As the proud owner of a hermit crab nothing is more distressing than a pet who suddenly stops eating. Since food is fuel for every living creature loss of appetite in hermit crabs demands attention.
But don’t panic right away. Hermit crabs can go two weeks without eating before it becomes critical. So first observe closely to pinpoint the reason behind your crab’s fasting. Once the cause is identified, you can take steps to get your pet eating again.
How Long Can Hermit Crabs Go Without Eating?
Hermit crabs are resilient little scavengers In the wild, food sources can be scarce between visits to the ocean. So hermit crabs evolved to withstand hunger Their exoskeleton and buried location help conserve energy when food is unavailable.
Healthy hermit crabs can survive up to two weeks without eating. During molting periods, they live off reserves within their exoskeleton. So lack of appetite for a few days is not an immediate crisis.
But beyond two weeks, nutritional deficiency poses a real threat. Lethargy, weakness, and eventual death will occur if your crab doesn’t eat for an extended period. So monitor the situation closely and be prepared to intervene.
Reasons Why Your Crab Isn’t Eating
If your hermit crab suddenly shuns its food dish, consider what may have changed in its environment. The most common reasons for loss of appetite include:
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Stress: New crabs, changed habitat, loud noises, handling, or other disturbances can cause stress. Give your crab solitude to destress.
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Boredom: Crabs grow bored of the same old diet. Rotate multiple food types daily.
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Loss of cheliped: Crabs missing a claw struggle to grasp food. Offer finger foods.
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Lack of saltwater: Saltwater carries scents that stimulate appetite. Ensure it’s available.
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Sickness: Though rare in crabs, illness can cause lethargy and appetite loss. Consult an exotics vet.
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Molting: Pre-molt crabs eat more then fast 1-2 weeks before shedding. This is normal.
Tricks to Get Your Crab Eating Again
If lack of eating persists beyond 2-3 days, it’s time to intervene. Here are some tricks to coax your crab’s appetite back:
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Switch up the diet with new fruits, veggies, proteins, and treats. Novelty stimulates eating.
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Double check that saltwater and heating are optimal. Crab tanks need 80°F and 80% humidity.
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Move food/water close together to conserve a weak crab’s energy.
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Hand feed small portions if missing a claw makes grasping difficult.
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Add enticing scents like seafood, honey, or fruit puree to regular foods.
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Reduce external stimuli like noise, handling, or changes to their environment.
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Consider an appetite stimulant supplement recommended by an exotics vet.
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If sickness is suspected, only a vet can diagnose and provide appropriate treatment.
When To Worry About Appetite Loss
As a general rule, healthy crabs won’t starve themselves purposefully. Loss of appetite for more than a week warrants investigation.
Consult an exotics vet if you notice any of the following in addition to not eating:
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Lethargy, stillness, lack of response
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Weakness, trouble walking or holding food
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Discoloration of joints
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Foul tank odor, especially with multiple crabs
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Visible dark spots or lesions on exoskeleton
Any of these symptoms paired with fasting indicates your crab needs medical care immediately. Only a qualified exotics vet can accurately diagnose and treat health conditions in hermit crabs.
Be Patient During Molting Periods
One exception to worry about appetite loss is during pre-molt and molting. Hermit crabs stop eating 1-2 weeks before shedding their exoskeleton. This fasting enables them to reabsorb vital minerals from the old shell to fortify the new one.
A crab burying itself in substrate for an extended period is likely getting ready to molt. Resist the urge to dig it up, as this will interrupt the process. Simply leave fresh food and wait patiently for it to resurface with a bigger, better shell. Eating will resume normally post-molt.
When In Doubt, Consult An Exotics Vet
Hermit crabs are exotic pets that require specialized care. If you’re unsure why your crab stopped eating or basic fixes aren’t working, seek professional advice.
Exotics vets can run diagnostic tests to pinpoint underlying health issues causing appetite loss. They can also provide nutritional supplements, medications, or other therapies tailored to get your crab eating properly again.
Pet crabs are often wild-caught and may harbor parasites or illnesses. So veterinary care is vital during unexplained changes in behavior. Don’t delay if appetite loss lingers for over 1-2 weeks.
The bottom line is that healthy, properly cared for crabs should eat regularly. Take action at the first sign of prolonged fasting. With attentive troubleshooting, you can get your pet excited to eat again!
Step 6: Popcorn! (method Two)
- plain corn kernels
- paper lunch bag
- small amount of coconut or other vegetable oil
Step 5: Combine & Package
Why Your Hermit Crab isn’t Eating or Drinking
FAQ
What to do if your hermit crab won’t eat?
How do I make my hermit crab eat?
Why do I never see my hermit crabs eat?
Are hermit crabs picky eaters?
Why do hermit crabs stop eating and drinking?
Sometimes, hermit crabs stop eating and drinking due to stress, being fed the same foods, a lack of saltwater (muting their sense of smell), excessive noise, and general disturbances. Hermit crabs can survive without food and water for up to 14 days because they store water in their shells to moisten their gills.
How do you know if a hermit crab is eating?
You may need to pay close attention to see whether the crab is actually eating. One method is to flatten the substrate near the food dish to see if the hermit crab is going near it. It’ll cause the hermit crab to leave tracks, and you can have a better idea of what’s going on.
Do hermit crabs eat a lot?
As hermit crabs are natural scavengers, they may also hide their food. Hermit crabs eat every day, but they eat in small quantities. If you place large amounts of food in a tank, a lot may be left, creating the impression that hermit crabs have stopped eating. The hermit crabs may have eaten their fill.
What happens if a hermit crab molts?
When the hermit crab is molting, it isn’t going to be taking food like normal. It’s going to be motionless and you might even wonder whether the crab has died. Worry not, because molting is a normal and healthy thing. However, disturbing a molting hermit crab can be dangerous. Hermit crabs are very vulnerable when they’re molting.