QuestionWe've had hermit crabs for about 5 months. They are in a 20 Gallon Long Tank. Conditioned bottled water,(drinking and one pool), saltwater rock jacuzzi, lots of hiding places , about 7-8 inches coconut fiber/sand mix. We started with 3, got to six,and then added 2 more.We lost the 1st one of these two within 48 hours(dropped limbs and very dead), We figured it was probably stress. Now the other little guy (DARTH HIDEOUS) is having some big problems, days of no movement, above the substrate. His legs are all out of his shell(it was too small when we got him...plenty of other shells..many varieties and sizes..hasn't changed) He didn't move at all when I checked on him after 2 days except that his big claw opened and closed slightly. I put him in a 10 gallon isolation tank(St. Crabbys Hospital)good moist substrate. He seems to have turned about 60 degrees, 2 of his legs look like they're not really working, and he hasn't shown his eyes or antennae.(one antennae stix out but doesn't move) Is there anything else I can do to help this little guy get back? Thank you so much for any help!
Carrie
AnswerIt sounds like he might not be adjusting well. There is a theory that petstore crabs sometimes don't adjust to the good conditions because they have adapted to lower humidity and that you have to raise the humidity gradually in an ISO tank over several weeks before they will be able make the transition to the main tank.
