Crablover Don On: EMERGENCIES!
Message
54
From:
SKRIPEand DUKE <[email protected]>
Date:
Sat Oct 9, 1999 11:24am
Subject: Re:
Please help
Amanda:
I
would normally NOT recommend doing this, but in this emergency, I would take
babies out and bathe them then transfer the little ones to an iso tank or a
clean box (preferably with a top) of some sort (for warmth and prevention of
escape!)and resort to the following... take the sand you have in the tank and
boil it in water to sterilize it from bacteria growth ...(which is probably
causing the smell)... Pour the water off the sand and using newspaper and paper
towels, bake it for thirty minutes or so (until COMPLETELY DRY) in a 350 degree
oven. [Some folks skip the boil and just bake it, but since the smell is
present I would go the whole nine yards to prevent any problems....] You will
also need to clean and sterilize EVERYTHING in the tank and allow those things
to dry also. Make sure all is clean and DRY before putting your fella back in
the tank. A real pain but necessary to prevent any problems from bacteriaal
growth which is a major cause of crab deaths. Might try to pick up some extra
sand as a back-up if you ever have an emergency again. Hope all goes well...
Keep us informed. The paper, etc. that you thought of using would not be a good
alternative as it would 'wick' out too much needed moisture that your hermies
need.
--- Amanda
Degenstein gerbil222@y... wrote:
My sand that I
have in the cage just got really wet and is starting to smell pretty bad. I
don't have any more, and was going to get some in a few days (I have to travel
64 miles), so what can I use? I know I can't use wood chips, because it will
dry them out.
Can I use
shredded paper or paper towels for a couple days? Thanks so much
Message 58
From:
SKRIPEand DUKE <[email protected]>
Date:
Sat Oct 9, 1999 12:52pm
Subject:
Re: about the wet sand
Misty:
Much depends on how wet the sand may have gotten.
When left damp or wet, that is when the problems begin....
Personally, I am a big fanatic about bacterial problems which may occur... What
you did probably was okay... What you might do in the future, if an 'accident'
occurs would be to get a spoon and remove the wet sand and dry it out... Even
though some advocate misting INSIDE of a tank, it really is NOT a good
practice. I use a sea (natural) sponge in the water dish allowing some room for
the guys to bathe but also to help them crawl out but most of all to help
create a little humidity that is required for their health. When 'caught' in
time, bacterial growth deaths can be avoided and prevented.
---
Czmcgirl@a... wrote:
>
From: Czmcgirl@a...
>
Yes, I just read the email about the sand being wet and this person had no
sand. Well, my question is I was moving my room around the other day including
the tank with my crab and some of the water in the water dish spilled but I
didn't replace the sand I just mixed t up so it wouldn't be wet. Was this a bad
idea, or will they be ok? I have already lost 2 crabs I think from bacterial
problems and I don't want to lose anymore.
Message
115
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Mon Oct 18, 1999 2:40pm
Subject:
Members from the U S
Hi
Folks,according to our membership roll (of those who completed the information
on their profile) well over two-thirds of the membership is from the United
States. Vanessa, of course, is from Australia, and I am from Alabama. I am
assisting Vanessa as a moderator of "Hermies'.
Kathy
from FMR (Florida Marine Research) has also joined our community. You will see
MANY references to FMR as they are the tops in the U.S. as far as crab care
goes. They sell most of the crabs that are sold in the pet stores across the
U.S. and some other countries. While EVERYONE can benefit from the e-mail and
web-page offering from FMR, we in the States, also, have the benefit of a
toll-free number to call and speak with a 'real live person' (usually
Kathy!)about crab care and related topics. Via e-mail you can send a note with
your ZIP CODE and get a list of stores in your area that sells FMR Products.
(FMR does NOT sell to the public) You can check out their webpage and view what
products the have and download a crab care sheet.
Phone:
1-800-535-2722
Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm Eastern
Standard Time
.......................................................
E-mail:
fmrpets@g...
.......................................................
Web:
http://www.fmrpets.com/
Message 156
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Thu Oct 21, 1999 6:50am
Subject:
Re: Spraying INSIDE the crabitat.....
