My crab left it's shell and I think he is buried under the substrate I have for him. I think he's molting but I'm also worried he might be dying. I caught a glimps of him this morning and he looks terrible. I know not to touch him during this stage or to disturbe him but how long do I wait? It's been two days. And I only resently became a crab owner. Like a week now and I really don't want anything to happen to him because of me. Whats going on..
2007-01-18 22:35:43 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
He does have a new home to move in. That is why I'm asking how long does this take and is everything fine. Just want to make sure I'm not leaving something out. Ya know....
2007-01-19 01:55:05 · update #1
It is very important that you make sure the hummidity is over 70%. Hermit crabs breath with modified gills and require high humidity to be able to breath. I find mine happiest with a termperature of about 78F, although they can tolerate 70F to 85F.
How long have you had the crab? It is possible that it is stressed out. This is not a good situation and the only thing you can do to rectify it is to make the enviornment as perfect as possible.
You should add several new shells, ranging from slightly smaller to slightly bigger, then the one the crab vacated. Do not use painted shells. They are not good for the crab. You can find shells at craft stores. To get an idea of what kind of shells are good look at the natural section at http://www.petdiscounters.com/Shells-c21.html.
2007-01-19 03:52:26 · answer #1 · answered by Betty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there
that's normal .. when they are in a molt the come out of their shell and bury them self to protect their soft
exoskeleton.. make sure u have many different shells... so as it gets bigger it has a pic of shells... if it was right beside the shell and not moving then worry ... don't touch it ...leave it alone ... they are inactive during this time and it very stressful for them and touching it will just add to the stress .. it the hole is open and u can't see it move...u can spray it lightly with water but not much..hope this helps... come visit our website under the crab n turtle section
2007-01-19 06:50:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my nephews were young this is one of their first "solo" pets they were to take care of it on their own teach them how to be responsible. Anyhow when theirs left the shell it was because they had outgrown the shell. Theirs had plenty of other shells bigger ones then the shell the crab had on it and apparently it didn't find any of these new shells suitable for himself and he did die. I didn't know crabs could be so picky! Hope you have better luck and the crab has more then a few shells to pick from
2007-01-19 11:24:54 · answer #3 · answered by **Damn its cold up here** 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to make sure you have new shells in with him in order for him to move into.Its time for him to upgrade to a larger home.
2007-01-19 09:02:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has grown to big for its shell. Go to the pet store they can help you get what you need. You need to do this today before it dies. The shell is its protection.
2007-01-19 06:46:14 · answer #5 · answered by Char 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call the store where you bought him or call a reptile veterinarian and ask them about it. They'll know best
2007-01-19 06:39:09 · answer #6 · answered by High On Life 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you provided larger shells for him? Once they outgrow one shell..they need another. Are you sure he isnt tucked away in his current shell?
2007-01-19 09:37:54 · answer #7 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is probably a hermit crab so it is sad because it dosen't have a home.
2007-01-19 07:54:07 · answer #8 · answered by estarinuta 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hes hiding
incase you see
him naked
2007-01-19 08:27:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