Browse Instructions
How To Spot an Unhealthy Hermit Crab
Posted By: Stacyh;
Category: Pets;
November 24, 2008
Author StacyH;
When you invest in a new pet and all its paraphenalia, you don't want to have it die once you have it home. Hermit crabs cannot be bred in captivity, so they are captured and shipped to pet stores. This is stressful and if they are not shipped properly and kept properly at the store, they may become sick or too stressed to survive the move to your home.
1
Observe the habitat at the store for cleanliness and proper temperature and humidity.
2
Check for odor. A musty smell could indicate dying, diseased crabs.
3
Ask to handle the crabs. Pick one up carefully by the back of the shell and see if it moves it claw and legs or starts to peek out of the shell. A crab that does not come out or has a weak claw movement is probably sick or dying.
4
Make sure the crab or crabs you choose have good color and aren't dusky or pale-looking. Ecuadorian crabs are tan, but shouldn't look too pale or dusky.
5
Make sure they have all their legs and joints. Crabs will often drop limbs and gradually fall apart when they are dying or extremely stressed.
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