crab out of shell???

Questions about unexpected problems.
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crabbyabby
Zygote
Zygote
Posts: 5
Joined: 12 Mar 2009, 13:03
Hermit crabs: 3

crab out of shell???

Post by crabbyabby »

Our crab is out of his shell on the surface and we are wondering if this is molting or he is in trouble. It is the crab I posted about who had been in crab fight and lost his big claw. Any help is appreciated.
CrabbyAbby
Crabbies: Sheldon, Leonard, & Diego
Gramma to Kitties: Heavenly & Angel, tabby & white-tabby
Mama to Kitty: Savannah, a Bengal
Mama Hen to: 130 chickens & chicks and 13 ducks & 5 ducklings
CrabbyJo
Coenobita
Coenobita
Posts: 1849
Joined: 21 Jan 2009, 13:31
Gender: Female
Hermit crabs: 7
Total gallons: 85
Total tanks: 4
Location: Alaska

Re: crab out of shell???

Post by CrabbyJo »

To help we will need to know your tank temp, humidity level, what is your substrate, do you offer ocean salt and dechlorinated fresh water, what is your heat source (Under tank heater, heat bulbs, moon glo or sun glo bulbs, etc.) Marie and Emma will likely have more questions for you.
6 hermit crabs - 3 PPs and 3 Equadorians
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ladybug15057
Coenobita
Coenobita
Posts: 3098
Joined: 03 Mar 2008, 04:12
Gender: Female
Hermit crabs: 82
Total gallons: 305
Total tanks: 7
Location: Southwestern Pa., U.S.

Re: crab out of shell???

Post by ladybug15057 »

Seems this hermie is undergoing more stress due to leaving his shell.

CrabbyJo hit the questions... but also when did you calibrate/test your humidity gauge last? What is your substrate temp as well as the air temp. (both the cool and warm side?) If you do offer an ocean water, what brand do you use, and what brand of dechlorinator do you use if you use one?

But rarely will a hermie leave their shell for molting. They need the shell for protection and the water they have stored within it as well as to keep themselves from dehydrating.
Marie (aka ladybug15057)

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ladybug15057
Coenobita
Coenobita
Posts: 3098
Joined: 03 Mar 2008, 04:12
Gender: Female
Hermit crabs: 82
Total gallons: 305
Total tanks: 7
Location: Southwestern Pa., U.S.

Re: crab out of shell???

Post by ladybug15057 »

I just went back and read the post you had done about this hermie when he dropped the limb.

viewtopic.php?t=2652

These 3 different tanks you moved everybody into back on March 13, were they ever reunited? Did you get other shells for them, and the tanks you moved them into... were they equipped properly with the criteria hermies need to survive?
Marie (aka ladybug15057)

If you are contacted privately (via pm or e-mail) and enticed to join another forum, please contact a Crab Crew member. This is an unethical practice.
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