Is my crab dead??

[Spedane]

I'm worried that one of my crabs may be dead. I was under the impression that they would "slip" out of the shell when you pick them up if they were dead but this one does not. It hasn't moved for almost 2 weeks now and I can't seem to get it to respond to me. I know this sounds like a stupid question but I am new to the whole hermit crab world. The others are doing fine, the environment is ideal. I've had this one the longest (over a year now) but last time I cleaned the tank, it hasn't been active. I didn't know if it was preparing to molt or became stressed for some reason so I just kept an eye on it. Now I'm worried. For the last couple of days I keep thinking it's dead but don't have the heart to dispose of him just in case he's not. Is this normal?? I've never experienced this before. Any advise you can give will be greatly appreciated. I have no way of knowing if he's dead or alive right now and I don't want to make the wrong decision. . .

[Wai]

Is there a fishy smell coming from the crab? Try pulling him (gently) out of the shell. If he comes out easily with no strength, then he may have departed.

[Jaci]

One of my crabs hasn't responded for a few days now either. I have not noticed any smell. I have used my fingernail to lift up one of his legs and big claw, when I do this to my other crabs, they will tighten up further in their shells, however Butters does not, he remains in the shell, but kind of loosely. How do I know the difference between stress, molting, or death in this situation? Should I move him to another cage, away from the others?

[Crabby Kortney]

If he is weak and any crabs might be a threat to him then yes.

[Jaci]

I moved him to separate container and he did not move for 3 days straight. After the third day, I tugged on one of his legs and this leg and his big claw came out. I buried him that weekend. Thank you for the information though! I do have one crab, about the same age as Butters, who is molting! I'm so excited!