QuestionHi there,
I'm so glad I can ask this question here. I haven't been able to log in to the new forums at CSJ at all. Anyway, I've had my two crabs Doby and Violet since this past October. These are my first crabs and I've become totally enthralled with them: getting them new toys, shells, exercise balls,decorations for their home. I've already upgraded from the original 10 gallon tank to 25 to give them more walk around space. Violet was a very perky and bold crab from the get go. Not Doby. He's always been decidedly more "crabby", shy and lethargic. In the last month and a half or so though, Violet has also started to behave the same way. She used to romp around the tank, exploring, changing shells etc. Now she will sit close to him on the same branch for ages (2-3 days) doing nothing at all. I've tried exercising them, re-arranging the tank, bathing them. They are eating, but not frequently. Is it possible I've been over-involved with them. I only handle them about once a day (Violet more-so than Doby) for maybe 5-10 mins. Is this excessive? I'm at my wits end. The temperature in the tank is pretty constant at 78, ditto the humidity. Their diet is pretty varied. I always give them some sort of protein (meat,nuts,cheese,egg,fish), greens, a carb (oatmeal,pasta,potato)and fruit. Is it normal for them to go through low energy cycles like this? Will they rebound out of it on their own? Should I get them more company? Help!
Thanks for your attention.
Skye
AnswerGo to www.crabstreetjournal.com/xoops
It's all back up now. I'll still answer your question though, lol.
It sounds like you are being very proactive and have already tried many of the things that I would recommend.
I would calibrate your humidity guage. Perhaps the guage is off. I do not handle my crabs as much as you do, although that is very much personal choice.
The lethargy could also season related.
I don't think I would get a new friend just yet, until you see where they are headed. It is also possible that they are gearing up toward a molt.
