath in a bowl with a drop of stress coat in it.

Why don't you check out these sites for more info, maybe you will find out exactly what is going on with your little guy. Good luck!

http://www.hermit-crabs.com/
http://www.crabbytalk.com/
http://users.tpg.com.au/users/vanessap/hermit/cs/index.html
http://www.crabstreetjournal.com/

2006-11-15 02:09:37 · answer #1 · answered by luv2lotto 3 · 0 0

When I had hermit crabs, I don't remember any molting per se. You always have to leave a few shells, different sizes, turned up so the crabs can make a new home for themselves. If they don't have a new home to get into, they'll stay out of their old one and die. As for the body parts, that's weird. lol Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Is your crab still moving around? If it is, I wouldn't worry. Just make sure it's warm enough and that (like I said) it has a new shell to move into when it's ready.

2006-11-13 12:28:45 · answer #2 · answered by jennifergwen2003 2 · 0 0

It's normal to have to parts fall off of a hermit crab, though not generally a good sign. If he dies he will be limp and practially fall out of his shell. he probably won't make it through the week. I'm so sorry to say that, but it's true, i've seen many a hermit crab loose his parts and die soon after. BUT, i have also seen some make it with just one claw or a missing leg. so i hope yours is one of those lucky ones.

2006-11-13 19:53:00 · answer #3 · answered by laurel d 1 · 0 0

If you smell a strong fishy odor the crab has gone on to the great beach in the sky.
If the exoskeleton is there (it looks hollow in inspection) then leave it. He will eat it and he needs the extra calcium. Hey no reason to feel bad about it just being a hermit crab. People love their pets and yours is a hermit crab. I love my fish and I would hate for anything to happen to them.

2006-11-13 16:22:41 · answer #4 · answered by Charis 3 · 0 0

Smell the Hermit crab, dead Hermit crabs give off a terrible odor and it is impossible to miss

2006-11-13 12:59:47 · answer #5 · answered by jason c 4 · 0 0

no its not dead when hermit crabs die thy would loosley fall out of there shell.........but if u still have a funny feling then get him wet wit water it should make.him come out if hes alive

2006-11-13 13:14:44 · answer #6 · answered by danielle 1 · 0 0

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