When hermit crabs are molting, they sometimes leave their shell. This can be caused by a variety of things, including a mite-like parasite, bacterial or fungal infection, or even small gravel fragments.
If this is the case, you need to find a solution to help your crab feel comfortable moving into a new shell. Here are some tips to do this.
Causes
Hermit crabs do not naturally have shells, rather they rely on the shells of other aquatic animals to protect their bodies. Their outer bodies contain a hard chitinous-calcium carbonate compound exoskeleton that provides protection, but their inner body is soft and vulnerable, so they need to rely on something to protect them from the environment.
As a result, hermit crabs tend to choose shells that fit their bodies best and are comfortable to inhabit. They may also choose to molt their shell and change it to a new one, especially if they find that their current shell is too tight for them or is becoming uncomfortable.
Molting is the process where a hermit crab sheds its old exoskeleton and replaces it with a new one that will harden up and regain its movement ability. This process takes place over a period of time called proecdysis.
During this time the crab will begin to consume its old exoskeleton, which contains nutrients that are needed for the growth and hardening process of the new exoskeleton. This is done to recycle calcium and other minerals that the crab needs in order to molt successfully.
The crab will also use its hemolymph (similar to our blood) to build up hydrostatic pressure and crack the old exoskeleton so that it can be easily withdrawn from it, which is done in a process called ecdysis. It is also in this stage that any lost appendages will develop into limb buds that are expected to unfold at the time of molting.
When a hermit crab is molting, it will usually bury underground and under a substrate (preferably sand or soil) in order to be protected from predators and other elements during this critical time. This process is called ecdysis and the crab will secrete a hormone that allows the molting to happen.
However, if you are not providing your hermit crab with proper housing and a safe environment, it is possible for it to molt its shell on the surface. This can be caused by inadequate substrate, lack of darkness or a lack of moisture during the molt period.
Symptoms
If you’re a hermit crab owner, you may have noticed that your hermit crab sometimes leaves its shell and refuses to return into it. It can be scary to see your pet hermit crab without its shell, but there are some things you can do to help it get back into its home.
One of the first things you should do is make sure that your hermit crab’s habitat is properly set up to provide it with a comfortable environment. Hermit crabs require an ideal temperature range of 87 – 85 degrees Fahrenheit (25 – 30 degrees Celsius) and an ideal humidity level of 80 percent or higher.
Another important thing you need to do is to ensure that your hermit crab is getting enough food and water. Hermit crabs require a lot of energy, especially during the molting process, so it’s essential that they have plenty of food and water to keep them going throughout this process.
Once you’ve ruled out any issues with your hermit crab’s habitat, you can then start to find out what caused it to leave its shell. It’s likely that this is something environmental, but it could also be a problem related to your hermit crab’s health.
Oftentimes, hermit crabs leave their shell because they have a mite, fungus, or other foreign object stuck in it. In this case, rinsing it with dechlorinated water won’t do much to get the problem gone and you might need to boil it in dechlorinated water for an hour or so to dislodge anything that is wedged in.
If your hermit crab doesn’t respond to these methods, it’s probably time for them to get a new shell. However, this can take some time, so be patient and keep providing them with food, water, and the proper heat and humidity levels in their environment until they’re ready to change shells.
When your hermit crab is ready to shed its exoskeleton, it’ll be able to move freely again. It’ll also be able to use its old exoskeleton for nutrition and to recycle calcium, which is essential for the formation of their new exoskeleton.
Treatment
Hermit crabs may lose their shells for a variety of reasons. Some of them are natural while others are related to their health. However, if you notice that your hermit crab has lost its shell, there are several treatment options to help them recover and get back in their home.
The first thing you should do is to make sure that it is safe to handle the hermit crab and its shell. You can do this by examining it carefully and taking note of any signs that it is not well. If you do not take proper care, you can cause harm to the hermit crab and even death.
Another possible reason why your hermit crab has left their shell is because they are about to molt. This process is called proecdysis and it happens when a crab’s exoskeleton lays down below its current shell. This is the period when it stores salts that will be needed during molting as well as limb buds that will unfold once it sheds its shell.
If your hermit crab is in the pre-molt stage, they might display a few symptoms to let you know that they need to get their shells replaced. For example, they might stop eating food or start dragging their shell as if it is too heavy for them.
A molting hermit crab will become very restless, anxious and nervous. They will need to eat, drink water and maintain their humidity levels in order to keep their body temperature up during this time.
Eventually, they will choose a new shell to live in. They will select a shell that is big enough for them to move around in, as well as one that offers them the protection they need.
The most common type of shell that hermit crabs choose is made from natural materials. Hermit crabs will also use artificial shells if they have to. These can be purchased at pet stores or online.
Once you have chosen the right shell for your hermit crab, you will need to disinfect it properly. You can do this by using a povidone-iodine solution. This is not as strong as bleach, but it is still effective and will kill any bacteria or debris that could be living in the shell.
Prevention
Hermit crabs don’t naturally make their own shells. Instead, they rely on the shells of other animals for protection and shelter.
However, if the hermit crab becomes exposed to elements outside of its shell, it can become injured or ill. If it is left unprotected for a long time, it can catch a disease or get into an accident that may result in its death.
There are a number of preventative measures you can take to keep hermit crabs in their shells. The first is to provide them with a suitable environment, which includes access to fresh and salt water, and food that is high in calcium.
The next step is to create an enclosure that is comfortable for hermit crabs. You can do this by providing them with a suitable temperature, humidity levels, and an adequate amount of space.
Once a hermit crab is in the correct environment, it can start searching for a new shell that suits its needs. Eventually, it will choose a suitable one and move into it.
If you notice that your hermit crab is attempting to leave its shell or appears to be in distress, it’s important to investigate the cause. Some hermit crabs will try to leave their shells due to molting, which is normal.
Others will leave their shells for stress-induced reasons. These symptoms are different from those of a molting hermit crab and suggest an underlying health issue that can be diagnosed.
For example, a hermit crab that leaves its shell could be suffering from a fungal or bacterial infection. These infections are self-limiting and typically go away after a molt.
Another reason why a hermit crab might be leaving their shell is because they feel unsafe. They can also leave their shell if they have been attacked by other hermit crabs.
If your hermit crab has escaped its shell, it is important to protect it from other hermit crabs in the area. It is also necessary to re-shell it so that it can regain its strength.
A hermit crab that is able to escape its shell should be quarantined in a small sanctuary. This way, you can assist it without hurting it.