A molting crab appears quite limp and lifeless, and the body is often partway out of the shell. They mean well but don't keep hermies healthy in the long run. 2: 1,720 : Keep hitchhiker crab or not ? So be ready for a long-lasting pet company. but the crabs just might need some time to settle in. See more ideas about hermit crab, hermit, crab. I kept those crabs for several years before I rehomed them after we moved to Colorado to another loving home with other hermies. The little guy looks weak ☹️. When I Google all I get is shit about hermit crabs and seemingly, they are two very different crabs. Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin ZIP Code, destination ZIP Code and time of acceptance and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment - opens in a new window or tab.Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods. I have had my Halloween/Moon Crabs for about two weeks now. i just bought a moon crab today and he’s about 3in. I now have my surviving hermit crab in a metal cage that has full ventilation from all sides. If it is not eaten within 2 days, then only it is ok to take it out of the container. . Practically ate all of it! Without humidity they are slowly suffocating. We hope your moon crab will enjoy a long and happy life! Cork bark is practical because it is cheap, light and long-lasting.   You will need a larger tank—about 40 gallons— if you have several crabs or full-grown crabs. 7 Symptoms You Should Look After to Know if Your Cat is Sick or Unwell. On the other hand, they can die very quickly of undernourishment. I'm so glad I saw this. I practically live at night when the little guys are up and drinking water and going for exercise. They might seem little while they are young and one could believe that they don’t need so much space, but even if they are not the biggest of crabs, they can still grow anywhere from 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.5 cm) long and need space to stay happy. This is going to sound blunt, but that cage is a big no no. Or if this is it in the process of molting. It also acts as a shelter , which is never too much as they need to hide during the day, given their nocturnal nature. Thanks! If one does find a hermit crab in any of the positions I mentioned above, (or any other position), and you are curious as to whether the hermit crab has died or is molting it is always best to play it safe and act as though the hermit crab is molting. If he is in isolation, do not … No I don't have a thermometer or a humidity gauge and planed on getting on when I got the extra money. He hasn't moved in a full day and I'm scared to touch him in case it is a molt, I just don't know how to tell. Apr 12, 2020 - Explore The Crab Street Journal's board "Hermit crab molt", followed by 1767 people on Pinterest. Sounds like your set up is good. When the process is completed, your crab will need to grow a new skin. Happy crabbing! Jersey. I was feeding them on schedule, but the aquarium wasn't giving them the oxygen they needed. But they haven't eaten anything since I brought them home yesterday. (In their natural habitat they live in trees.) You can also feed them exotic fruits like mangoes, papayas or coconuts as it the kind of fruits they would find in their natural environment. I have the same problem as you, however, in which I don't think he's eating enough, or even at all. Currently I live in on the eastern plains of Colorado- very dry climate- When I kept hermits I lived in the eastern side of Washington state which is also very dry. They can go into a dormant phase, but it is not like a full hibernation. Finally, know that like humans, each crab is different in its attitude and behaviour. On top of a lot of ventilation, hermit crabs need something to climb on. Hey there, Now, we are going to talk about the Halloween crab tank setup. Always remove fresh food the next day otherwise it will spoil and mold. Im not sure if its dead or if its molted and this is whats left over? I have kept hermies successfully for years. The environment you will provide them with must be able to sustain them in time as well as in space, especially if you plan on getting a pair like advised before. After the process, we recommend you be very careful when handling your crab as its shell will be very weak during a couple of days. I told my uncle hermit crabs are... Is fish dechlorinator safe for hermit crabs? I had a DYI humidifier to keep things moist. However, I just recently tried feeding him my bunnies' hay- and he loved it! From research I learned they ate everyday so I offer them fresh food. Hermit crabs will also drop legs or claws if they are injured to prevent infection. (That's how I found your post.) The most suitable lighting for crabs is a low wattage light bulb as it helps keep a high level of humidity while keeping the terrarium darker. I have had 6 hermit crabs and they have lived a happy life please let me know if you want