I have been reading about the practice of spraying/misting INSIDE
of the tank. Please, let me offer some solid advice. You
DO NOT want to continue doing this. you should take your crabs OUT
of the tank to mist them. The dampness/wetness caused by the misting
can cause a deadly bacterial growth that is unseen by the naked eye, but CAN
cause stress, loss of legs/claws, lethargic behavior and death. You
need to keep your substrate a dry as possible. If you are concerned
about the humidity level in your tank, then make sure you are using a natural
sponge in your water source. Also, don't forget nothing will hydrate
your little guys than a good, thorough bath at least once a week. If
your crab is showing signs as Ken described, then call for additional
assistance from FMR.
[From Message 255
From: CRABLOVER
DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Mon Nov 1, 1999 6:58pm
Subject: EASY
WATER...and answers for Julianne....and a note to Bruce]
As
for the loss of Hermes... the loss of claw and legs as you described.... sounds
very much like the classic symthoms of stress. This stress can be caused by
bacterial growth brought on by the substrate being left to wet or damp. Usually
caused by misting inside of a tank or the water dish being turned over and not
attented to... Do you have a thermometer at substrate level to gauge the tank
temp? What do you consider as the tank being too warm? Where do you have the
tank placed in conjuction to windows, heater vents, etc?
Message 356
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Thu Nov 11, 1999 7:59am
Subject:
When to call FMR...plus a note to Diana
Anytime you notice that one of your crabs is really acting
strangely....lethargic, not moving much... if he is usually very active and
slows down a great deal.... if he looses a leg or claw... These are just a few
things that should alert you to call FMR. We in the US are lucky to have this
service. They are open BUSINESS hours. Monday- Friday 9 to 5 EASTERN time.
Too bad the toll free number isn't world-wide, but all can benefit
from the website and e-mail addresses posted on this board several times.
Message
353
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Wed Nov 10, 1999 7:02pm
Subject: Various
Subject Matters....plus IMPORTANT FMR INFO
in
response to a question about wet/dry substate
.......................................................
Question: The
store I bought these at uses something that looks like blocks of ground coconut
shell>for their crab cage. They keep it damp. I
have selected to use play sand >since it is the least expensive
item available to me. Some websites say to keep the sand wet; others
say dry. What do>you recommend?>--
Diana:
From
your description of the substrate used at your pet store, it sounds like they
may be using some sort of mulch or wood chip...I have
also seen a product made from crushed pecan shells used.
These types of medium are usually used with
reptiles. This is not a good medium for crabs as it can
dehydrate them (if used dry) and of course, when wet, they are
asking for problems of bacterial growth that will cause
respiratory problems to our little fellas. Our guys need moisture,
but not in that manner.
I have used both sand and gravel.... but now use a tiny natural riverrock
medium. I chose the latter because after experimenting with all my
little ones this seemed to be their preferered choice... We
tried numerous types of sands and gravels... alone and
in combination. I did notice that many of the guys
I 'adopted' from places using sand as a substrate didn't seem to
mind the sandy areas... but those adopted from places using gravel avoid the
sand and would 'bunch together' and make every effort to avoid the
areas of sand. Crushed coral sand was about the only sand
they didn't mind. No matter what substrate you use... DRY, DRY , DRY
is important so that you do not subject your guys to a possible bacterial
infection.
Some folks use wire cages and with circulating air a damp or 'wet' substrate is
not as much of a problem as it can 'air dry'.... but in a plastic or
glass crabitat, you would not have the circulating air
to dry out the substrate... and you are just asking for problems. The
bacterial growth are often not seen and the result of their presence is
sometimes too late to remedy without loss of claws and legs... and
many times death of your crab. I learned the hard way,
too late...listening to someone who said that the wetter the sand
the better... because 'crabs do live on beaches'... Nature is one
thing, but since the guys we are dealing with are our pets, and we have to take
all precautions to see that their health and well-being is not
jeopardized. If ever in doubt, call or e-mail Kathy at
FMR. She is a member of our group and most knowledgeable
in such matters!
In
regard to using foam board, I used it while doing my studies with the undertank
heaters and nocturnal light bulbs and CONTINUE to use it. It is a mainstay year
round. I found that I could MAINTAIN a much better and consistent temperature
level with the three-sided insulation than without it.
