QuestionWe have had this crab for about 9 months. We started out with 2 but when the other molted- this one dismembered it and stole it's shell. We were fearful of what he would do to another one so we left him alone. He has been fine with normal behavior until 2 days ago. I went to clean the cage and he was very lethargic- I sprayed him, bathed him, tried to exercise him. All the usual things that usually get him up and playing were not working. With in an hour he was so limp that he was falling out of his shell and I thought he was dead. We left him laying partly out of his shell overnight because my husband thought he saw it twitch. The next morning he was up and about- only naked- no shell. He is far less active but yet better than before- just still no shell. He has several shells in the size he was using and a couple others a bit larger. He has fresh water and food, calci-sand, good humidity. I am concerned he may be sick. We did just move a couple weeks ago to a hotter climate but the house is still the same temperature as before. Please advise. I don't know if my son can handle another crab dying.
AnswerWhen a crab becomes lethargic the best thing to do is to leave him alone. I would not recommend bathing crabs except in special circumstances. The same with spraying. You do not need to spray crabs. I know that petstores often tell people to do this but it is a common misconception and often does more harm than good.
Can you give me some additional information? What exactly is the temp and humidity? What do you feed them? What kinds of water and how do you treat it?
To get a crab to go back into the shell, rinse the shells in clorine-free water and place him near them. The shells should be face up. If he doesn't choose a shell after 6 hours or so, gently pick him up and place his butt end in the shell opening. Gently tap him on the top of his "head" behind his eyes, and he should withdraw.
Usually streaking is due to stress or environmental issues.
Did you want info about cannibalism as well?
