I just bought my hermit crab a few days ago and he lost 2 legs he also looks pail, what up with him?

Question

im rly scared and he has a nice home, alot of water and food clean sand (its even pink!) and other crabs in there that arw doinng just fine. the water is even clean wih no chemicals or nothing

i had no place to isolate him so i put him in the corner of the cage and put a large shell about 7 or 8 inches over him (they like to hide under it) and blocked of the entrance of it so he can be alone.

he lost both the legs in one day hellpppp

Answer 1

He is dying. he will not live at this point. to help this not happen again i would say..., well you are doing a great job taking care of ur crabs it sounds like, he must have just been sick and unhealthy when you got him. i am very sorry.

Answer 2

Hermit crabs sometimes lose their legs (including their claws), which can be grown back on subsequent molts. However, losing legs is often related to stress from improper living conditions (temperatures, humidity, cleanliness), so if you have a hermit crab losing legs, you should rule out any problems in their environment. Aggression from other crabs, mite infestation, wounds, or illness are other causes. While losing a limb is not death sentence for a crab, it is usually an indication of some sort of problem that needs attention immediately.

If your hermit crab loses a leg, there are several things to consider as possible causes. At the first sign of dropping legs, make sure none of these problems exist as soon as possible to prevent further problems.

Tank Conditions

Humidity:

make sure the humidity is high enough, but not too high either (should be 70-80 percent relative humidity -- invest in a hygrometer to be sure).

Temperature: too high or too low, too much fluctuation, or hot spots (should be 72-78 F or 22-26 C).

Chlorine in the water (use a dechlorinator on all water in the tank).

Residual chemicals from cleaning in or around the tank (use only hot water for cleaning the tank).

Condition of substrate: not too damp, no mold.

Cleanliness of the tank: clean the tank regularly to remove and wastes or uneaten food.

Bathing too often: once a week is plenty under most conditions.

Mites:

Check the tank and the crabs for mites which will appear as tiny specks moving around. Hold your crab up by the shell to the crab extends itself a bit (blow gently on the crab to entice him or her out if necessary), and look at its body to best dectect mites on your crab. If you think your crabs and tank have mites, see Vanessa's Crabarium for help.

Shell Fights / Aggression:

Hermit crabs are usually pretty peaceful but sometimes they will fight over resources, especialy coveted shells. If your crabs are fighting over shells, you need to increase the number of appropraitely sized shells, in a variety of styles to make sure there is enough selection to cut down fighting. You might also want to consider larger tanks, more hiding places and more feeding/water bowls if your crabs are fighting. If the problem persists, you might want to separate the crabs.

Illness and Severe Stress:

If you have a crab that is very stressed or ill, it may drop multiple legs. If your hermit crabs has lost more than one leg in a short period of time, isolate the crab (still maintaining proper conditions especially temperature and humidity). The causes of dropping legs are not usually contagious, but this will help keep the crab comfortable and free from the stress of competing with other crabs. Crabs that drop multiple legs are often so stressed that they cannot be saved.

Sometimes new crabs start dropping legs shortly after you get them home; this is more likely due to the conditions they experienced during collection, shipping, and their time at the pet store than anything you are doing wrong. Just make sure your conditions are ideal and hope that the stress reaction is reversible.

Usually, the dropped leg will be regenerated. At first a "gel limb" forms which starts out as a little bud or bump, then develops over the course of a few molts into a new leg (or claw), though it may be smaller than the original. Your crab may undergo more frequent molts until the limb is regenerated.

Answer 3

Hermit crabs sometimes lose their legs (including their claws), which can be grown back on subsequent molts. However, losing legs is often related to stress from improper living conditions (temperatures, humidity, cleanliness), so if you have a hermit crab losing legs, you should rule out any problems in their environment. Aggression from other crabs, mite infestation, wounds, or illness are other causes. While losing a limb is not death sentence for a crab, it is usually an indication of some sort of problem that needs attention immediately!

Now What: Regeneration of Legs

Usually, the dropped leg will be regenerated. At first a "gel limb" forms which starts out as a little bud or bump, then develops over the course of a few molts into a new leg (or claw), though it may be smaller than the original. Your crab may undergo more frequent molts until the limb is regenerated.

HERMIT CRABS CAN REGENERATE THEIR BODY PARTS. :)

The link as my source should help you out.

I want to say, right off, don't panic, its the WORST thing you can do! :\ You panic, you start overdoing everything, and it just makes the problem worse. lol. Unfortunately.

My first reaction would be to seclude and probably try cleaning or something similar. Having written that:  don't use bleach or anything harsh and/or toxic. It leaves residues which are easily picked up. :( Use a mild white vinegar spray or just a nice rub down with water.

Read the sources. They'll help you out. They should.

Answer 4

it could be the other crabs picking on him, but if your sure thats not it most pet stores have a guarantee on there animals i would take him back and see what they have to say. sorry i dont know to much about hermit crabs. hope this helps