As
far as the crab problem, the lethargic behavior is indicator of many
maladies... stress from bacterial problems, temp levels.... and yes, molting.
But without more information, it is almost impossible to determine. Did you
call Kathy at FMR? As posted several times, a call when you FIRST notice a
problem can usually result in news.... but anytime a situation lingers, it is
more difficult to work with. I cannot say this too many times! On the phone,
Kathy can ask a few questions and with the proper answers she can access what
the problem might be and suggest remedies.
The
longer the situation lingers the lesser the chance of being able to do much.
FMR doesn't charge a penny....and they do this as a service to us...I would be
lost without their support and expertise. CALL THEM! M-F 9-5 EST
1-800-535-2722... times a wastin'! Let us know what you find out! Hope it is
good news.
CLD
Message 364
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Fri Nov 12, 1999 6:15pm
Subject:
re: (hermies) Another Dead Hermie...and some more...
Diana:
I am sorry for your, yet, another loss. As I keep repeating myself,
I truly feel you have a bacterial growth problem that you are failing to accept
and address.
I post this message with added frustration. I am not trying to come
across rude, but I am totally at a lost as to what you are seeking from asking
what can be done. Are you receiving your mail, and have you been reading the
responses to your prior pleas for help and assistance? Each time, I have tried
to respond with the only manner and advice that I feel would be beneficial to you
and your crabs ( and, hopefully to alert) others. I have requested and asked
that you, and others, contact Kathy at FMR to work with you on solving the
problem. I have asked several times if you had called, explaining that Kathy
might be able to assist you. Others have mailed me directly, or posted that
they were able to get help and assistance from FMR. Repeatedly, explaining WHY
it is best to call BEFORE it was too late! Kathy can ask you pertinent
questions and between the information you can give her over the phone she is
usually able to pinpoint the problem ....SAVING TIME! Kathy can assist you
better than any person I know. At this point, I feel that I am failing to reach
you as to the importance of listening to and attempting to follow through with
advice given you in your plea for answers. There isn't another person here that
doesn't wish you well with the adventures of crabbing, but I really am at my
wits end when anyone will not follow through with advice. I cannot make you, or
anyone else, follow it, I can only offer the best solution as I see it.
I apologize in advance if you think I am picking just on you, I am
not! I really feel that crab care is of the main reason and of great importance
of our having a forum like this. TRYING to set forth standards and try to
correct or clarify much of the questionable advice found out in the cyberworld.
We have some of the very BEST of seasoned and experienced crabbers in our
midst... ready and willing to make things easier and less complicated for the
newer members of the crabbing world. This is what makes a forum like this to
work. We learn FROM one another... and if someone is trying to assist you and
offer you solid advice, then I would do as many others like myself do.... Take
it and apply it to the situation not waiting for past history to repeat itself.
And again, I would waste NO further time in calling Kathy.
I posted all of those contact addresses and numbers several times.
Please use them... Check them out!
Kathy is more than willing to assist everyone! CLD
Footnote:(to Mario's comment)
It is true that one should always choose the healthiest looking
hermies when adopting them. All pet stores are NOT equal in their love and care
of our little buddies. I do however wish to note that the statement that the
crabs might be diseased or have/carry parasites might be misleading. Hermit
crabs can be made victims of parasites, such as dust mites, maggots (in
extremely dirty, nasty situations, as other crabbers have noted) and such,
these parasites cause extreme stress to your crabs, but believe it or not, when
treated promptly they are seldom fatal.
Hermit crabs are not known to carry disease or parasites. In my
adopted state of Alabama, our little critters are considered the number one
recommended class pet (acceptable in the Alabama Public School classrooms...
recommended on a short list by our state superintendent). Being a former
teacher/school administrator, I know these recommendations do not come lightly
from the SBE.
Message
418
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Thu Nov 18, 1999 3:47am
Subject: Fwd:
CLD's Soapbox....and all....
Diana
brought up several good points that we need to address here! ONE DO
NOT take everything you read as gospel! FMR has a care sheet at
their site.... READ IT!! It is updated on a regular basis. It has
been note that thinks are learned each day about crab care.