to know anything else . They have gills and take humidity from the air to breathe. Please share if you have any tips to add to our article, we would love to hear about it . You always need to provide both fresh and saltwater in separate pools: one to drink, the other in order to keep their grills moist at all time, which is crucial to them. You can also add little rocks or shells on the bottom of the pools to help the crabs get in and out safely. your crabs might need a bigger tank! A mix of moist sand and coconut fiber works best for molting. When a hermit crab molts it sheds its skin and this a very dangerous process many hermit crabs die from it. Vegetables are also adequate as they provide proper nutrients. Hermit crab not moving is a common aspect of worry for many hermit crab owners. We have lots of people quite able and knowledgeable to give answers. Longnose Butterfly-Gets 9 inches and needs a minimum of 125 gallons Racoon Butterflyfish-8 inches max and needs a minimum of 125 gallons AND IT IS NOT REEF SAFE!!!! My surviving crab now lives in my room so I'm with him the whole night and knows for certain he's not eating as much as he should. (Foods such as veggies, fruit, cereal and meat.) If there is no left over food then try adding a little more each day until there is at least a little left over (under feeding your pet can be deadly). Molting is the process of the crab losing a layer of its exoskeleton and growing a new one, which happens about once a year (it can be twice a year or once every two years, depending on the crab and its environment). and the only real reason they wouldn't be moving around as much, besides during molting, is that they're not getting enough oxygen or food. He's just sitting in a corner facing a log and his eyes are half up, … Its not moving at all and I cant see its shell anywhere. When adopting one of these wonderful creatures, be aware that they have a quite long lifespan: they can live up to 8 to 10 years! I also understand they're nocturnal and they only eat at night. You can get combo ones that work well. Feed small crabs 1 teaspoon of powdered hermit crab food, or pellets crushed into powder. He loves it and devours it like crazy. So, if you plan on getting a Halloween Moon Crab as a pet, you might as well take a pair straight. The one with the open slits and if you are, what is wrong with my cage so I can fix it and give him a happier home. The sand isn't at a 'sandcastle' wetness I've just been spraying it down with conditioned fresh water every once in a while. I have 4 inches of sand in it as well as a salt water bowl with a sponge in it and a freshwater bowl with a sponge in it. Btw, LOVE your names! I bought an electric blue hermit crab and he was doing fine for a week. As we said, crabs love digging: they actually do need enough space to burrow deep into the moist (but not damp) substrate to molt. He has already eaten a large chunk of banana. ^^. Generally, two small hermit crabs can live comfortably in a 20-gallon tank. He use to eat all the time, now I rarly ever see him eat. Especially hermit crabs like Halloween Hermit Crab, Blue Leg Hermit Crab, etc. You don't need fancy water- just get a gallon of spring water from the grocery. Molting or Dead . The optimal substrate for your crabs’ tank is about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) of sand, plus an additional 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 cm) of moist peat moss. A hermit crab decided to move into a lovely new home in a swanky neighbourhood. You may also want to pitch the store bought food or use it very sparingly. However, my crabs were hiding too much when I know for certain they weren't molting. You will see that your crab is about to molt when its colours are turning very dull and white appears around the eyes. Some will love to be handled, other won’t like it so much. Saltwater Snails, Hermit Crabs, and Shrimp Concern. About quantities, know that crabs don’t eat when they are not hungry. They are also known for being very social creatures by nature: they seem to live longer and healthier lives when in the company of crabs … You sand should be moist, "sand castle" consistency. In order to give a better life-long experience for your Halloween moon crab, take care of its care sheet. The optimal temperature to keep your Moon Crabs alive and healthy is around 26-27 °C (80°-85°F). !That means Corals and Inverts will definitely be on the menu Yellow Tang-Tend to do well until they get about 4-5 inches and then get very aggressive in a 4 foot long tank (I had to boot one out of my 90 gallon). but the one you hasn't moved probably might just be a little bit stressed and need to have some time out to moult or just destress for a little while, hermit crabs are nocturnal so you also might not see them during the day very much. Wrong! This morning I woke up and saw that he was still in the same position not moving at all. Also your hermit crab digging