Itchy Crabbie!!!

Question
I just bought two new crabs to be friends with a crab i got from Mrtyle Beach.  Well, I recently noticed that one of the new Hermit Crabs has been itching his eyes a whole lot with his front little legs.  He is also hiding in his Coco Hut alot, which is understanable, but still.  I'm really scared that he has a disease or something!

Answer
Hello Deanna,
Congrats on the new babies!!!!

Please rest assured it is nothing too serious. BUT I do have a couple of questions for you  to ponder.. I will also include reasons for my questions and suggestions.

1. Did you bathe the crabs right after you bought them?
 A/1. Many times hermit crabs are treated with a supposed anti-bacteria agent, well, that chemical is harmful to the crabs, so when we bring new crabs home, no matter from where, we should always try to bathe them in tepid salt water, making sure they flush their shells well.
 A/2. When getting new crabs, especially from stores and kiosks, normally they have been without the proper temps and humidity, so a nice quick bath will help rehydrate their gills and clean off any debris that they have picked up and been unable to clean off since there was possibly inadequate water sources.
 A/3. Only use dechlorinated water, never tap water, also do not use table salt or human grade salt,  it must be oceanic aquarium salt.. fresh water can also be fine if you have no salt available yet.

2. Is the tank with in the proper temp and humidity ranges?
 A/1. To sustain the life of land hermit crabs a warm and humid tropical environment must be provided for them.
 A/2. Sometimes, if the humidity is low, any extra moisture can evaporate and then leave the crab feeling dry and uncomfortable.
 A/3. Temps... 76-82 degrees F at all times and humidity...75%-85% relative at all times.

3. Have you been through a moult with hermit crabs before?
 A/1. ONE of the many signs of pre-moult can be what we call itching... when we observe hermit crabs rubbing their legs together a lot, looking as if they are constantly cleaning their feelers and face.

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So depending on what is going on,
If you didn't bathe the new crabs, you can do that now.
If the humidity is below range, try to raise it.
If neither of those either help or apply, then Number three is the answer.

Here are some quick tips for pre-moult.

Make sure you provide oceanic dechlorinated water source.
Provide extra calcium (cuttle bone, sand dollars, egg shells, shrimp skins, fish and chicken bones crushed)
Provide extra protein (meats and fish)

Do not over handle the crab at all during pre moult, moulting and post-moult. Also allow the crab to eat all of its old exoskeleton.

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Deanna,
  I hope some of what I offered you this evening was of some help and value. I am confident that your crab is fine. Thank you for contacting me today, I hope you and your crabs the best of successes together.

Jennifer