The
purpose of this forum is to get out the best possible information to all
crabbers.... The FMR CARESHEET has a statement:
"Stress
is the most common problem seen with hermit crabs. Ramifications of stress are
lethargic crabs, and those which leave their shell without returning to it. If
this happens please call FMR."
This
is most important! ASK before taking action yourself! Tetracycline is a VERY
RAW NERVE in the minds of most seasoned crabbers... it is a drug...Many of the
items in the FAQ on the FMR site are from older notes and Kathy has stated many
many times to ASK FIRST! The problem is that the person who was working on the
site did not put it 'under construction' and left some things opened...then
abandonded the site, unfinished... and without the needed passwords for Kathy
to correct or close down the site until corrections are made. I am trying to
write about the problems with tetracycline use and will post it asap.
PLEASE
READ THE FMR CARE SHEET!!! I know new crabbers get anxious, as Diana has, but
more harm can come of over anxious actions than waiting for some clarifications
from seasoned crabbers. Some of the best, seasoned experts are members of this
group... and through some areas of agreement might differ in some cases of
procedures, you have the opportunity to tap some of the best resources
available for successful crabbing. Patience is a key word... successful
crabbers learned to walk from crawling... and learned to run from the
experiences of walking...
There
is no way a new crabber can weed out the poor advice and try to absorb all the
good stuff out there. Knowing TOO much hurts as much or more than just using
good old common sense until you can seek out the right answers. There is so
much misleading information and facts out there. As was/is the
situation I warned poor Diana about with the disease statement. She
immediately took the bull by the horns and got things straight! Some
of us know how many 'bum' raps our litle guys get as is.... we need to make
sure that the great things about them far outweigh any negative
ones. This was and is the mission of this community. Hope Diana
will allow some of the experts look over her great project and review it and
will then allow Vanessa to make it a part of the community files. With
her diligent work I think it could be quite beneficial for all of
us. More to follow... Happy Crabbing! CLD Thanks for
putting up with my Soapboxin'... but some things get my knee-jerkin' quicker
han others.... Right, Vanessa, Kathy, Jenn, Christa, Roland???
Message 560
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Tue Nov 30, 1999 7:59am
Subject:
Re: black thing
Trena:
If Kathy suggested not to worry about it, then I would not worry
about it. It could be as simple as what a scab is to a sore on a human. If Nora
is acting normal and doing fine, be happy and if she starts to act strangely
THEN worry. I agree with Kathy.... after all, she has seen or heard about just
about everything by now. If you cannot trust her judgement, I don't know where
else you could go....
Good Luck and Happy Crabbing! CLD
---
tbean tbean@a... wrote:
Hey
all,
My Jumbo, Nora, has a leg that has the tip broken off of it (no big deal). Yesterday I noticed that it is all black there now-- like it had been singed or burned. I gave her a bath, but it didn't come off. She is acting perfectly normal, but I am worried it may get worse. I called Kathy at FMR and she has no idea what it is. Nora has not recently molted. Kathy says if she is acting fine to not worry about it. Has anybody had this experience?
Message 565
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Wed Dec 1, 1999 8:01pm
Subject:
Re: Noodle
Melissa:
Last week you wrote directly to me about Noodle and I replied
with the following advice. I am puzzled why you went on and gave Noodle a saltwater
bath after being advised differently. The problem he is having may well have
something to do with your bathing him in saltwater. Too much salt works against
the stresscoat baths that HELP the Ecuadorian crabs. It can cause blisters
around their ("E's") gills and cause major respiratory problems...
from ulcerated gills... it is usually a slow and not too pleasant death from
suffocation. Please ASK if you have questions BEFORE doing something like the
baths.... for the health and well-being of your crabs. Hopefully, little or no
harm has taken place, but please re-read all the posts about caring for the
Ecuadorians. About one third of my guys are "E's" and are doing quite
well... these guys are great, but they do require extra attention for good health
and survival. CLD
--- CRABLOVER DON kritterlandusa@y... wrote:
Hi Melissa Ecuadorians DO NOT need salt baths at all.
