Franklin sitting very still

[trockykitty]

I have a crab currently buried under molting and I noticed last week that my humidity was above normal which I have under control. But I noticed last week that Franklin dropped a leg which I figure was due to the high humidity. But I have notice 3 days ago that he is not hanging out in his favourite spot but is hiding out in a coco hut. I checked on him yesterday as I am concerned because he has not seemed to be very active. When I misted him a little I noticed some movement, but again while checking on him today I notice he is sitting in the exact same spot as yesterday and there is not antenna action. He actually looks like he is just sitting in the same spot staring at the side of the cocohut. He is getting an ashy color as well. I do not want ot bother him too much as I am concerned he is de-stressing but I am also concerned. Could he be preparing for a molt or is there maybe something else? I am really worried about him but he looks fine and like I said is just sitting without movement. Any ideas would be wonderful!

[abegie]

It could be that with your other crab buried he is just a little lonely. I notice with my crabs that when most of them are down molting the other ones arent very active until their buddies come back from molting. I would be a little concerned that he dropped a leg though, as that may indicate a more serious problem. High humidity is typically more of a concern because it promotes a breeding ground for bacteria and mold etc. As far as I understand your crab should be able to withstand higher than normal humidity without problem if it was only for a short time. If you can answer the following questions in as much detail as possible I'm sure you will get lots of help and suggestions from the crabbers here.

What is the volume of your main tank?
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How many hermit crabs do you currently have? How big are they?
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How long have you had the hermit crab(s) that you are concerned about?
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What substrate or combination of substrates are you using? How deep is it?
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What do you feed your hermit crabs?
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Do you use distilled, bottled, tap or other types of water?
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If you are using a dechlorinator, what brand is it? Does it state to remove all heavy metals, chlorine and chloramines?
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What brand of sea salt are you using to supply your hermit crabs with salt water?
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What heat source are you using and where is it positioned?
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Have you calibrated your thermometer(s) and hygrometer so that you can interpret accurate readings?
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What is the air temperature range and humidity inside the tank?
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If you are using an under tank heater, what is the highest temperature that the substrate reaches?
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Do you have any photos of your tank or hermit crab(s) of concern? If yes, please attach them to your post.
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[trockykitty]

Before I purchased Franklin I had lost 2 other crabs due to inexperience. Then I found this forum which made me realize that the pet store I was relying on was giving me wrong information. I have play sand as well as Coconut fibre substrate which is about 4 inch deep. I have Sea salt water (Oceanic brand) as well as fresh distilled water. I feed my hermies egg shells, freeze dried shrimp, cereal, bananas, strawberries, grapes etc. I do not feed them the store bought food I threw that away. After I made the changes to their diet and substrate Batman went down for a molt which was fantastic. I purchased Franklin about 3 weeks ago to keep Batman company and now that Batman is molting he is alone. The temp and humidity is between 74-78 at all times. I have a warmer side and a cooler side to the tank as per Hermie Care. I heat my tank with an under the tank heater positioned on the left side of the tank.They are in a 15gallon tank. There is nothing that can harm them as far as substrate, food, water or decorations in the tank I ensured all was up to code before I brought Franklin home. My hermies are the size of golf balls.So that is why I am concerned and curious? Should I maybe get another friend for Franklin if he is just lonely or is he sick? Any suggestions?

[trockykitty]

Just a side note Batman buried himself for a molt just days after I brought home Franklin.

[abegie]

Sounds like you are doing a good job as far as care. I would certainly encourage more friends as in a 15 gallon tank I think you have room and I believe that hermit crabs do better in groups. Now you have only had him for 3 weeks so pps related problems are certainly still a possibility. Its also possible that he is preparing to molt as well. I think I would suggest putting small shells of fresh water, salt water and food very close to him so that if he is stressed and weak he wont have to move very far. Hopefully some of the other crabbers here will have some more suggestions for you.

[ladybug15057]

If he was adjusted per the recommended PPS procedure, trockykitty sounds to me like your little one maybe preparing a molt. Many hermies do become lethargic and inactive prior to molting. It takes them awhile to loosen the old exo to the point where they can remove it and this does effect their 'muscle' underneath. Not all hermies burrow to molt either so be prepared in case he decides to do a surface molt. (cut 2 liter soda bottle or glass from a picture frame) Good luck!

[abegie]

Lethargic and inactive prior to a molt is quite normal I understand but ladybug, wouldn't the dropping of a leg be indicative of something more serious? I don't want to make you worry trockykitty as crabs can certainly recover and grow back a missing leg, as long as what caused them to drop their limb is remedied. It may be that he is still stressed from adjusting to his new surroundings which is what caused him to drop the limb and now is desiring to molt. And if he does surface molt you should definitely be ready to protect him as per ladybugs advice because they are very vulnerable in that state.

[trockykitty]

I checked on him again today and he is still in the exact same position. I noticed when I lost my last 2 hermies that they kind of went back into there shell when they passed away and he seems to almost be sitting upright which is what caught my attention. I am so worried about him....

[ladybug15057]

Yes the dropped limb could be still from PPS that is just now happening. But it does sound like PMS as well. Best to leave him be for now, provide his needs and be prepared.

[trockykitty]

Well we lost Franklin, I was cleaning the tank and noticed a fishy smell so I slowly picked up Franklin to look at him and his eyes are glazed over and he is very much dead. I am so sad
I guess either he wsa trying to molt and died or the Stress got to him.