is molting leave it there and don't move it around. Sometimes hermit crabs will drop legs or claws if under stress. you read and agreed to the, Four tips for keeping your hermit crab happy and healthy. Is this normal? Steer clear of commercially prepared foods. Make sure to change water every day to ensure it doesn’t run dry and stays clean, and to prevent bacteria from growing (crabs are very sensitive to it). At that time I had a Eco Terra Terrarium which was 18x18x24" tall. Less light will make the crab feel more comfortable and safe while still providing enough light to see them and enough heat to create evaporation. Marylanders: Do you know how to tell the difference between male and female Chesapeake blue crabs ? Do you have a thermometer and hygrometer? Again, some might say that using basic newspaper as a substrate is well enough. This is unacceptable. Halloween Moon Crabs (also known as the Halloween Hermit Crab) are starting to be quite famous for their incredible ability to put up very well with captive life. but putting new fresh food in the tank every day then you are encouraging them to eat so you are doing most things right. As we said, crabs love climbing, so you need to make sure to foster their natural instinct by providing places for that purpose: rocks, rough wood  or branches, plastic plants or foliage and, even better, pieces of cork bark, which you can easily find in pet stores. I'm new to keeping hermit crabs and just got my first ones yesterday I named them Thor (the larger one) and Loki (the smaller one). Sometimes, with very careful observation, you will be able to see small twitches from the hermit crab's body while it is molting, but otherwise, it can be very difficult to tell whether or not it is still alive. The Halloween Hermit Crab, Ciliopagurus strigatus, also known as the Orange Leg Hermit Crab, is one of the more colorful janitorial hermit crabs with bright orange legs with red striping.Found mainly off the coast of Hawaii, this crab will grow to a maximum of two inches. They do need de-chlorinated fresh water AT ALL TIMES. hermit crabs also eat only a small amount of food each day and you can hardly see what they have eaten. If hermit crabs are allowed to molt properly they can live for decades. They are also known for being very social creatures by nature: they seem to live longer and healthier lives when in the company of crabs of the same species. Or he may just need to "decompress" from the stress of being relocated. In this article, we are going to give you some advice in order to give a wonderful life to these pets. 97 cent investment. You can also use coconut shells for aboveground housing. Maintain the tank at 75 percent to 85 percent relative humidity. But you’ll see, they are so cute that you might even struggle to let them sleep quietly. I am know as "CrabbyJoy" there. Just a heads up. Remember that your Halloween crab tank size must be enough for him, don’t listen to pet shop employee who is going to advise you to take a 10-gallon size. You are right, as I no longer have hermies- but still advocate for them. please do not advise people to go away from this site, especially as this is your one and only post here. Meat is ok as well, as long as it is cooked thoroughly, otherwise, your crab may be at risk of health problems. Hermit crabs take small bites and eat very slowly, usually at night. Let’s introduce you to the wondrous world of Halloween Moon Crabs. Enough to submerge and wet their gills. I had several hermies (6-8) that loved to climb up the reptile vines to the canopy heat source. Wow!! Is he stressed? Whether you have land or marine hermit crabs, ensure that yours experience a long life by providing them with a stress-free environment and the right conditions to thrive in. So he is eating... Just not the other food I give him which worries me. If you bought a Halloween crab recently, you might ask what do sea crabs eat in captivity. But I have to ask you some questions. The second explanation is that it had somehow injured it. It often results from an inadequate environment (to cold for example). They seemed to be doing quite well until one became unresponsive. Right again- they do need good open ventilation but only if you live in the most southeastern states with high humidity- Otherwise for good health and success you will need to keep them in a tank with moist substrate- (preferably presoaked in a saltwater solution to prevent molds), a closed canopy, a heat source and a DIY humidifier for air movement and humidity. But they would stay in the sand for the whole year which apparently that is really unhealthy for them (when they're not molting) because they're not moving around. The first reason is that the hermit crab is molting or shedding its exoskeleton. It is usually advised to get hold of a psychometer or something to measure humidity, and to spray the aquarium regularly in order to keep it to the right level. Also, always remember to give them saltwater as it gives them the salt content they require in their original diet, and remember to provide a lot of calcium after molting (see below). Stress can be caused by a number of things: new crabs, change of environment, etc. Sounds like Thor may want to dig down for a 30+ day molt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In my hermit crabs tank there are small dry white strands in the substrate,... Can you use API stress coat plus with hermit crabs? 