What you need to do is add a 'tad' of saline to their drinking water.... But do
not bathe them... The Australian group requires the salt baths, but not our
"E's"... I use approx. an eighth of a teaspoon of Instant Ocean
(marine salt) to a quart of dechlorinized water to make the saline
solution...then add about a teaspoon of this 'solution' to some dechlorinized
water for their 'drinking' water. They don't know that they are
different... so we don't let on that they may be. But they do
require an extra trace of salt and a little more calcium intake. I use the
cuttlebone for their extra calcium...pretzels, saltine snacks can supply the
salt requirement.... interesting note: when a fresh water source and a source
with a trace of ('sea salt... diluted aquarium... water') is offered, my E's
almost always head for the 'saline traced water! I have read that
their keen sense of 'smell' is responsible... Sad thing is there is next to
nothing written about them. I offer plain dechlorinized water to the
others.... but the trace of salt water won't harm them. You would be
surprised how acute the sense of smell the "E's" have toward the
saline tainted water! All the guys seem to benefit from a good bath and 'mist'
in the Stresscoat dechlorinized water.... but it has been very beneficial to my
"E's" healthwise. Over a third of my guys are
"E's" and are doing pretty well with the little extra attention. They
LOVE fresh fruit as a special snack.... they are feed commercial food daily
with a 'fruit bonanza' of several varieties of fresh fruit on bath
days. They go wild for kiwi, mango and papaya... almost any fruit... You
mentioned that Noodle was around the water dish .... I have found that the
Ecuadorians do tend to hover over the water dishes more than my
others... While that is a secondary sign of a possible molt the
other factors of less activity, 'dull look' in the eyes (like cataracts),
slowly moving antennae... Kritterland is my personal group of guys.... I got
'hooked' on these little fella and am a real softy when it comes to adopting
them. Several pet stores will call me and say that they have a few
guys missing legs or claws and need some special attention...Soooo, off I go to
adopt these precious fellas... Try not to spoil them TOO much, but that is
easier said than done! The guys range in size from teeny blackeyed pea size up
to a fist size jumbos... housed in several tanks... Hope this helps some... if
you have anymore questions feel free to get back in touch with
me! Happy Crabbing!
Don
---
"Melissa A. Britton" mab43@p... wrote:
Hi
CLD,
It's
Melissa with the Ecuadorian again. I bought Noodle a couple more
friends, and I was just wondering if/how often I should give him a salt water
bath. I bought some marine salt from the pet store, and I was
wondering if it was all right to also give the other guys these salt water
baths too. :) Noodle's been hanging around the water bowl
a lot, but he's still active... Might he be getting reaedy for molt?
Thanks so much for your help... You said you have 250+ crabbies - I take it you
own a pet store or soemthing? :)
Yours,
Melissa
Message 749
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Fri Dec 31, 1999 4:20pm
Subject:
Re: good news and bad newsWORST of NEWS....Tetracycline!
Beth:
Very sorry to hear of your loss of Londo. Yes, go ahead and
purchase several more guys! The more, the merrier! Two is okay, but several
really is much more fun... for both you and the little ones! Glad you did
contact FMR... Sorry you did not speak with Kathy!
Kathy really is THE ONE to seek advice from... She is my mentor and
if it had not been for her expert advice and guidance, Kritterlandusa would not
be what it is today... with lots of happy and healthy hermies...
As Christa and Trena pointed out Tetracycline is a real sore
subject among most 'seasoned' crabbers.
Please ignore the suggestion to use Tetracycline with your crabs...
UNLESS you: 1) receive specific instructions that it is absolutely necessary
and 2)that you get complete instructions as to administering it. Please DO NOT
just attempt to use it on your own. Tetracycline does NOT do/work as Paul
mentioned... as more times than not, the crab does NOT make it! As noted, it is
one of those last resort things to try... and often causes more harm than good!
What it does is sedates the poor guys putting them into a stupor!
There are other ways to deal with this stress that Paul mentioned... (TOO BAD
you didn't call back and speak with Kathy... Kathy is really the ONLY ONE to
accept advice from...as she keeps things UP TO DATE and deals with questions
like this on a daily basis.)
As noted, this subject is a thorn in the side of many seasoned
crabbers... Most of us realize the problems associated with its use or MISUSE.
