Lack of water in the tank or on a sponge Matte appearance to the skin Excessive burrowing to get at moist spots in the tank
Recognize that most hermit crabs like to play and will move around their habitats a lot if they are not molting or sick. Make sure your hermit crab is moving regularly and not hanging out of its shell, which can be a signal that it is dying. Remember that lack of movement can also signal molting. [6] X Research source
Be aware that there may be a broad range of odors that can signal problems. These include: stinky feet, fish or shrimp, mildew or must, rotting food.
Gill mites, which are light pink or red and bury into the gills of hermit crabs. These mites are often not visible until after a hermit crab’s death because a flap of skin protects the gills of live animals. Crab mites, which glue themselves to soft parts of hermit crabs’ bodies including the eyes, mouth, or joints. Crab mites range in color from white to cream, grey, pink, or red. [9] X Research source
Digging down into the habitat sand or coconut fiber to “de-stress” Consuming large amounts of food or water Soaking in the water dish Being very lethargic. [12] X Research source Hiding in its shell for long periods, especially if it usually enjoys attention. [13] X Research source Molting in the open. [14] X Research source Hanging out of its shell in a limp or lifeless manner. [15] X Research source
Digging Drinking large amounts of water or soaking in the dish Spilling water from the dish to dampen the sand or coconut fiber in the tank Cloudy eyes Ashy-looking skin, which is also called the exoskeleton Lethargy. [17] X Research source
Be aware that healthy crabs will molt “in private” by burrowing or hiding in a dark spot of the tank. [20] X Research source The crab may not eat during molting, either. Leave the molting or molted skin on the crab. She will eat the skin for calcium once she’s done molting. [21] X Research source
Stay away from blowing on or poking your crab, which can also stress your pet. [23] X Research source Be aware that there is varying information on touching crabs, but that not handling them with care can result in bites. [24] X Research source
Make sure that the isolation tank is similar to your crab’s normal habitat. Add some dechlorinated water, sand or coconut fiber, toys, and food in the crabitat. Observe your sick crab to make sure it is healing. Once it appears healthy again, move it back to the regular tank. Avoid isolating molting crabs as this can kill them. Remember to leave them alone in their usual habitat. [25] X Research source Move a crab that is hanging out of its shell limply to an isolation tank. This is a sign that the crab may be dying. [26] X Research source
Add new water to the tank as you see it evaporating. Change the water if you notice an ammonia smell or murky water. Remember to use dechlorinated and brackish water. [28] X Research source Never use table salt to make brackish water. Place new sand and toys in the habitat. You can also clean toys with a mild soap and water and rinse it thoroughly.
bath with care if you choose to use this method. Use dechlorinated, tepid water and lower him into a container you’re using as a bath. Your crab may go into the water alone, too. [31] X Research source Don’t leave your crab unattended and remove it from the water after about a minute. [32] X Research source Drain any excess water from the shell and allow your crab to dry out in a box or on a paper towel. [33] X Research source Put the crab back in its usual habitat once it is dry. [34] X Research source Introduce the predatory mite Hypoaspis miles into a habitat infested with bad mites. The Hypoaspis miles will eat all of the other mites, larvae, and eggs without bothering your crabs. As the number of bad mites disappears, so will the number of Hypoaspis miles. [35] X Research source
Call your vet’s office to make sure they will see hermit crabs. Consider your crab’s health. If it really is dying, moving it to go to the vet can cause it unnecessary stress. [37] X Research source