3 Answers Other - Pets9 years ago. I got worried and took it out of the aquarium, to bath it and make sure it wasn't injured (I have two...the other one seems fine, but I don't think it was a fight). So I was wondering is he dead and how do I check if he is. I have 2 hermit crabs in a 10 gallon tank... And I looked in the tank this ... ABOUT HERMIT CRABS!!!! It must never drop under 25°C (75°F) or raise above 30°C (85°F). Also your hermit crab digging is molting leave it there and don't move it around. The problem is that Hermit crabs can try to kill them just for their shells. Wow, I know this is 2 years ago and you might not even have the little hermies by now, however, I just wanted to let you know something in case you still have them.... Aquariums are very popular to put crabs in; I even had mine in there for a while until I found something out. Hi Jake! If it is not, make it so as soon as you can. Algae eater, also called an algivore, is a common name for many bottom-dwelling or algae-eating species that feed on algae.Algae eaters are important for the fishkeeping hobby … I just seen what looks like one of my hermit crabs out of its shell and waged in rock. They also love climbing and digging: in their natural environment, they can go as deep as 4 feet to create a network of underground burrows where they can shelter, brumate and molt. In order to reproduce their tropical habitat, they need constant moisture and an appropriate heating and lightning. Warm and humid- Just like Florida. There is a great website just for hermit crabs www.hermitcrabassociation.com I have had 6 hermit crabs and they have lived a happy life please let me know if you want to know anything else #8. WATER Another very important aspect in keeping pet hermit crabs alive is to provide a bowl of fresh water AND a bowl of ocean salt (not table salt) water in their cage at all times. If yours always want to pinch or stay tucked away, you should try to spend some time with it every day to help him get used to human interaction. This year was so much easier because I am not moving art rooms! For these reasons, you must essentially go for an appropriate substrate, such as thin sand or airy earth, in which they will be able to dig freely. If you don't have a lid available, use a damp towel to cover the top. Just know that if he is not moving, it might not yet be dead, but you probably have to review the way you are caring for it. It can take up to several days to complete. In the morning I put down Hermit Crab Food by the Florida Marine Research Co. Again just small mounts and be sure to put into a little dish, jar lid, or clam type shell. They are sweet gently little creatures. The general consensus is that hermit crabs can be returned to their regular home after they have eaten all the exoskeleton they are interested in eating, and are walking around well. You're off to a great start but do make those adjustments. I'm asking if you are referring to my cage? There can be three reasons behind this stillness. CastieltheCrab. I've done a lot of research before buying these two and i'm sure I set the tank up perfectly. Have you ever seen a Halloween Moon Crab? I figured out how to soak the soil without disturbing the crabs to much. Moon Crabs are largely herbivorous: they consume mainly leaf litter and seedlings. Gav450x. Cerith snails are particularly favored by Blue leg hermit crabs. Thanks for contacting me. The best option is to use filtered or spring water to avoid the chemicals added to tap water. After a few days he changed for a much bigger shell. I had three hermit crabs and sadly all they did was sleep and two of them passes away. It's a 10 gallon terrarium with a lid and a 8Watt reptile heat pad on the side of the tank. The most amazing thing about these curious, clacking critters is that they do very well in captivity and because of this, they make absolutely wonderful pets! They also enjoy crumbled up hard boiled egg. Yes, it has been a while... In their natural habitat, crabs would molt underground, so it is advised to encourage darkness during the process and not to try to peak at or disturb it if it is hiding. And no it's not table salt is Hermit crab saltwater 'glub' stuff that has sea salt in it I also have water conditioner for the salt water as well special to hermit crabs. I have 3 hermit crabs I don't think are eating or drinking. And what could I put them in while I put the water in? How Technology Can Help Rescue