Hermit Crab Care Lesson 10 - Shell-less in the Tank
Author: John Brody
Today we talk about why it's not good to have a "shell-less" hermit crab. One thing you never want your pet hermit crab to be is shell-less. Hermit crabs without a shell are like a tortilla chips without salsa. It's just unthinkable.
And in the case of your crab, it just isn't healthy. If you find your poor guy wandering without his shell you need to take steps to remedy the situation immediately.
Streaking (it really is called this) may have several causes. Sometimes your crab sheds his shell because of an irritation deep inside the shell.
This could be caused by mites, overheating, a shell fight or, in some cases, for no apparent reason at all. If you've discovered the naked guy before he has died, then you immediately need to obtain a glass, placing sand on the bottom of it. Gently place your naked friend inside the glass.
Wash his shell thoroughly with warm de-chlorinated water. This will dislodge any germs or other items out of the shell. If you have to (and this is an excellent idea) "sweep" the inside of the shell's surface with a cotton swab. In this way you can dislodge any object which might have been protruding from the shell, causing the crab enough discomfort to shed it.
Once you're satisfied that the shell is thoroughly cleansed, carefully and gently coax your little fellow back into his home. This may take a while. He may want to crawl out, thinking the object is still there. But don't give up.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/hermit-crab-care-lesson-10-shellless-in-the-tank-755139.html
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