Monday, July 20, 2009

Apparently

It's a sad day here.

It has come to my attention that one of the hermit crabs died.

I'm pretty sure it was Sandy. Well, the kids are pretty sure.

I think he was molting and we just could not leave him alone. He seemed so sleepy and we just wanted him to play. Apparently, they don't like to play during molting.

Apparently, they like to dig themselves into the sand and kind of hibernate while they shed their old exoskeleton.

Researching molting would have been a good idea BEFORE we sprayed him with water, gave him a bath and let him to play with the dog on the deck.

I guess seeing some of his old legs laying around in the tank should have also been a sign. Not a good one but also one that we would have know about had I researched it a little more. Apparently, they lose limbs during this process. Yuck.

Apparently, you are supposed to leave them alone during this process because it is extremely stressful on their little crab bodies. Bothering them can encourage a quicker demise.

And it this case it did. Apparently.

Because this morning when I went to check in on them?

The smell.

Was, well...really really really bad. Like dead fish.

Which is the only way you can tell a molting hermit crab from a dead hermit crab.

Apparently.

So it goes. I guess we are off to PetSmart to purchase a new crab. Which I said I would not do. But I feel if I would have researched, I could have been a better crab mom. So, I need a second chance. Well, a third chance and the other crab needs a playmate. Right?

Check out more stories from moms over at My Cup 2 Yours for Mom-Monday.


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5 comments:

Unknown said...

My condolences....and you are a far better crab mom than I!

I took a whiff of a cage full of hermit crabs that were alive and well, and that was enough to stop me.

Looking forward to hearing about the next crabby pal.

GladMom24 said...

so sorry...it happens. they are not as tough as you think. if they bury themselves in the sand dont dig them up. we had to learn this lesson too...

Genny said...

We've had our share of animal deaths lately too. Sorry to hear! :) Just today, my son was in tears because his snail's shell cracked and he thought it might die. (yes, he has a snail for a pet) Kids and their critters!

Kim said...

So sorry about your loss (sniff, sniff). We've all been there. We burried the exosceleton (thinking it was the crab) and put the shell back in the tank, only to discover the dumb little thing was in there! Talk about a shocker!
Better luck with the new one!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry you have lost a dear family member. I hope the new addition will bring joy and hope to you pet care futures.

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