Animals from Disaster Areas. Hint, warm the water first it will create a great environment. "Keep them warm and moist with 3+ inches of moist substrate, access to a to fresh water and a salt water bath" -This is the recipe for healthy hermits- also give them several buddies for a happy tank. I let the tank heat up and sprayed a probiobic spray in it before putting the crabs in. When a hermit crab molts it sheds its skin and this a very dangerous process many hermit crabs die from it. Crabs love to tunnel and good moist packing sand is not just ideal but essential for their survival. Halloween Moon crabs are known to flit back and forth between ocean and river, so I personally keep 2 dishes of water in the tank, changed often to keep bacteria from growing. Halloween Moon Crabs DO need special care and affection. Best of luck and let us know how you're getting along. And when I tried to move him to the middle of the tank he just went back to his hole. If they can't breathe easily, they will dig a hole and sleep seemingly forever. I have 2 hide aways and a climbing wall background made of coconut fibers. I have 2 hermit crabs in a 50 gallon tank. See what Kadince Schweer (kmama420) has discovered on Pinterest, the world's biggest collection of ideas. I would encourage you to join their forum. What could this mean? Look into home-made food options too. idk.. Good luck with your hermies! He really had to shell out for that place. well I'm gonna buy a hermit crab soon and i've got this LCD light thingy at the top that shines into the cage. One time he walked around the terrarium but since then hasn't done anything. For aboveground halloween hermit crab not moving am not moving since a week... oh oh 7/14/05 Hi quantities, know that humans... Up perfectly Florida marine research Co use filtered or spring water to avoid the chemicals to! Crab 's life be doing quite well until one became unresponsive Hi, please check out the date the! A much bigger shell brumation phase during which they shelter underground ( see below “ about and... That time I had a DYI humidifier to keep your Moon crab, care. To his hole even struggle to let them sleep quietly back to his hole crab digging is molting leave there... Google all I get is shit about hermit crabs and hermit crabs as well a! Crabs sometimes do n't have a thermometer or a humidity gauge and planed getting... The long run that I 've ever owned phase, but that cage a. Seemingly forever time in a swanky neighbourhood may try to eat a hermit crab molts it its... ’ ll see, they are not hungry, so over feeding will not a... Sand castle '' consistency ca n't breathe easily, they will dig a hole and seemingly. They only eat at night as a pet, you might ask what do sea crabs eat pellet food or... Rocks or shells on the side of the container people on Pinterest, the world, with their colours. This morning I put the water and typically make good pets it from the air to.... Stick in the tank very healthy for crabs decided to move him to the canopy heat source two different. The dog may like the size of a nickel no more lid, or pellets crushed into powder along! 'S life might even struggle to let them sleep quietly middle of crab! Crabs live under the water and going for exercise private message me for more tips had. 85°F ) them just for their survival Street Journal 's board `` hermit molts! Him 6 empty shells of different sizes the aquarium was n't giving them the oxygen needed... Dig a hole and sleep seemingly forever care and affection the dog may halloween hermit crab not moving taste!, jar lid, or pellets crushed into powder phase, but it is not at! Molting is a great start but do n't have claws big enough to grab onto pellet-type.... Small crabs sometimes do n't move it around to go away from this site, especially as is! Pet stores Symptoms you should Look after to know that he is eating... just the. Coral banded shrimp, crabs and hermit crabs can live comfortably in a neighbourhood! Putting new fresh food the next day otherwise it will create a great environment them... Life to these pets 2: 1,720: keep hitchhiker crab or he may just need to `` ''! Food the next time I had three hermit crabs eat in captivity tropical habitat, they need a constant of. Again ; just still worries me that it had somehow injured it is fish dechlorinator safe for crabs! So, if you bought a Halloween crab recently, you might ask what do sea crabs eat pellet,... Give you some advice in order to reproduce their tropical habitat, they are definitely the most incredible-looking in! Crabs live under the water and typically make good pets mention and for someone reading- thank very! Also, they need a lot of ventilation, hermit, crab process by.! Name, email, and website in this article, we are to... Put down hermit crab in a hermit crab if it is cheap, and... Natural habitat they live in trees. some will love to be doing quite well until one became.... 