Every few months someone posts the 'directions'... each time it is posted we
learn of deaths resulting from people using the procedure on crabs that would
have been perfectly alright if the owner had NOT attempted to use the drug. We
had one person who killed her crabs by dissolving a tablet in the waterdish...
to keep her crabs healthy! Tetracycline is a drug!!!!! One should NEVER just
use it without getting DETAILED directions/ instructions of HOW to use it or
WHEN and IF it should EVEN BE USED!...
Personally, I have used it a couple of times... but I used it under
the exact directions of Kathy... even with a weaker solution she suggested for
its use, the crab did NOT do any better and respond as I was told to expect
from talking to Paul about it. The first time I used it, I didn't realize how
much it affected my precious little fella... the second time I used it to help
a little guy experience a less painful death... as his owner allowed him to get
overheated a problem that really offers little hope of survival.
Too many other people who have used this drug, have reported
similar results... and have had the same experience with it. At one time it was
a 'cure-all' that was always recommended as a 'blanket' medication for hermit
crabs... Now much has been learned and discovered of how it really affects our
little guys.
With the use of a water dechlorinizer with the Stress Coat formula,
you can prevent the 'threat' of respiratory stress and problems that Paul
mentioned.
Many of us have 'fought' long and hard to try to educate newer
crabbers and re-educate some others with more preventive remedies in caring for
their little creatures of God.... Hopefully, our pleas will not go unheard.
Just remember Tetracycline IS a drug... which does affect our fellas
by sending them into a 'stupor'.
Aloe Vera (a property of 'stress coat') is a 'natural'/ 'botanical'
PREVENTIVE alternative...which seems to be very benefical to our little guys...
with no known side affects.
Hope you will take my post to heart. I am very big on common
sense/preventaive methods of crabbing...
I only post on subject matters that I have had direct experience
with or things that I have personally researched and tried.... things close to
my heart...
Good luck and Happy Crabbing in 2000!!!
Happy New Year to All!!!!
CLD
---
tbean tbean@a... wrote:
Beth,
I
am so sorry to hear about Londo. Glad to know that you contacted
FMR. I was wondering if you were using hard (tap) water for the
crabs, b/c it sounded like everything else in your tank was just
fine. I made the same mistake when I first started crabbing and two
of mine died (although my tank wasn't warm enough either).
There
has been much discussion and warnings about
using
tetracycline for crabs. This is a drug and should not be used as a cure-all for
stressed crabs. It can do much more damage than good in the majority
of cases. I have never tried it myself, but this is what I hear from CLD and
others. I have some on hand but have never used it. There
were several people on other crab boards that used tetracycline when they
shouldn't have and their crabs died. Before anyone uses this drug on
their crabs, please contact FMR to find out if this treatment is
warranted. I am sure I will not be the only person to warn you and
others of this.
Good
luck with your other two crabs. I think the water condition should
help. Tap water contains chlorine which will cause crabs' gills to
blister. They then suffocate and die. Tetracycline is a last resort
and should be used, just like any prescription drug for humans, with the advice
of a professional. As long as the conditions are right in your tank
and the water is correct, you shouldn't have any more problems.
Trena
bkantrowitz@o... wrote:
I'll
start with the bad news: Londo died last night. He wasn't moving, I
pulled, more legs came off, and his whole body slid out of the
shell. Small consolation, but I got to see what all the soft part of
hermit crabs look like.
The
good news is that I called the FMR 800-number and had a long talk with Paul
(Kathy was at lunch). I described my habitat and he said it sounded
like everything was great (humidity, heat, food, tank size). He said
the two biggest threats to a hermit crab's health are hard water and respiratoty
stress, which was probably the cause of Londo's and G'Kar's deaths.
Paul
gave me a very easy, affordable, accessible treatment for respiratory stress
that is very effective. They can't fully describe it on their
website because of legal restrictions on "prescribing" medication
across state lines, but he said it was okay for me to post what he told me.
Here's
what you should do if your crab becomes lethargic and weak:
1. buy
tetracycline tablets, made for fish to treat "ich," at any pet supply
store. You'll need two 250mg caplets.
2. dissolve
one caplet in one half gallon of water
3. sumberge
crab for 30 seconds only
4. repeat
once per day for two more days using the same half gallon of water plus
medicine
5. dissolve
the second caplet in another half gallon of water and continue treatment for
three more days, for a total of six treatments over six days.
