QuestionQUESTION: Hey Vicki, me again. I picked up my little guy today to check on him and he's getting this brilliant purple color (can I assume that's ok since he's most likely a caribbean crab?)
He looks relatively gaunt considering what he one was and he still looks incredibly small. Will he fatten back up given more time?
I also noticed his big claw did not make it. He still has his little one though. Can you tell me how they grow back?
Should I still keep him quarantined? He's moving around a little more now.
Does he need extra salt water in addition to the cuttle bone? Is there such thing as too much cuttlebone and honey? (I've been making 3-4 small balls a day...they keep disappearing...he's either eating them or they are melting into the sand).
I know its a lot of questions but all your answers are so helpful! Thanks Vicki!
Kristin
ANSWER: Color is definately good. Sounds like he's a Purple Pincher.
They do seem smaller after a molt but will gain in size.
As for his BP not making it they will grow a gel limb. Once you see it he will probably molt again.
Offer him both salt water and cuttlebone. If he's eating it, there is no such thing as too much. Instead of putting it on the sand put it in a flat bowl,lid or 2 liter top. It might mold on the sand, not sure.
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QUESTION: Hey Vicki,
It's been about a day since he retreated to a log. I haven't seen him eat or heard him move so I checked the log this morning and he moved when I touched the log. I know he has to concentrate on growing that gel limb but I didn't know he was supposed to be less active during that time?
You also said that he will probably molt again after the gel limb grows but he doesnt seem to be digging a lot. Should I prepare for a surface molt? What can I do to prepare for one should this occur?
Thank you!!!
Kristin
ANSWER: It will take awhile for the gel limb to grow. A month or maybe more, just keep an eye on him for it. He's probably still recovering from molting right now. They will be a little lethargic since molting is a stressful time for them. Keep giving him the proteins, honey, cuttlbone etc. You can even add a few other items now(egg, peanut butter, etc)
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QUESTION: Vicki,
I've been offering him mixtures of honey, cuttlebone, and peanut butter because it didnt look like he was even touching the ground beef. I thought maybe it was harder for him to eat without the BP to hold the meat down. Is it okay to give him this mixture daily? Do you think he will be strong enough in a month's time to molt normally or is there a high occurance of surface molts after a limb loss?
Thanks again!
Kristin
AnswerEach crab is so different it's hard to say. I've had micro's molt every 3 weeks and yet a small will take a bit more.
You can start giving him a variety. They need different foods each day. Since he moved it means he has hardend up, which is a good sign. Offer him fresh fruits, veggies, meats etc.