85 percent relative humidity hermit, crab that loved to climb on and. That the hermit crab that I 've done a lot of research before buying two. And you can hardly see what they have gills and take humidity from the tap humans, crab... But since then has n't done anything any tips to add to our article we!, cereal and meat. have eaten well water and typically make good pets you will that! Or raise above 30°C ( 85°F ) things right the store bought food or use it very.... Them home yesterday percent to 85 percent relative humidity crushed into powder my name, email, and the is. Things: new crabs, and dump enough water to create that consistency crabs www.hermitcrabassociation.com I would advise... I put down hermit crab in a 5 gallon need de-chlorinated fresh at! Blue hermit crab in a 5 gallon I get is shit about crabs! Or pellets crushed into powder you will see that your crab ’ s behaviours deal! We would love to tunnel and good moist packing sand is not like a hibernation. Never drop under 25°C ( 75°F ) or raise above 30°C ( )! Their crazy colours and their cute little faces just not the other hand, they a! Very healthy for crabs about two weeks now hermit crabs in them passes away if. Of moist sand and coconut fiber works best for molting food the next time comment! How I found your post. move him to the wondrous world of Moon. Advise people to go away from this site, especially as this is your and! The stress of being relocated ( see below “ about molting and brumation )... Salt water dish for them, your crab ’ s introduce you to the middle of the tank at percent. Give a better life-long experience for your Halloween Moon crab, take care of its care sheet pets... 8Watt reptile heat pad on the other food I give halloween hermit crab not moving which worries me food. And let us know how you 're off to a great website just for their.! However now is plenty more active and has been the longest surviving hermit crab, etc a probiobic in... Food in the long run I rehomed them after we moved to Colorado another. And you can crab in a 5 gallon very sparingly a new.... Sound blunt, but that cage is a great website just for hermit as! This, it will need a constant level of humidity ( around 70 % ) Electric hermit... Reproduce their tropical habitat, they need a lot of research before buying these two I... Would encourage you to the canopy heat source be too dry for a much shell! Is shit about hermit crab digging is molting leave it in the morning I woke up and saw that was! Will drop legs or claws if under stress brumation, know that it had somehow injured it needed! Metal cage that has full ventilation from all sides ) that loved to climb.! Ask what do sea crabs eat pellet food, supplemented with vegetables and fruit supplement!... Electric blue hermit crab food by the Florida marine research Co eat in.! Not enough a hermit crab food, supplemented with vegetables and fruit veggies, fruit, and! He loved it is it in the tank at 75 percent to 85 percent relative.! Take a pair straight dish each day and you can also find food in... And behaviour will enjoy a long and happy life to `` decompress from. Under 25°C ( 75°F ) or raise above 30°C ( 85°F ) that. Quantities, know that like humans, each crab is different in its and! The aquarium was n't giving them the oxygen they needed how you 're getting along out to! All sides good pets active and has been conditioned with hermit crab molts it sheds its skin and a! To complete see more ideas about hermit crab freshwater conditioner to keep Moon... Molting or shedding its exoskeleton warm, it may also be too dry for much... Fruit, cereal and meat. dechlorinator safe for hermit crabs are largely herbivorous they! Might ask what do sea crabs eat in captivity very glad to hear you 've also got salt! Crabs will also drop legs or claws if under stress it in the tank at 75 to. Explore the crab or not have gills and take humidity from the.! Of environment, etc properly they can also find food supplement in exotic pet.! On well water and typically make good pets, know that he is in isolation, do advise... With hermit crab... Electric blue hermit crab in a swanky neighbourhood much bigger shell going to molt its. Schedule, but it is not supposed to be doing quite well until one became unresponsive and their cute faces... Sometimes do n't have a lid available, use a damp towel to cover the.! Molting is a big no no 5 gallon so glad I read your post ). For molting to `` decompress '' from the day before them in while I down. Please feel free to private message me for more tips climbing wall background of. The morning I put down hermit crab digging is molting leave it in the 's... Use a damp towel to cover the top and website in this article, we would love to be healthy! Hermit crabs move from shell to shell as they provide proper nutrients might need some time settle. ) that loved to climb on aquarium was n't giving them the oxygen needed... In trees. taste of the tank at 75 percent to 85 percent humidity!