That's
it. Paul said the stressed crabs usually recover
nicely. FMR is updating its website at www.fmrpets.com, so check
back often, and call them at
1-800-535-2722
with
any questions. They are a wonderful resource for hermit crab owners
and I thank the people who suggested I call them. If I'd known a week ago what
I know today, Londo and G'Kar might still be alive.
At
least I'll be prepared if Delenn or Kosh or any future crabs get
sick. I'm debating whether to boil out the two empty shells for the
other crabs to use or to keep these shells in remembrance of the two crabs that
died. Do you think Delenn and Kosh realize the other two are gone? Is
two crabs too few... should I get more now?
I
hope this information helps others on the list, and I wish everyone a happy new
year.
-Beth,
Delenn, Kosh, 2 iguanas, and a very old betta
Message
760
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Sat Jan 1, 2000 5:54pm
Subject: Re:
gill blisters
Jimmy:
What
Trena was referring to is the blistering around the 'gills' of a crab... It
would be quite difficult to actual 'see' this situation or problem considering
the location of this tiny organs. Chlorine in regular tap water can cause these
gills to ulcerate and eventually cause your crabs respiratory system to shut
down when they can no longer function properly.
This
is one reason that it is recommended to make sure that you always want to use
water that is dechlorinized and or free of other minerals... As an EXTRA
precaution it is highly recommended to bathe your guys in a dechlorinizer with
Stress Coat... The stress coat is good for maintaining good health and works to
help with proper gill functioning.
The
spots that you mention sound very much like the normal tiny little white specks/bumps
that many of our crabs tend to have... it is just part of their exoskeleton....
Don't think you need to worry at all!
Good
Luck and Happy Crabbing in 2000!
CLD
--- Jimmy
Steimel nymets90@h... wrote:
> Trena,
> What
color are the blisters? My crabs have gotten white, little spots on them. They
seem to be okay. But I'm just a little worried now.
> Jim
Message 764
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Sat Jan 1, 2000 8:34pm
Subject:
Re: have a question
Misty:
At this time of the year with the cooler weather and all, the crabs
are usually a little more sedate.
They are, after all, nocturnal and many times they are up and
around while YOU are sleeping. Usually if I do happen to see that a fella
hasn't moved from a certain/ particular spot for a couple of days, then I will
'check him out'... It is not necessary to 'bother' them or constantly expect
them to be up and at 'em when we want them to be. I have several recalcitrant
guys who will be the center of attention unless I want to show them off to a
visitor... then they retract and act like they are afraid of their own
shadow... but as soon as no one is 'really' looking they are back to their normal
antics...and 'showing' off!
Several of my guys love to be misted but there are others who
almost act like they resent the intrusion of 'their privacy'. If your guy
didn't react after a couple of sprays, he probably just didn't want to be
bothered! A pretty good indicator of knowing if your crab may be in trouble is
to take a toothpick or piece of paper (personally, I use a corner of a piece of
paper or paper towel...it works the same but is much safer...as there is not a
danger of puncturing or injuring your little guy) Using this object GENTLY run
it in between the area between his big claw... a healthy crab will normally
grasp at it quickly and hold on... if he is 'down' he may make a feeble attempt
at grasping it and that would be a signal for you to monitor him well...as this
is often a signal of a soon to be molting crab, especially if some(or any) of
the other indicators of a molt are also present...
On the other hand, you need to keep a close eye on him to make sure
he is not really sick and possibly in trouble...This is when you reach out and
call Kathy at
FMR or mail someone directly to seek some help for him. Of course,
if no response after a couple of tries, you can check to see if there is a
fishy smell ( the ultimate indicator of death). The main thing, don't overreact
and give up on him until you smell that smell.
You might want to curtail the sprays with him for a period of
time... as long as he is getting a good, thorough bath at least once a week... He
might be associating the spray with danger/ or a predator which would make him
withdraw more... With time, you will be able to see and learn the personalities
and demeanors of your individual guys and learn which guys react to which type
of stimuli... I guarantee you, after this is accomplished, you will be
surprised at how well you will be able to predict the 'situation' in your tank.
These Little Creatures of God NEVER crease to amaze or entertain
me! Good Luck !
Happy Crabbing in 2000!
CLD
--- Czmcgirl@a... wrote:
> I have a very important question...but first HAPPY NEW YEAR...I just got home...and I went to check on my crabs, and my newest one I thought was dead...I sprayed he/she w/ water many times..tring to awake it and for 30 mins it would not move and the moment I am about to write this letter he/she begins to come out of it's shell...I was so scared and upset I just go him a week ago....why do you think this happened and how can I prevent myself from having another heartache...b/c i have been doing everything correctly.. understand.
>
Thanks so much for all the help through the year
>
Misty
Message
1141
From:
CRABLOVER DON <[email protected]>
Date:
Fri Mar 17, 2000 12:19pm
Subject:
Clearing up some MYTHS.....MYTH #1...... DEATH SENTENCES
Okay,
let's do a little 'BASIC' hermie FACT application... starting with the biggest
MYTH out there... the death sentence due to the loss of a claw (or even two)...
I hope you won't mention this to any of my guys... as they can prove you
wrong...VERY QUICKLY!!
Some
guys may be a little 'challenged' at first, but they soon adapt to the
situation and do quite nicely until that missing appendage is regenerated!
Hermit
Crabs CAN live quite well missing one or even both of their "claws'.
Why
do I know this?
Because
I have a dozen or more fellas with these 'challenges' LIVING among my two
hundred plus crabs.
The
fact is these claws do have certain functions... the larger (left)'claw' is
used basically for defense and climbing, while the smaller (right) one is used
for eating and climbing. At first i did 'handfeed' some of the guys missing
both claws, but these guys are amazing in finding alternative ways to eat and
drink... IF the crab IS HEALTHY otherwise they usually survive!
It
is easy to pass death off on the fact that you are not sure what the *real*
problem is! If a crab starts losing any appendage, there is usually a
problem... in most cases it is because of a stress related factor. These
reasons are usually not from 'attacks' as I hear so often, but because of
under- lying problems such as bacterial growths <from too much dampness in
the tank/wet substrate>; poor control of temperature and humidity levels
<fluctuating temperature levels...poor control of humidity levels>;
dehydration <lack of water>; poor 'housekeeping' <allowing wastes to
'build up', food to spoil, 'mite' infestations>; exposure to odors, housekeeping
sprays, 'fumes'<all things that can jeopardize their respiratory
systems>; a molt gone bad...etc.
What
is necessary, to prevent further problems/ deaths, is to locate and DETERMINE
what PROBLEM is causing and creating this stress. Ninety-nine percent of the
time there is an underlying cause... At the first sign of a crab losing a leg
or claw, IMMEDIATE attention should be paid to the situation and to be as
prompt as possible in seeking EXPERT advice!
Kathy
at FMR is the best person I know who can usually help determine the 'soource'
of your problem, you can talk to her 'one on one' and through a few simple
questions and answers she can usually assist you and make the necessary
recommendations. Just use good 'common sense' and seek assistance BEFORE the
situation gets out of hand! ... FMR has a 'hotline' toll-free number <during
business hours
ONLY...Mon-Fri,
9am-5pm Eastern> for those of you living in the US...
<1-800-535-2722>; a website at: fmrpets.com and an email address
[email protected]
They
do this as a courtesy and special service to us and are more than happy to
assist you. You have many 'seasoned crabbers out here who are willing to help
if they can if you cannot reach FMR. Many deaths can be avoided, but only IF
the underlying factors can be corrected and resolved. It is often better to
correct the situation and get things 'under control, before bringing any new
little ones into a problem situation...
From
some personal experiences, observations and a great deal of experience in trying
to help others; but, more so from the bottom of my heart... take a few minutes
and stop, reason and think! It really makes for much Happier Crabbing for all!
Happy
Crabbing!
Don
P.S.: I
urge each of you crabbers old or new to think about investing in a good crab
care book... there are a few better than others, many are very 'out of date'
but have some good information... One recently published one I highly recommend
is: HERMIT CRABS: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual...a "Barron book"...
written by Sue Fox. Both Amazon.com and Barnes and Nobles offer a
discount on online orders... in the store it costs around $6.95. Sue
has some great information in there plus the pixs are fantastic!